13th AHV goes to conciliation conference (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

No agreement between National Council and States on financing the 13th AHV

Contesto

In brief - The National Council and the Council of States fail to reach an agreement on the financing of the 13th AHV - The States' proposal for mixed financing through VAT and salary contributions is rejected by the National Council - The dossier is sent to a conciliation conference - If no agreement is reached, the 13th AHV will be paid in December without being financed ## Key facts - What: Financing of the 13th AHV - When: Decision made on June 9, 2026 - Where: Bern, Swiss Parliament - Who: National Council and Council of States - Amount: Increase in VAT of 0.4% for the standard rate and 0.2% for the hotel industry The National Council and the Council of States have failed to reach an agreement on the financing of the 13th AHV. The States' proposal, which provided for mixed financing through VAT and salary contributions, was again rejected by the National Council. The People's Chamber preferred the solution of a VAT increase only, but with a very narrow margin of 101 votes to 95 and 2 abstentions. The dossier was therefore sent to the conciliation conference to try to find an agreement between the two branches of Parliament. The 13th AHV, introduced with the popular vote of September 25, 2022, provides for a one-time payment to AHV beneficiaries. According to estimates, this payment will amount to around 536 francs per person. In Switzerland, around 2.4 million people benefit from the AHV. The financing of this measure is therefore crucial to ensure the sustainability of the Swiss social security system. The VAT increase proposed by the National Council would result in an increase in revenue of around 2.3 billion francs per year. For example, in Zurich, this would mean an increase in the price of many goods and services, potentially affecting citizens' consumpti...

Dettagli operativi

Implications of the Failed Agreement The lack of agreement between the National Council and the Council of States means the 13th AVS pension will be paid starting in December, but without defined funding. The final decision could significantly impact AVS finances and its long-term sustainability. The VAT increase proposed by the National Council is limited to 2033, with a 0.4% rise for the standard rate and 0.2% for the hospitality sector, such as in tourist cantons like Grigioni and Vallese. No increase is planned for the reduced rate on essential goods. Estimates suggest this adjustment could generate around 2.1 billion Swiss francs annually. ### Future Prospects The financing of the 13th AVS pension will be revisited during the conciliation conference. If no agreement is reached, the payment will proceed without a clear financing plan, potentially jeopardizing the Swiss pension system’s financial stability. For example, cities like Zurich and Bern might face increased fiscal pressure to support their supplementary pension programs. > 'The lack of a clear financing plan could endanger AVS’s long-term sustainability,' stated a sector expert. If no consensus is achieved, options may include tax hikes or benefit cuts. A comparison of potential scenarios indicates that a VAT increase could be more sustainable long-term than other measures. A checklist of possible solutions includes: - VAT increase - Reduction of AVS benefits - Introduction of new taxes - Use of existing financial reserves. The conciliation conference will be critical in determining AVS’s financial future. ## Useful planning tools To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Punti chiave

What to do The AHV beneficiaries don't need to take any immediate action. The 13th AHV pension will still be paid in December. For example, in Zurich, a pensioner receiving an annual pension of 24,000 Swiss francs will receive an additional amount of around 1,000 francs. However, it's essential to follow future developments to understand how the 13th AHV will be financed in the long term, considering the ongoing discussions in Parliament since 2022. For more information on your pension situation, you can consult the AHV/Pillar 2 calculator available on our website. > 'The long-term sustainability of AHV is crucial to ensure the financial security of our most vulnerable citizens,' said Federal Councillor Albert Rösti. A checklist for beneficiaries: - Check the amount of your AHV pension on the official AHV website - Use the AHV/Pillar 2 calculator to simulate different financing scenarios - Follow updates on the Parliament's decisions regarding the 13th AHV - Consult a financial expert to plan your pension situation For example, in Geneva, the cost of living is higher compared to other Swiss cities, so it's crucial to plan your pension accurately. According to current regulations, the Federal Law on AHV provides for a retirement age of 64 for women and 65 for men, with a maximum pension amount of around 28,680 francs per year. Calculate your AHV/Pillar 2 pension Source: rsi.ch

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What happens if no agreement is reached on the financing of the 13th AVS pension?","a":"The 13th AVS pension will still be paid in December, but without a defined financing plan."},{"q":"What is the financing proposal approved by the National Council?","a":"The National Council has approved a 0.4% increase in the standard VAT rate and a 0.2% increase for the hotel sector, valid until 2033."},{"q":"Where can I find more information about my pension situation?","a":"You can use the AVS/LPP calculator available on our website to get an estimate of your pension."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if no agreement is reached on the financing of the 13th AVS pension?
The 13th AVS pension will still be paid in December, but without a defined financing plan.
What is the financing proposal approved by the National Council?
The National Council has approved a 0.4% increase in the standard VAT rate and a 0.2% increase for the hotel sector, valid until 2033.
Where can I find more information about my pension situation?
You can use the AVS/LPP calculator available on our website to get an estimate of your pension.

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