ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the scant evidence that is available on the income levels of the old in Latin America, and on the incidence of poverty among them. It considers minimum pension guarantees. The chapter discusses the labour market experience of participants in the new pension schemes, the rates of return secured by the pension fund managers, and commission levels, are the dominant factors. It provides some conclusions, and speculates on the future incomes of the retired in Latin America. The issue of the incidence and extent of poverty among the elderly in Latin America has not received sufficient attention. The chapter exaplaisn existing information on this issue and identifies some trends. It explores the impact of pension benefit design in the new pension schemes on future retirement income. The chapter shows that from the late 1980s, the average pension benefits generated under the new pension scheme in Chile provide benefits well over the minimum pension level.
