Estimating the First Instance of Substantive-Covered Earnings in the Labor Market. Research and Statistics Note No. 2008-04

摘要

It is well documented that the average age at which individuals begin to receive retirement benefits has decreased substantially over the life of the Social Security (or, OASDI--Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) program. However, very little information is available about the front end of an individual's work history: The average age at which individuals first generate substantive earnings in the labor force, which might be measured as full-time employment or as a predetermined level of earnings. If the age at which individuals first generate substantive earnings and thus, make substantive contributions to the program has risen over time, then this could have an impact on the program.