Old-age, Survivors' and Invalidity Insurance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how this mandatory insurance provides basic pension and disability coverage for residents and employees living in Switzerland.
This is a mandatory social insurance system designed to provide financial security through basic pensions and disability coverage for those living in Switzerland.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for all residents and employees living in Switzerland. It covers anyone residing in the country who is part of the workforce or living within the Swiss social security framework.
What you get
The scheme provides two primary types of protection. First, it offers a basic pension to support individuals during their old age. Second, it provides disability coverage to assist those who are unable to work due to health-related reasons.
What it costs you
This is not a voluntary program; it is a mandatory requirement. For employees, the cost is handled through a payroll deduction based on your gross salary. You should check your official pay statements to see the specific percentage being deducted from your earnings to cover these social contributions.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is how your employment status affects your coverage. If you are an employee, your employer handles the deductions for you. However, if you are self-employed, you are responsible for your own registration. You must register independently to ensure you do not have gaps in your insurance coverage, which could affect your future benefits.
How to apply
- Verify that you meet the residency or employment requirements in Switzerland.
- Check your monthly pay stub to ensure the mandatory social insurance deduction is being applied to your gross salary.
- If you work for yourself, contact the relevant social insurance office to register your business and set up your own contributions.
- Visit the official portal for further information: https://www.ahv-iv.ch