"This study is the third in a series of studies that use comprehensive Social Security administrative data on past earnings and benefits by year, age, gender, and race to analyze historical redistribution across those characteristics under the Social Security program"--Summary.

Using data from the Social Security Administration's project for Modeling Income in Near Term (MINT), analyses the social security benefits of near-retirees, people turning age 61 in years 1988 through 2007. Examines social security wealth, anualized benefit payouts, and replacement rates for average career earnings for all program participants, sex and marital status subgroups, and career earnings quintile subgroups.

Provides estimates of the effects of removing the earnings test, for persons aged 65-69. Uses a Social Security Administration (SSA) data set that covers the period from four years before and after its introduction in 2000. Examines implications for the labour force participation rate near 65 and beyond.