The Economic Consequences of Widowhood on Elderly Women in the United States and Germany

PURPOSE: Different countries have different goals for social welfare policy. Consequently, it is reasonable to expect different outcomes after certain events. This article examines changes in the economic well-being of elderly women at widowhood in the United States and Germany. DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal data from the U.S. Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the German Socioeconomic Panel were used to prepare a sample of elderly widows. Economic wellbeing the year before the husband's death was compared with economic well-being the year after the husband's death. RESULTS: Although the prevalence of poverty is different in the two countries, most widows in both countries experienced a decline in living standards, and many actually fell into poverty at widowhood. A fall in Social Security and pension income was the largest contributor to the fall in living standards. IMPLICATIONS: The retirement income system in both countries seems to be adequate for married couples but appears to fail for widows.