초고령화 시대에 대응한 기초연금 개편방안 연구

초록

The basic pension has played a central role in providing income security for the elderly in poverty. However, rapid population aging has placed the pension under severe fiscal pressure, raising concerns regarding its long-term sustainability. In this study, we examine the structural limitations of the current basic pension and evaluate policy alternatives aimed at improving its efficiency while strengthening its redistributive capacity. Currently both eligibility criteria and benefit levels are imperfectly designed: a substantial proportion of non-poor elderly individuals are included as beneficiaries, while benefit amounts remain uniform regardless of recipients’ income levels. Consequently, despite sizable public expenditure, the redistributive effectiveness of the program remains highly limited. To address these structural deficiencies, this study proposes a phased reform roadmap consisting of three policy stages. In the short run, we could consider the introduction of income-differentiated benefits alongside a gradual contraction of eligibility coverage, thereby mitigating policy shocks while achieving fiscal savings. In the intermediate phase, beneficiary selection should be aligned with the standard median income threshold, with differentiated benefits applied to strengthen income redistribution. Ultimately, we advocate integrating the basic pension into the National Basic Living Security, thereby establishing a unified institutional framework for addressing elderly poverty. Further, we proposes the introduction of an elderly livelihood benefit for elderly households, taking their distinct economic vulnerabilities into account.

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