AHV (first pillar)
In one sentence
The state pension, compulsory for all, meant to cover basic needs in retirement.
What it changes for you
The important word is «basic». A full pension assumes an unbroken contribution record from age 21; each missing year cuts the pension by roughly 1/44. The most common gaps come from studying abroad, time spent outside Switzerland, or a period without activity. A free individual account statement from the compensation office reveals them — and some can still be bought back within five years.
Read next
- BVG (second pillar)Occupational pension provision, funded by you and your employer, topping up the AHV.
- Pillar 3aTied retirement savings: deductible from taxable income, locked until retirement with exceptions.
- Disability insurance (IV)The social insurance paying a pension when earning capacity is durably reduced.