Effective Dates: 02/09/2022 - Present Previous | Next

TN 5 (02-22)

GN 01709.020 Swiss Social Security Benefits - Eligibility Requirements

A. Benefits included in the Agreement

The Swiss social security system pays "ordinary" retirement, survivors and disability benefits that are contributory and related to a worker's average earnings and other income. Switzerland also pays supplementary benefits under occupational benefit plans, and means-tested benefits under certain conditions. However, with some exceptions described in GN 01709.125, the only Swiss benefits included within the scope of the Agreement are “ordinary” benefits. This section describes only those benefits.

B. Eligibility requirements for workers

1. Retirement benefits

The eligibility requirements for Swiss "ordinary" retirement benefits are as follows:

a. Retirement or old-age benefits

  • •

    Full benefit at age 65 for men; and

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    Full benefit at age 64 for women; and

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    One year of contributions required.

b. Early retirement

Early retirement is possible as early as one or two years prior to retirement age. One year of coverage is required.

c. Spouse

  • •

    Benefit possible if both the worker and spouse are entitled to a pension.

d. Child

Additional pension paid to pensioner if the child is younger than age 18 or until age 25 if a student or apprentice.

2. Survivors benefits

Switzerland pays survivors benefits if the deceased worker had at least one year of Swiss coverage. The survivor must meet the following requirements:

a. Widow (or registered civil partner)

Any age with one or more dependent child(ren) under age 18 (or until age 25 if a student or an apprentice), or age 45 or older if married to (or in a registered civil partnership with) the deceased for at least five years.

b. Widower (or registered civil partner)

Any age with one or more dependent child(ren) under age 18 (or until age 25 if a student or an apprentice).

c. Widow's settlement (lump sum)

Under certain conditions, Switzerland can make a lump sum payment to a widow who is ineligible for a spouse's pension. The lump sum varies depending on the duration of the widow's marriage to the deceased.

d. Divorced widow/widower

Any age if caring for a child under age 18 or there are one or more children (regardless of age) and marriage lasted at least 10 years. Age 45 if youngest child has reached age 18 or, if no children, marriage lasted at least 10 years.

e. Divorced spouse (or separated civil partner)

Any age with one or more dependent children under age 18 (or until age 25 if a student or an apprentice).

The divorced spouse must have:

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    Been married to (or in a registered civil partnership with) the deceased for at least 10 years; and

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    Been entitled to alimony.

f. Child (Orphan)

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    Additional pension paid to worker if child(ren) is under age 18 or until age 25 if a student or an apprentice; and

  • •

    If the worker was the mother, she must have been contributing to the Swiss system at time of death.

3. Disability benefits

To qualify for Swiss disability benefits, the worker must meet the following requirements:

a. Worker

The worker must:

  • •

    Be at least 18 years of age and under retirement age; and

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    Have at least three years of Swiss contributions; and

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    Be at least 40 percent disabled.

b. Spouse

Benefit possible if both the worker and spouse are entitled to a pension.

c. Child

Additional pension paid to pensioner if child(ren) is (are) under age 18 or until 25 years old if a student or an apprentice.

C. Official information requests

Advise inquirers that SSA cannot give official information about Swiss benefits. Refer those persons who want official information to the following address:

Swiss Compensation Office
OASI Benefits
Av. Edmond -Vaucher 18
P.O. Box 3100
1211 Geneva 2
SWITZERLAND
To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201709020
GN 01709.020 - Swiss Social Security Benefits - Eligibility Requirements - 02/09/2022
Batch run: 02/09/2022
Rev:02/09/2022