Data and Methods

This project involves data collection for older workers and recent retirees in North Carolina. Except for a subset of Survey 1, all surveys were conducted online.

North Carolina Retirement Transitions Study (NCRTS) is comprised of several surveys merged with administrative records for older workers and recent retirees in the North Carolina public sector retirement systems: Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) or the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS).

NCRTS-A: Active worker surveys request information about retirement planning and preparedness.

NCRTS-BC: Recent benefit claimants surveys request information about retirement income security, work after retirement, and annuity decisions.

There are two main cohorts used for analysis.

2014 Older Workers Cohort: Active workers ages 50-69 in March 2014

NCRTS-A Survey 1: Fielded in April 2014, Surveys sent to a sample of active workers.

NCRTS-A Survey 3 Actives: Fielded April 2016, Surveys sent to active workers that were original respondents and a refresher sample.

NCRTS-BC Survey 3 Benefit Claimants: Fielded April 2016, Surveys sent to benefit claimants that were original respondents and a refresher sample.

NCRTS-A Survey 5 Actives: Spring 2018 fielding

NCRTS-BC Survey 5 Benefit Claimants: Spring 2018 fielding

2009-2014 Recent Benefit Claimants Cohort:

Retirees who first claimed retirement benefits between January 2008 and December 2014.

NCRTS-BC Survey 2: Fielded April 2015

NCRTS-BC Survey 4: Fielded April 2017