Pension Wealth and the Timing of Retirement

Author: Torben M. Andersen (Aarhus University)Anne Katrine Borgbjerg (Aarhus University)Jonas Maibom (Aarhus University)
Posted: 13 January 2026

Abstract

We analyze how pension wealth influences retirement timing using 25 years of Danish administrative panel data on wealth and labor market status. Exploiting early-career variation in firm-specific mandatory pension contribution rates, we study labor supply decisions from age 55 onward. Greater pension wealth accelerates labor market exit: at age 63, the elasticity is about 0.3—an additional 100,000 DKK (15,000 USD) at age 55 reduces earnings by 1% at age 63. Effects intensify near statutory retirement age, driven by self-support and early occupational pension withdrawals. Mandatory savings raise retirement wealth but induce earlier exit, underscoring key behavioral responses for pension policy design.
JEL codes: J32, J26, J22, D14
Keywords: Pension wealth, retirement, labor supply, mandated savings