The 1st pillar, the first stage in your pension provision

The first pillar, OASI (Old-age and survivor's insurance), is a central element of social security in Switzerland. It is a compulsory pension system that provides financial benefits to Swiss residents and certain foreign workers in the event of old age, death, or disability. OASI benefits include old-age, widower's, and orphan's pensions, as well as child allowances. The amount of benefits depends on the contributions paid throughout the insured person's working life. OASI aims to guarantee a minimum income for older people, survivors, and individuals with disabilities, thereby ensuring financial stability throughout their lives.

The OASI (Old Age and Survivors' Insurance) in Switzerland is financed by a pay-as-you-go system, whereby current working people finance the benefits paid to existing pensioners. Contributions are deducted from employees' salaries and the income of self-employed workers and are shared equally between employees and employers. Self-employed workers pay both the employee and employer share. In addition, the Swiss federal government also contributes to financing the OASI, topping up the funds if necessary to ensure payment of benefits. The system is based on intergenerational solidarity, where working generations provide financial support to older generations, guaranteeing a financial safety net for retirees and survivors.

The 1st pillar pensions in Switzerland, provided by the AVS (Assurance-vieillesse et survivants), are designed to guarantee a vital minimum income for beneficiaries. However, they often need to provide a comfortable standard of living. AVS pensions are calculated based on contributions paid, which means that higher-income individuals can receive higher benefits. Nevertheless, these benefits are still modest compared to Switzerland's cost of living. We strongly recommend supplementing your retirement income by considering options such as private insurance, investing in 2nd pillar pension funds, or individual savings.

The 1st pillar pensions in Switzerland, provided by the OASI (Old Age and Survivors' Insurance), are designed to guarantee a vital minimum income for beneficiaries. However, they often need to provide a comfortable standard of living. OASI pensions are calculated based on contributions paid, which means that higher-income individuals can receive higher benefits. Nevertheless, these benefits are still modest compared to Switzerland's cost of living. We strongly recommend supplementing your retirement income by considering options such as private insurance, investing in 2nd pillar pension funds, or individual savings.

To find out how much your OASI (Old Age and Survivors' Insurance) will be in Switzerland, you can contact the cantonal social insurance office in your canton. They can provide detailed information on calculating your OASI benefits based on your contributions and work history. You can also access this information online by creating an account on the OASI website, where you can consult your statement of contributions and estimate the amount of your future benefits. It is best to check this information regularly to ensure your pension record is current and to plan your retirement properly.