RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Job-Search Requirements for Unemployed at the End of Working Life JF Journal of Human Resources JO J Hum Resour FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 491 OP 530 DO 10.3368/jhr.52.2.0415-7063R1 VO 52 IS 2 A1 Been, Jim A1 Knoef, Marike YR 2017 UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/52/2/491.abstract AB This paper investigates the extent to which job search requirements in unemployment insurance (U.I.) increase the probability of self-employment as a retirement route. For causal identification, we apply a difference-in-differences approach, using a Dutch 2004 policy reform that introduced job-search requirements in U.I. for persons aged 57.5 and older. Unemployment dynamics and self-employment probabilities are studied using a dynamic multinomial logit model with unobserved heterogeneity. The results suggest that job-search requirements stimulated people to exit unemployment and discouraged older workers to enter unemployment. The probability of self-employment as an exit route to retirement increased relative to U.I., but not relative to paid employment.