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Benefits in the event of death

In the event of a family member’s death, various pension systems provide financial support to protect surviving dependents.

The most important benefits come from AHV, the pension fund, accident insurance (UVG), or daily sickness benefits insurance (KTV). Voluntary risk insurance can further enhance protection for loved ones.

A will or inheritance contract allows you to organize your estate according to your wishes and helps prevent disputes.

Leistungen im Todesfall - desktop

Overview of benefits in the event of death

In the event of death, careful planning and the proper coordination of benefits are essential to ensure that surviving dependents are financially protected.

1. Benefits from AHV
2. Pension fund benefits
3. Accident insurance (UVG) benefits
4. Benefits from daily sickness benefit insurance (KTV)
5. Voluntary risk insurances
AHV - desktop
Old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV) provides financial support for surviving dependents to ensure a basic income.
  • Eligibility:
    • Widows are entitled to a pension if they have at least one child or if they are at least 45 years old and were married for at least five years.
    • Widowers receive a pension only if they have dependent children; this entitlement lasts until the children reach the age of 25. After this, the widower’s pension ceases.
  • Amount: 80% of the deceased person's retirement pension.
  • Example: If the retirement pension is CHF 2,520, the widow’s/widower’s pension amounts to CHF 2,016 per month.
  • Eligibility:
    • For children up to the age of 18 or 25 if they have not completed their education.
  • Amopunt: 40% of the deceased person’s retirement pension.
  • Example: If the retirement pension is CHF 2,520, the orphan's pension amounts to CHF 1,008 per month.
  • Survivors' pensions must be actively applied for at the relevant AHV compensation office.
Leistungen im Todesfall kontakt - desktop

Well-prepared in case of emergency, both you and your loved ones.

Safeguard early what is truly important to you.

Will and inheritance contract

Will

  • Personal document that governs the distribution of one's assets upon death.
  • Form: Handwritten, dated, and signed or certified by a notary.
  • Important: Without a will, statutory inheritance law applies, which does not always correspond to one's wishes.

Inheritance contract

  • Contract between a testator and heirs governing the distribution of assets in a binding manner.
  • Form: Must be certified by a notary.
  • Advantages: Clear regulation and prevention of conflict among heirs.

Order of beneficiaries

  • Possibility to define beneficiaries in a pension fund or insurance policy.
  • Important to ensure that capital payments go to the desired individuals.

How to proceed

1

Examination of claims

  • Analysis of benefits from AHV, pension fund, accident insurance, and daily allowance insurance.

  • Examining voluntary insurance and regulations of beneficiaries.

2

Application for benefits

  • Support in applying for survivors' pensions and lump-sum payments.

3

Estate planning

  • Drawing up a will or inheritance contract to define the distribution of assets based on one's wishes.

4

Optimization of protection

  • Advice regarding voluntary insurance options and complementary pension solutions.

Videos on "Benefits in the event of death"

Testament - desktop

Will

Discover the key aspects of a will that allows you to document your wishes during your lifetime, ensuring that important decisions are not left to legal guardians after your passing and helping to prevent potential conflicts among heirs.

(in German)

Watch the video
Lieber Alf, warum hast du ein Testament? - desktop

Dear Alf, why do you have a will?

Alf Heller talks to us about why he decided to draw up a will – openly, personally, and focused on what's essential.

(in German)

Watch the video

Document Library

Testament - desktop

Will

The most important details about wills in Switzerland – clearly, concisely, and legally sound.

(in German)

Download fact sheet now
Erbrechtliche Aspekte - desktop

Inheritance law

All the important details about statutory succession order and ways to steer the allocation of assets using a will and marriage contract.

(in German)

Download fact sheet now
Erbschaftsberatung - desktop

Estate planning advice

All the key details about the smzh estate planning advice – well founded, forward-looking, and easy to understand.

(in German)

Download fact sheet now
image - desktop

smzh for you

Your advantages with smzh for survivors' benefits:

  • Comprehensive advice: We analyze your situation and clarify which entitlements you have.
  • Application support: Assistance with the timely submission of applications for AHV, pension fund, and insurance benefits.
  • Estate planning: Support in creating a personalized estate plan through a will or inheritance contract.
  • Optimization of beneficiary arrangements: Advice on how to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Contact us

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.

Contact us

    AHV pays widow's, widower's, and orphan's pension depending on the family situation and legal prerequisites.

    In the absence of any pension claims, it is either paid to the survivors as annuities or as a lump-sum death benefit.

    A will or an inheritance contract allows you to distribute your assets according to your wishes.

    We provide support when it comes to applying for benefits, estate planning, optimizing insurance solutions, and provisions for beneficiaries.

    A capital death benefit insurance or a term life insurance offer additional support for survivors and can help prevent financial tight spots.