First layer of protection against old-age poverty

This chapter discusses Latvia’s first-tier pensions and other measures that might limit old-age poverty. There is little redistribution within the earnings-related schemes. Individuals who have low contributions end up with benefits below the relative poverty line. In Latvia, basic pensions provide universal coverage after the retirement age, but the relative level of benefits is very low compared to other OECD countries. Moreover, there is no survivor pension for spouses. As a result, old-age poverty rates are high in Latvia, especially among those older than 75 years and among women.