The 1st pillar is Switzerland’s state pension system and designed to provide a basic income in retirement, in case of disability, or in the event of death. It includes old-age and survivors’ insurance (AHV), disability insurance (IV), and an income compensation scheme (EO). The 1st pillar is funded by contributions from employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. It is based on the pay-as-you-go principle: active workers finance the pensions of current retirees.
Provides a basic income in retirement and supports survivors in case of one's death.
Safeguards one's basic income in case of permanent or temporary disability.
Provides compensation for lost income as a result of military service, parental leave, as well as civil protection or civilian service.
8.7% of gross salary, with equal contributions paid by the employee and the employer (4.35% each).
Contributions are based on net income (8.1% to 9.65% depending on one's income).
Contributions are mandatory and depend on wealth and retirement income.
Make sure that you pay contributions toward the 1st pillar as an employed or non-employed individual.
Contribution gaps can significantly reduce one's entitlement to a pension. We help you identify such gaps and close them through additional payments.
Application: An application for an AHV retirement pension should be submitted no later than three to six months prior to the start of retirement.
Regular retirement age: 65 years for men, 64 years for women (as of 2025). These levels may change in case of reforms.
Earlier receipt of pension:
Pension deferral:
smzh advises you on the financial impact of these options.
Degree of disability: The degree of disability (inability to work) influences a person's entitlement:
Support in applying and determining the degree of disability.
Compensation for loss of income due to parental leave, military service, civil protection or civilian service.
smzh helps you submit the necessary documents and ensure that all your claims are made properly.
State and occupational provision (AHV and pension fund, respectively) are important, but they tend to be insufficient for people to maintain the standard of living they are used to.
(in German)
Your benefits related to the 1st pillar with smzh:
Benefit from our expertise regarding the 1st pillar and file your claims with the support of smzh.
We handle questions such as those shown on the right on a daily basis. You don't need to deal with them by yourself – our 360° Check-Up is free of charge and non-binding.
Contribution gaps can be closed with retroactive payments. We support you in taking stock and calculating potential gaps.
A temporary lack of contributions can significantly reduce your old-age pension. Non-working individuals are also required to make contributions.
A deferral considerably increases one's pension, but whether it is a viable option depends on your individual financial situation and retirement planning. We help you in your decision-making process.
Disability (IV) benefits must be requested at the IV bureau in charge. We support you in compiling the necessary documents and determining your degree of disability.
No later than three to six months before entering retirement. smzh makes sure that all documents are correct and submitted on time.