What is the 13th OASI pension? When will pensioners begin receiving the extra money? How much money will you receive? This moneyland.ch guide offers a brief introduction and overview.
In 2024, Switzerland’s citizens voted in favor of adding one additional monthly payment per year to the old-age pensions paid out by the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI). In this guide, moneyland.ch explains what this extra pension is, how it works, and who is eligible to receive it.
What is the 13th OASI pension?
The 13th OASI pension is an additional payment that recipients of an OASI old-age pension will receive in December of each year. This 13th payment is in addition to the normal 12 monthly payments that pensioners already receive each year.
When will pensioners begin receiving the 13th monthly pension?
The 13th monthly OASI pension payment will be paid out for the first time in December, 2026. From that time on, pensioners will receive it every year along with their pension payment for December. That applies to both people who are already receiving an old-age pension, and to people who retire after 2026.
How high will the 13th pension payment be?
The 13th monthly payment will be identical to one monthly payment from your OASI pension.
Example: If your OASI benefits entitle you to an OASI old-age pension of 1200 francs per month, then you will receive 1200 francs per month from January to November, and 2400 francs per month in December (the 12th and 13th monthly payments).
Currently, the minimum full OASI pension you can receive if you contribute without fail for your full working life is 1260 francs per month, or 15,120 francs per year. With the 13th monthly payment, a person with the minimum full OASI pension will receive 16,380 francs per year. Important: If you have gaps in your contribution period, your actual pension can be much lower than the minimum full pension.
The maximum possible full OASI pension is currently 2520 francs per month, or 30,240 francs per year. With the 13th monthly payment, a person with the maximum full OASI pension will now receive 32,760 francs per year.
Looking at OASI pensions on an annual basis, the 13th monthly payment increases the OASI pension by 8.3 percent.
Does the 13th monthly payment also apply to other pensions from the first pillar?
No. The 13th monthly payment only applies to old-age pensions. It does not apply to widow’s widower’s, and orphan’s pensions from the OASI. It also does not apply to disability pensions from social disability insurance (DI).
If you receive a survivor’s pension from the OASI or a disability pension from the DI, you will continue to receive 12 monthly payments per year.
Will I also receive a 13th monthly pension from my Swiss occupational pension fund?
No. The additional 13th payment each year only applies to the OASI pension you receive from the first pillar of the Swiss three-pillar pension system. It does not apply to the old-age pension you receive from your occupational pension fund (the second pillar) or to possible private old-age pensions (pillar 3a or 3b).
Will foreigners receive the 13th pension?
Yes. Foreigners who are eligible to receive an OASI old-age pension will receive the 13th pension payment each year, just like Swiss pensioners.
Do pensioners living outside of Switzerland also receive the 13th payment?
Yes. The 13th monthly payment is part of the standard OASI old-age pension. It is paid out to everyone who is entitled to an OASI old-age pension, including those living outside of Switzerland.
That sets the 13th pension payment apart from additional pensions from the supplemental benefits (EL) scheme, which are only available to residents of Switzerland.
Does the 13th pension payment affect my entitlement to supplemental benefits (EL)?
No. The additional 13th monthly pension does not have any effect on eligibility for a complementary pension from the supplemental benefits (EL) scheme. It also does not affect your existing EL pension or entitlements.
Unlike your other pensions and income, your 13th payment is not accounted for when calculating EL benefits. It always comes on top of your standard monthly payments from OASI and EL old-age pensions.
Do I have to pay taxes on the 13th pension payment?
Yes. Like the rest of your OASI pension, the 13th monthly pension payment is part of your taxable income. It must be declared in your tax declarations along with your other income.
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