Number: RL33398
Title: The Structure of Social Security Individual Account Contributions and Investments: Choices and Implications
Authors: Debra B. Whitman, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: This report focuses on policymakers' administrative and structural choices regarding the collection and investment of IA assets. The choices are many. It would need to be determined who would be eligible to participate in IAs, how individuals would enroll, how participants would make their contributions, and how much would be collected from them. Workers would need to be educated about enrollment in the new program, the investment choices they face, and the implications for their final benefits. It must also be established how records would be kept once contributions are collected, what services would be provided to account holders, and how assets would be invested. In each of these areas, this report briefly summarizes the options available within a system of IAs, the potential implications of particular policy choices and, when appropriate, current Social Security and pension policy.
Pages: 42
Date: May 1, 2006