Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/110329 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
DIW Discussion Papers No. 1468
Publisher: 
Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW), Berlin
Abstract: 
We analyze empirically the optimal design of social insurance and assistance programs when families obtain insurance by making labor supply choices for both spouses. For this purpose, we specify a structural life-cycle model of the labor supply and savings decisions of singles and married couples. Partial insurance against wage and employment shocks is provided by social programs, savings and the labor supplies of all adult household members. The optimal policy mix focuses mainly on Social Assistance, which provides a permanent universal household income floor, with a minor role for temporary earnings-related Unemployment Insurance. Reflecting that married couples obtain intra-household insurance by making labor supply choices for both spouses, the optimal generosity of Social Assistance decreases in the proportion of married individuals in the population. The link between optimal program design and the family context is strongest in low-educated populations.
Subjects: 
Life-cycle labor supply
Family labor supply
Unemployment Insurance
Social Assistance
Design of benefit programs
Intra-household insurance
Household savings
Employment risk
Added worker effect
JEL: 
J18
J68
H21
I38
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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