What are the differences between AVS and complementary services in the Canton of Schaffhausen?

The AVS is the income you are entitled to receive based on contributions paid during your working career. Supplementary benefits (PC) are a state-guaranteed supplement if the AVS annuity does not cover the minimum living allowance set by the canton. They are not social assistance, but a legal contributory right for those who have paid at least three years of AVS contributions.

How are contribution gaps calculated?

The cantonal compensation fund verifies all years of contribution from the first registration. The years without payments (unemployment, illness, interruption) are considered gaps. If there are many gaps, the income decreases because the system assumes an average income even in empty years. A cash account statement shows exactly the picture of your location.

Can I claim supplementary benefits if I have paid contributions from time to time?

Yes, as long as you have paid at least three years of total AVS contributions. Even if discontinuous, these give the right to an annuity and, if insufficient, to supplementary benefits. It doesn't matter if you have gaps: PCs are calculated to bridge the gap between cantonal annuity and minimum living wage.

What happens if my financial position improves during PC recognition?

Supplementary benefits are revalued each year based on your income and financial statements. If your assets or income increase beyond the allowable threshold, the amount of the CP decreases until it ceases. It is not a penalty: it reflects the principle that PCs only integrate those who actually need the bare minimum.

How do I request a statement of my AVS contributions to Schaffhausen?

You can contact the cantonal clearing house in Schaffhausen directly or fill out an online form on the administration portal. The extract is free and is sent to you in 2-3 weeks. It shows you each year of contribution, the amounts paid and any gaps. It is useful to check it regularly, especially after the age of 60, to plan for retirement.

AVS and complementary services Schaffhausen (cross-border guide)

Di Laura Bianchi · Published on 20 August 2026

Swiss Alpine landscape panorama from the northern mountains of Switzerland

The cantonal compensation fund manages the calculation of the AVS annuity and access to supplementary benefits in the Canton of Schaffhausen, guaranteeing the minimum living wage.

Context

In a nutshell

The cantonal clearing house manages the AVS in Schaffhausen
Contribution gaps reduce income, filled by supplementary benefits
PC guarantees the minimum life for those with insufficient AVS income

Key facts

What: AVS and complementary services in the Canton of Schaffhausen
When: From retirement age (65 years old men/women)
Where: Canton Schaffhausen (first pillar)
Who: Cantonal Compensation Fund, UFAS/BSV
Entitlement: At least three years of AVS contributions paid

Social security in the first pillar in Schaffhausen is based on two fundamental pillars: Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AVS) and the supplementary benefits system. The cantonal compensation fund of Schaffhausen manages the entire process of collection of contributions, calcolo della rendita and certification of pension rights for residents and policyholders in the territory. Every person who has paid at least three years of AVS contributions during their working career is entitled to an old-age pension upon reaching retirement age. The calculation of the annuity is based on the average of the annual incomes declared in the years of contribution. However, those who have paid contributions in a discontinuous manner — for long periods of unemployment, illness, care of family members or voluntary career interruption — accumulate contribution gaps that significantly reduce the monthly amount of the pension.

Contribution gaps and calculation of annuity

Gaps

Operational details

How supplemental benefits cover the vital minimum

Complementary benefits are not a generic welfare measure, but an integrated system with the AVS itself. Once the monthly AVS annuity has been calculated, the office that investigates the PC application checks whether it covers the minimum subsistence requirement. The minimum is different from canton to canton, because it depends on local living conditions (rents, services, prices). In Schaffhausen, the minimum includes a fee for basic necessities (food, hygiene, transportation) and a housing allowance. If the AVS income is insufficient, the PC integrates the difference until it reaches the minimum. This logic also applies to people who receive not only the old-age pension, but also other benefits (AI disability pension, orphan's allowance). Scopri come pianificare la tua pensione by verifying your contribution position with the dedicated tools.

Requirements and balance sheet verification

To access the supplementary benefits, the applicant must meet capital requirements: he cannot have financial resources (accounts, investments, life insurance) beyond a certain threshold set at the federal level and applied by each canton. Not even the property used as a main residence is fully counted. The cantonal clearing house requires a complete financial statement and verifies the actual economic situation. It is not an easy procedure: many people give up requesting PCs for

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

How to Request Additional Benefits in Schaffhausen, Switzerland

The procedure to obtain additional benefits in the Canton of Schaffhausen begins with the completion of an official form, available at the cantonal compensation office or through the online portal of the administration. The applicant must attach a series of documents:

Copy of the AVS pension decision (sent annually by the AVS service)
Valid identity document
Certificate of residence in Schaffhausen (if recent transfer)
Detailed patrimonial declaration (accounts, investments, properties)
Documentation on housing expenses (rental contract or land register extract)
Any necessary medical certificate if special needs exist

The application must be submitted to the competent authority: the cantonal compensation office of Schaffhausen. The investigation process usually takes 2-3 months. During this time, the office may request clarifications or additional documents. If the application is accepted, the additional benefits will start from the first day of the month in which the office receives the complete application. The recognition is annual: the beneficiary must provide an updated income and patrimonial declaration every year to maintain the right. If the economic situation improves, the amount of additional benefits decreases proportionally; if it worsens, it may increase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between AVS and complementary services in the Canton of Schaffhausen?: The AVS is the income you are entitled to receive based on contributions paid during your working career. Supplementary benefits (PC) are a state-guaranteed supplement if the AVS annuity does not cover the minimum living allowance set by the canton. They are not social assistance, but a legal contributory right for those who have paid at least three years of AVS contributions.
How are contribution gaps calculated?: The cantonal compensation fund verifies all years of contribution from the first registration. The years without payments (unemployment, illness, interruption) are considered gaps. If there are many gaps, the income decreases because the system assumes an average income even in empty years. A cash account statement shows exactly the picture of your location.
Can I claim supplementary benefits if I have paid contributions from time to time?: Yes, as long as you have paid at least three years of total AVS contributions. Even if discontinuous, these give the right to an annuity and, if insufficient, to supplementary benefits. It doesn't matter if you have gaps: PCs are calculated to bridge the gap between cantonal annuity and minimum living wage.
What happens if my financial position improves during PC recognition?: Supplementary benefits are revalued each year based on your income and financial statements. If your assets or income increase beyond the allowable threshold, the amount of the CP decreases until it ceases. It is not a penalty: it reflects the principle that PCs only integrate those who actually need the bare minimum.
How do I request a statement of my AVS contributions to Schaffhausen?: You can contact the cantonal clearing house in Schaffhausen directly or fill out an online form on the administration portal. The extract is free and is sent to you in 2-3 weeks. It shows you each year of contribution, the amounts paid and any gaps. It is useful to check it regularly, especially after the age of 60, to plan for retirement.