Consequences of Means Testing Social Security: Evidence from the SSI Program

We attempt to draw inferences about the potential behavioral responses to means testing SocialSecurity by examining the effects of the Supplementary Security Income (SSI) program for the aged onwealth accumulation and employment. Part of the SSI program provides payments to the poor elderly,thus operating as a means-tested public retirement program. The federal government sets eligibilitycriteria and benefit levels for the federal component of the program, but many states supplement...