A new targeting - a new take-up?

Abstract

"We present first estimates of rates of non-take-up for social assistance in Germany after the implementation of major social policy reforms in 2005. The analysis is based on a microsimulation model, which includes a detailed description of the German social assistance programme. Our findings suggest a moderate decrease in non-take-up compared to estimates before the reform. In order to identify the determinants of claiming social assistance, we estimate a model of take-up behaviour which considers endogeneity of the benefit level. The estimations reveal that the degree of needs, measured as the social assistance benefit level a household is eligible for, and the expected duration of eligibility are the key determinants of the take-up decision, while costs of claiming seem to play a minor role." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Bruckmeier, K. & Wiemers, J. (2012): A new targeting - a new take-up? Non-take-up of social assistance in Germany after social policy reforms. In: Empirical economics, Vol. 43, No. 2, p. 565-580. DOI:10.1007/s00181-011-0505-9