The AHV Pension in Switzerland: Current Reforms and Key Information for Your Retirement Planning

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Pensionierungsexpertin

veröffentlicht am

23. May 2026

Key Points at a Glance

As the first pillar, the AHV forms the foundation of the Swiss retirement system. Due to complex regulations and far-reaching legislative changes, such as the AHV 21 reform, those approaching retirement face new challenges.
Especially for people aged 40 and older, it is advisable to start planning for the AHV pension early on in order to secure a significant portion of the retirement benefits needed to maintain their accustomed standard of living in old age.

The new reference age: Harmonization by 2028

With the AHV 21 reform, the concept of the retirement age was replaced by the “reference age.” While this remains unchanged at 65 for men, it is being gradually raised for women. Starting in 2025, the increase for women born in 1961 will be three months per year, until a uniform reference age of 65 applies to everyone born in 1964 or later.

Pension Amount and the Introduction of the 13th AHV Pension

The amount of the individual old-age pension depends largely on the contribution period and the average annual income. The following key figures apply for the year 2026:

Maximum single pension: 2,520 francs per month (assuming a continuous contribution period and an average income of at least 90,720 francs).
Minimum individual pension: 1,260 Swiss francs per month.
Spousal pension: Pensions for married couples are capped at 150% of the maximum pension, which currently amounts to a maximum of 3,780 Swiss francs per month.

Starting in 2026, the 13th AHV pension will be paid out as an additional benefit. All recipients of an old-age pension will then receive an additional pension payment each December.

Flexibility in Pension Receipt: Early Withdrawal and Deferral

The AHV allows for a flexible transition into retirement. Insured individuals can individually structure their pension receipt starting at age 63 at the earliest (women of the transitional generation starting at age 62) and up to age 70 at the latest.

Early withdrawal: Early withdrawal for up to two years is possible, but results in a lifelong reduction in the pension. Women of the transitional generation benefit from more favorable terms in this regard.
Deferral: Those who defer their pension for at least one and up to five years beyond the reference age receive a lifelong supplement. For a deferral of five years, this amounts to 31.5%.
Partial withdrawal: It is also possible to withdraw or defer only a portion of the pension—between 20% and 80%—which facilitates a phased retirement.

Special provisions for the transitional generation of women

Women born between 1961 and 1969 belong to the so-called transitional generation. As compensation for the increase in the reference age, they either receive a lifetime pension supplement (provided they do not take early retirement) or, if they take early retirement starting at age 62, benefit from significantly lower reduction rates.

Avoiding contribution gaps and their consequences

Each missing contribution year between the age of 21 and the reference age results in a pension reduction of approximately 2.3%. Such gaps often arise from extended stays abroad or during one’s studies. Contributions can be paid retroactively within a five-year period. Another way to close gaps is to remain employed after age 65. Under certain conditions, back-paid contributions can significantly increase the pension.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The AHV pension is not an automatic benefit; it must be applied for at the relevant compensation office approximately six months before the planned retirement. Given the complex calculation models and the individual implications of early withdrawal or deferral, it is advisable to conduct a detailed analysis of one’s pension situation five to ten years before ceasing gainful employment.

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Frequently asked questions

When should I apply for my AHV pension?

Ideally, the application should be submitted six months before reaching the reference age to ensure timely payment of the first pension.

Can I still close contribution gaps after retirement?

Contribution gaps can only be closed retroactively within a five-year period. However, under certain conditions, people still working after age 65 can improve their pension or partially close gaps by making additional contributions.

How is the 13th AHV pension paid out?

Starting in 2026, the 13th pension will be paid out once a year in December to all individuals entitled to an old-age pension.

What happens to the AHV contribution obligation in the case of early retirement?

The contribution obligation does not end until the reference age is reached. Those who retire early must therefore continue to pay contributions as non-working individuals, calculated based on their assets and pension income.