A new report finds that defined benefit pensions play a critical role in delivering adequate retirement income for older Americans while providing a key buffer against economic hardship for women, Blacks, Latinos, and those without a four-year college degree.

Closing the Gap: The Role of Public Pensions in Reducing Retirement Inequality also finds that the wealth value of lifetime pension income, particularly from public pensions, is distributed more equitably by race and gender than other private financial assets, thereby narrowing the wealth gap among older families.

How do public pensions help close the retirement gap in your state? Click on a state to download a Fact Sheet with details.