Changes to the AHV Pension: What You Need to Know About the 13th Pension Payment and the AHV 21 Reform
“The sooner you plan, the more flexibility you’ll have. Planning today means having the freedom to choose tomorrow.”
Retirement expert
published on
16. May 2026
Key Points at a Glance
The Swiss pension system is facing significant changes. With the passage of the initiative for a 13th AHV pension and the ongoing implementation of the AHV 21 reform, the framework conditions for retirement are changing significantly. For people aged 40 and older, it is crucial to incorporate these developments into their personal retirement strategy early on to ensure financial security in old age.
The 13th AHV Pension: Introduction and Payment Starting in 2026
Starting in December 2026, recipients of a regular old-age pension will receive an additional monthly payment each year. This change is intended to strengthen purchasing power in old age and offset rising living costs.
Eligibility and Calculation
All individuals who receive a regular old-age pension in December are eligible for the 13th AHV pension. The amount of the additional benefit corresponds to one-twelfth of the total old-age pension received in the respective year.
- Automatic processing: The payment is made automatically along with the regular December pension; a separate application is not required.
- Exclusions: Recipients of IV pensions as well as individuals who receive only survivor’s pensions (widow’s, widower’s, or orphan’s pensions) are not eligible for the 13th payment. However, if a widowed person reaches the reference age and the old-age pension (including the 13th payment) is higher than the previous widow’s or widower’s pension, a switch is made to the more advantageous old-age pension.
- Supplementary benefits: The 13th pension does not result in a reduction of supplementary benefits. It is explicitly not considered as countable income in the EL calculation.
Financing of the Additional Pension
The long-term financing of the 13th AHV pension is currently the subject of parliamentary debate. Among other things, the Federal Council proposed a 0.7 percentage point increase in the value-added tax to maintain the balance of the AHV fund until 2030. A final legislative decision by Parliament is still pending.
AHV 21: New reference age and greater flexibility
In parallel with the introduction of the 13th pension, the AHV 21 reform has been in effect since January 2024, aimed at stabilizing the pension fund’s finances.
Uniform reference age of 65
The term “retirement age” is replaced by “reference age.” For men, this remains at 65 years, while for women born in 1961 or later, it is gradually raised from 64 to 65 years. For those born in 1964 or later, the uniform reference age of 65 applies to everyone.
Flexible pension withdrawal between 63 and 70
The reform enables a flexible transition to retirement. The pension can be withdrawn between the ages of 63 and 70, although early withdrawal remains possible from age 62 for women of the transition generation.
- Partial pension withdrawal: It is possible to withdraw or defer only a portion of the pension, ranging from 20% to 80%.
- Incentives for employment: Contributions paid after reaching the reference age may, under certain conditions, be used to close contribution gaps or to increase the pension up to the maximum amount.
Challenges regarding pension amounts and gender-specific differences
The maximum individual AHV pension in 2026 will be 2,520 Swiss francs per month, provided there is a continuous contribution history and sufficient average income.
The pension gap for women
On average, women in Switzerland have significantly lower total retirement income than men. This is primarily due to lower employment rates resulting from childcare, career breaks, and wage disparities. While the AHV provides some compensation through child-rearing and care credits as well as income splitting for married couples, retirement savings in the second pillar (pension fund) remain heavily dependent on the level of employment and the income earned.
Consequences of Contribution Gaps
Each missing contribution year generally results in a lifelong reduction of the AHV pension by 1/44 (approx. 2.3%). Gaps can arise from periods of education without minimum contributions or stays abroad. Back payments for missed contributions are only possible within five years.
Conclusion: Early retirement planning is key
The complexity of AHV rules and ongoing reforms make it essential to take a personalized approach to your own retirement planning. For the 40+ generation in particular, it is advisable to regularly request a preliminary pension estimate from the compensation office to identify potential gaps in a timely manner.
Properly Assessing the Impact of the 13th AHV Pension
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 13th AHV pension be paid out for the first time?
The first payment will be made in December 2026 to all individuals who are receiving a regular old-age pension that month.
Do disability pension recipients also receive a 13th pension?
No, recipients of a disability pension are not entitled to the 13th pension. However, as soon as the disability pension is converted into a retirement pension upon reaching the reference age, they become eligible for the additional payment.
What is the maximum AHV pension for married couples?
Pensions for married couples are capped. Together, spouses receive a maximum of 150% of the maximum single pension, which in 2026 corresponds to an amount of 3,780 Swiss francs per month. The 13th AHV pension will be added to this starting in 2026.
Do I need to apply for the AHV pension?
Yes, the pension is not paid out automatically. It is recommended that you submit your application to the relevant compensation office approximately six months before reaching the reference age.