Applying for your AVS pension in Switzerland: Retirement, disability and survivors

In 2025, the AVS pension ranges between CHF 1,260 and CHF 2,520 for a single person. For a married couple, it is capped at CHF 3,780. The exact amount depends on your average income and the number of years you contributed (44 full years for the maximum pension).

The legal age is 65 years. However, it is possible to claim your pension up to 2 years early (with a reduction) or defer it up to 5 years later (with an increase). Example: claiming 2 years early reduces the pension by 13.5%, while deferring for 5 years increases it by 31.5%.

Yes. AVS and AI pensions are taxed at 100% as income. The only exception applies to supplementary benefits (PC), which are tax-exempt.

A minimum recognized disability of 40% is required. Depending on the degree of disability:

– 40–49% → ¼ pension
– 50–59 % → ½ pension
– 60–69 % → ¾ pension
– 70 % ou plus → full pension

The AI pension is paid after the end of loss-of-income benefits, then converted into an AVS pension at retirement age.

Widow: children in care, or over 45 years old with at least 5 years of marriage.
Widower: minor children in care.
Orphan: children under 18, or under 25 if still in education.

It is shown on your mandatory health insurance card. You can also request it from your employer, your health insurer, or directly from your AVS compensation office.