Does the thirteenth AVS also apply to border workers residing in Italy?

Yes, the thirteenth is the responsibility of all recipients of the AVS old-age pension. The rule does not impose residence restrictions: since the AVS income is exportable, those who have worked as border workers and today receive a pension in Italy are entitled to the supplement exactly like those who live in Switzerland.

When will the first thirteenth AVS be paid?

The first disbursement of the thirteenth AVS is scheduled for December 2026. The supplement, equal to one twelfth of the annual annuity, will be paid on a one-off basis together with the ordinary annuity for the month of December.

Does the thirteenth AVS affect disability or survivors' benefits?

No, the thirteenth relates exclusively to old-age pensions. Survivors' pensions and disability insurance pensions continue to be paid over 12 months, unless they are converted into old-age pensions upon reaching the reference age.

Thirteenth AVS to frontier workers: how it works (cross-border guide)

Di Laura Bianchi · Published on 11 August 2026

In December, the AVS pension rises: here are the rules for border workers after the vote on 3 March 2024 and the decisions of 12 November 2025.

Context

In a nutshell

The thirteenth AVS has been operational since December 2026.
The right also belongs to border workers residing in Italy.
The increase in VAT to 8.5% finances the measure.

Key facts

What: Annual AVS supplement (1/12 of the annuity).
First disbursement: December 2026.
Beneficiaries: AVS Pensioners (including residents abroad).
Funding: VAT increase of 0.4 percentage points.

On 3 March 2024, the Swiss electorate approved the initiative for a thirteenth AVS with 58.24% of the vote. The Federal Council has formalized the calendar on 12 November 2025: the payment will take place every year in December. For a pensioner who lives in Como or Varese and has worked for years in Ticino companies, for example in Lugano or Mendrisio, the calculation is linear: if the monthly income is 2,000francs, in December he will receive a total transfer of 4,000 francs (ordinary income plus supplement).

The thirteenth AVS represents a structural support to the purchasing power of pensioners.

Examples and practical scenarios

Consider a former frontier worker resident in Luino with a full AVS annuity of CHF 2,450 per month. In 2026, in addition to the standard monthly payment, he will receive an extra 2,450francs. The calculation does not depend on the canton of last use, but on the years of total contribution. The sum is subject to the taxation provided for by the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Italy.

Operational checklist

Check the individual account statement at the

Operational details

The introduction of the thirteenth AVS represents a turning point for frontier workers who, after years of activity in companies based in municipalities in the canton of Ticino such as Lugano, Chiasso or Mendrisio, have acquired the right to retirement and currently reside in Italy. The regulation clarifies that the supplement is not bound to the Swiss residence, but to the perception of the old-age pension in the month of December. Since the AVS pension is exportable, the former frontier worker benefits from the additional payment, equal to a twelfth of the annual pension, without distinction compared to residents in Switzerland.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

For those approaching retirement, the 13th AVS does not require any active request procedure: the payment will be automatic for all pensioners. The first payout is scheduled for December 2026. It is crucial to verify one's contributory position, especially for those who have accumulated years between Switzerland and Italy, as the right to the supplement applies from the date of the start of the pension. The international coordination managed by UFAS ensures that even former workers residing abroad receive the benefit without applications.

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the thirteenth AVS also apply to border workers residing in Italy?: Yes, the thirteenth is the responsibility of all recipients of the AVS old-age pension. The rule does not impose residence restrictions: since the AVS income is exportable, those who have worked as border workers and today receive a pension in Italy are entitled to the supplement exactly like those who live in Switzerland.
When will the first thirteenth AVS be paid?: The first disbursement of the thirteenth AVS is scheduled for December 2026. The supplement, equal to one twelfth of the annual annuity, will be paid on a one-off basis together with the ordinary annuity for the month of December.
Does the thirteenth AVS affect disability or survivors' benefits?: No, the thirteenth relates exclusively to old-age pensions. Survivors' pensions and disability insurance pensions continue to be paid over 12 months, unless they are converted into old-age pensions upon reaching the reference age.