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Main Content: Pension Watch

A Bangladeshi woman receives her pension. RIC

Social (non-contributory) pensions are affordable, practical and politically possible.

Groundbreaking new research by HelpAge International compares social pensions in low and middle income countries.

Feasibility: 72 countries have a social pension; 46 of these are low or middle income countries. Countries with a social pension
Cost: Of 18 low and middle income countries surveyed in detail, 67% deliver a social pension for under 1% of GDP. Cost of pensions
Coverage: 24.3 million people over 60 receive a social pension in 17 countries surveyed. A significant number 83% do not because social pensions are means-tested or the age limit is set too high. Proportion recieving pensions
Impact: Pensions reduce old-age and household poverty, increase older people’s status and improve their family's access to basic services and employment. Pension spending and impact on labour force participation
Publications: HelpAge International has published a range of research into the effect and feasibility of pensions in low income countries. Read summaries of HelpAge research

HelpAge International believes all people over 60 should receive a social pension to fulfil the universal right to social security and to a secure old age.

Find out more about Pension Watch and what we are calling for.

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Why social pensions are needed now

This briefing outlines the role of social pensions in realising older people's rights to a secure old age, and how different stakeholders can contribute to achieving this.