-
The gross pension replacement rate is defined as gross pension entitlement divided by gross pre-retirement earnings. It measures how effectively a pension system provides a retirement income to replace earnings, the main source of income before retirement. This indicator is measured in percentage of pre-retirement earnings by gender.
-
The net pension replacement rate is defined as the individual net pension entitlement divided by net pre-retirement earnings, taking into account personal income taxes and social security contributions paid by workers and pensioners. It measures how effectively a pension system provides a retirement income to replace earnings, the main source of income before retirement. This indicator is measured in percentage of pre-retirement earnings by gender.
-
Gross pension wealth shows the size of the lump sum that would be needed to buy a flow of pension payments equivalent to that promised by the mandatory pension system in each country. It is affected by life expectancy and by the age at which people take their pensions, as well by as indexation rules. This indicator is measured as a multiple of annual gross earnings by gender.
-
Net pension wealth is the present value of the flow of pension benefits, taking account of the taxes and social security contributions that retirees have to pay on their pensions. It is affected by life expectancy and by the age at which people take their pensions, as well by as indexation rules. This indicator is measured as a multiple of annual net earnings by gender.
-
Pension funds' assets are defined as assets bought with the contributions to a pension plan for the exclusive purpose of financing pension plan benefits. The pension fund is a pool of assets forming an independent legal entity. This indicator is measured in millions of USD or as a percentage of GDP.
-
Pensions
Pensions refer to payment made to a person (or their dependants) after retirement. Pension systems vary across countries and no single model fits all. Generally, there is a mix of public and private pension provision. Public pensions are statutory, most often financed on a pay-as-you-go basis (where current contributions pay for current benefits) and managed by public institutions. Private pensions are in some cases mandatory, but more often are voluntary, funded, employment-based pension plans or individual retirement savings plans. Pensions may also be supplemented by housing wealth, personal financial wealth, and publicly provided services.
Also available in: French
Featured on this page