Research & Analysis About New Zealand
International Update
A monthly publication covering recent developments in foreign private and public pensions, social security, and retirement.
December 2021 · April 2020 · October 2015 · June 2015 · February 2014 · October 2013 · August 2013 · March 2013 · December 2012 · July 2012 · June 2011 · March 2011 · January 2011 · September 2010 · December 2009 · August 2009 · July 2009 · June 2009 · January 2009 · November 2008 · May 2008 · January 2008 · October 2007 · July 2007 · October 2006 · July 2005
Social Security Programs Throughout the World
A biannual publication highlighting the principal features of social security programs in more than 170 countries. Published in collaboration with the International Social Security Association, one of four regional volumes was issued every six months.
Asia and the Pacific: 2018 · 2016 · 2014 · 2012 · 2010 · 2008 · 2006 · 2004 · 2002
KiwiSaver: New Zealand's New Subsidized Retirement Savings Plans
On July 1, 2007, New Zealand introduced KiwiSaver, a new subsidized retirement savings plan. All new entrants to the labor force and anyone starting a new job are automatically enrolled in a plan and may opt out if they wish. Anyone younger than age 65, including the self-employed and anyone not in the labor force, may choose to set up a KiwiSaver account. The government provides tax credits for both employer and account holder contributions, a one-time tax-free payment to each account, and an annual fee subsidy to defray administrative costs.
Social Insurance Provisions for Children With Disabilities in Selected Industrialized Countries
In the United States, low-income families who have a child or children with a disability may be eligible for cash benefits payable under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. In the last few years, the number of these children on the SSI rolls has increased dramatically due, in large part, to new standards developed in response to a 1990 Supreme Court decision and the subsequent retroactive activity as a result of that decision. The rise in the number of child beneficiaries has led to increased concerns as to whether cash benefits are the best way to help these children and their families deal with the additional needs and expenses caused by disabilities. This article begins with a summary of recent American developments regarding the childhood disability issue as background to an exploration of comparative practices.
In light of the current interest in the United States concerning children with disabilities, it seems timely to explore the approaches used by other countries' social insurance programs. This study details the practices and provisions of 14 European countries and 4 other developed countries (Australia, Israel, Japan, and New Zealand). In addition to examining the variables involved in making cash benefits available and awarding them to families on behalf of disabled children, the article also provides information of in-kind benefits to which such families would be entitled and gives some insight as to the philosophy and policy goals of selected foreign programs.