Pension Watch is the first comprehensive survey of social (non-contributory) pension schemes in low and middle income countries. It analyses the cost, coverage and types of social pension in 18 countries.

Pension Watch details how social pensions are organised in four countries – Bangladesh, South Africa, Bolivia and Lesotho – and the impact they have on the lives of very poor older people and their families.

A core element of social protection programmes

Pensions play a key role in old-age support systems. Increasing numbers of people are growing old in poverty. Governments and international bodies are becoming more interested in the role of social pensions as a core element of national social protection programmes.

Social pensions are an effective and strategic element of a minimum social security package. They support the realisation of the universal right to social security and to a secure old age. They also make important contributions to older people’s empowerment and ability to claim other rights for themselves and their dependants.

An effective way of reducing poverty

Establishing, or extending, social pension programmes in all developing countries would significantly reduce poverty and vulnerability among older people and their families, and would contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals 1-6.

HelpAge International is calling for a social pension for people over 60 years of age.