This Manual accompanies the PLAC Network pension indicators and is intended to help users of the indicators database to understand the definitions as well as the sources of information for each pension indicator. The PLAC Network pension indicators are available for the nineteen member countries of the PLAC Network and are divided into five main categories: environment, performance, sustainability, society preparedness for aging and reform, and pension system design. Each one of these categories are divided into a few subcategories as well.

This paper presents new data documenting the cost of salaried labor in 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries. We gather data on the three main costs associated to hiring salaried labor; (i) minimum wages and other monetary benefits, (ii) mandated contributions for social insurance and other benefits and (iii) job security provisions. We present two new indicators. First, we calculate the average non-wage cost of salaried labor (NWC).

This paper presents new data documenting the level and evolution of public spending on non-contributory programs for 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Salaried formal workers contribute to social security and in return have access to an array of benefits -mainly old-age pensions and health services. In recent decades, informal workers – salaried and non-salaried- have gained access to similar benefits, financed through general revenues. Our calculations indicate that, on average, the region spends 1.7% of GDP in these programs.

Employment conditions are central to the wellbeing of families, through the impact of earnings on the resources they have available and through the direct impact on the utility of workers. Recognizing the key role played by employment in the lives of its people, governments view labor market outcomes and employment conditions as a major area for policy, and monitor these conditions regularly with variables such as unemployment rate or labor force participation.

The cost simulation tool for long-term care systems provides a way to estimate how much it would cost governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to implement this type of system. The simulation tool is meant to assist policymakers as they decide who will receive support from the system and what type of services they will receive.

In this report, we analyze older persons quality of life in Latin America and the Caribbean, its relationship with social protection policies, and how these policies must adapt to respond to population aging. We create a measure of quality of life of older persons which combines healthy life expectancy and income security. For the purposes of this report, we define older persons social protection as the combination of pensions, healthcare, and long-term care. These policies have a direct relationship with older persons quality of life. Pensions reduce old-age poverty.

In this report, we analyze older persons quality of life in Latin America and the Caribbean, its relationship with social protection policies, and how these policies must adapt to respond to population aging. We create a measure of quality of life of older persons which combines healthy life expectancy and income security. For the purposes of this report, we define older persons social protection as the combination of pensions, healthcare, and long-term care. These policies have a direct relationship with older persons quality of life. Pensions reduce old-age poverty.