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    WI23-11: Work-Related Injuries and Older Workers: Earnings, Labor Supply, Program Participation, and Retirement

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    main article (2.293Mb)
    Date
    2023
    Author
    McInerney, Melissa P.
    Bronchetti, Erin T.
    Publisher
    Center for Financial Security
    Metadata
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    Abstract
    The majority of older workers have jobs that require some physical effort, and one-quarter experience a new disability after age 55. Roughly 25 percent of these work-limiting disabilities are incurred on the job. Work-related injuries and illnesses may impact individuals differently than non-work-related impairments because of job protections and benefits in the Workers' Compensation (WC) program. However, little is known about the effects of these late-in-career workplace injuries on workers' financial wellbeing, retirement outcomes, or participation in government programs. This study provides new evidence on the longitudinal impacts of workplace injuries and illnesses on older workers. The effects of work-related injuries are evaluated using linked Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) data on older workers’ earnings, retirement timing (i.e., age claim OASI), and program participation (i.e., WC, SSI, and DI receipt). These estimates are then compared to the impacts of work-limiting disabilities that are incurred outside of work. In addition, the research explores the extent to which harmful effects of a workplace injury are mitigated when employers offer on-the-job accommodations to injured workers, allowing them to return to work sooner and/or avoid large earnings losses. Results aim to inform policymakers on the costs of work-related injuries and illnesses for older workers and on the interaction of public programs designed to support those with work-limiting health problems.
    Subject
    Older workers
    disability
    retirement preparedness
    Old Age and Survivors Insurance
    Social Security Disability Insurance
    Supplemental Security Income
    H55
    J14
    J26
    J22
    J31
    Permanent Link
    http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/84738
    Type
    Working Paper
    Description
    A substantial number of workplace injuries and illnesses are incurred by older workers as they approach retirement age and have little time left in their careers for their labor supply and earnings to recover. This leads to concerns about retirement security for this group and the adequacy of Social Security Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) benefits.
    Citation
    Bronchetti, Erin T. and Melissa P. McInerney. 2023. "Work-Related Injuries and Older Workers: Earnings, Labor Supply, Program Participation, and Retirement." FY2023 Research Projects. Retirement and Disability Research Center. https://cfsrdrc.wisc.edu/project/wi23-11.
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    • RDRC FY2023 Research Projects

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