When and how much AHV pension do I get in Switzerland?
It depends on age and contribution years — the AHV is the first of three pillars. The 3-pillar system comprises the AHV/IV (state, subsistence), the occupational pension (BVG) and the private pillar 3a/3b. The reference age is 65 for men; for women it's rising (AHV 21 reform) — 2026: 64 years 6 months, uniform 65 from 2028. The full single pension (scale 44) is a minimum of CHF 1,260 and a maximum of CHF 2,520 per month; for couples it's capped at 150% (CHF 3,780). From December 2026 there's a first 13th AHV pension. Contributions: from the year you turn 21. In short: from reference age, depending on contribution years.
📋 The rules
- 3 pillars: AHV/IV, occupational pension, pillar 3a/3b
- Reference age 65 (women 2026: 64.5)
- Full single pension CHF 1,260–2,520/month
- Couples cap 150% = CHF 3,780/month
- Contributions from the year you turn 21
🔓 Exceptions
- 13th AHV pension: first paid December 2026
- Early drawing or deferral possible (with reduction/supplement)
- Contribution gaps cut the pension by about 1/44 each
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This isn't about fines, but contribution gaps (missing contribution years) cut the pension by about 1/44 each. A non-working person who pays no contributions risks such gaps. Beware a myth: "the AHV alone is enough for your usual standard of living" is usually false — the AHV secures subsistence, while the usual standard is reached only with the 2nd and 3rd pillars. Tip: check your individual account statement early for contribution gaps and consider pillar 3a to top up your provision.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
At what age do I get the AHV pension?
The ordinary reference age is 65 for men. For women it's rising in steps under the AHV 21 reform: in 2026 it's 64 years and 6 months, and from 2028 a uniform 65 applies for everyone. Drawing the pension early or deferring it is possible, with a reduction or supplement.
How high is the AHV pension?
The full single old-age pension is between CHF 1,260 and CHF 2,520 a month, depending on average income and contribution years. For married couples, the two pensions together are capped at 150 percent of the maximum pension, that is CHF 3,780 a month combined.
What is the 3-pillar system?
The first pillar is the state AHV and IV, securing subsistence. The second pillar is occupational provision via the pension fund. The third is private, tax-privileged provision, pillar 3a tied and pillar 3b free. Together they're meant to secure your standard of living in retirement.
From when must I pay contributions?
The contribution obligation starts from 1 January after your 20th birthday, that is in the year you turn 21. Non-working persons must pay contributions too. Each missing contribution year cuts the later pension by about one forty-fourth, so gaps matter for the final amount.
What is the 13th AHV pension?
The 13th AHV pension is an extra pension amount of about one twelfth of the annual pension, paid for the first time in December 2026. It applies to old-age pensions. It was approved by the people and supplements the existing twelve monthly pension payments each year.
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