A Structural Model for Early Exit of Older Men in Belgium

In this paper we propose a structural model of the retirement decision for older workers in Belgium. We model the exit paths available through the various available schemes. Our framework allows exploiting all information on possible exit paths and also better identifying preferences and constraints. Results based upon Belgian microsimulation data from 2001 for private sector workers fits rather well observed behavior. Simulations of hypothetical reforms illustrate the potential effects of changing social security rules.