Moutier: over 400 pensioners receive a double AVS pension by mistake

Context

In short

• Pensioners from Moutier (JU): over 400 received their AVS pension twice in January.
• Misunderstanding between cantons: Bern and Jura have both paid the income, but guarantee that they acted correctly.
• Refund: the vast majority of annuities have been refunded, but almost CHF 34,000 remain outstanding for 18 beneficiaries.

Key facts

• Cantons: Bern and Jura.
• Beneficiaries: over 400 pensioners from Moutier.
• Amount: almost CHF 34,000 outstanding for 18 beneficiaries.
• Institutions: Compensation Fund of the Canton of Bern (CCB), Jura Cantonal Institute of Social Insurance (ECAS Jura).

In Moutier, in the canton of Jura, a misunderstanding occurred which led to over 400 pensioners receiving their AVS pension twice in January. The cantons of Bern and Jura, involved in the cantonal transfer of the city, have both proceeded with the payment of the annuities, but assure that they have acted correctly according to current law.

According to the Bernese executive, the Compensation Fund of the Canton of Bern (CCB) made no errors. The CCB remained responsible for the payment of annuities until the formal change of responsibilities, which had not yet occurred. ECAS Jura, the Jura cantonal institute, should have actively requested the annuity dossiers to take over the payment, but did not do so formally.

ECAS Jura, contacted by the Keystone-ATS agency, stated that the resumption of the right to supplementary benefits from 1 January also implied the resumption of the payment of pensions. The AVS Fund had been informed of this and had provided the amounts necessary to guarantee the payment of pensions starting from January 2026.

After this misunderstanding, most of the annuities have been refunded, but almost CHF 34,000 remains outstanding for 18 beneficiaries. These amounts will be deducted from future annuities in December.

Operational details

Practical Implications

This episode highlights the complexity of administrative procedures and the need for clear communication between the institutions involved in the cantonal transfer of Moutier. The misunderstanding led to a double payment of AVS annuities, creating potential financial hardship for the pensioners involved.

What to do in case of errors in AVS annuities If you believe you have received an incorrect or duplicate amount, it is important to contact your AVS clearinghouse immediately. In this specific case, the Bern CCB and the ECAs Jura have already initiated the reimbursement procedure for the majority of beneficiaries. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and carefully check the amounts of your annuities to avoid any future errors.

Deadlines and procedures

For Moutier pensioners, the situation is being resolved with repayments already underway. However, it is important to remember that AVS annuities are subject to specific deadlines and procedures. Payments are usually made on the first working day of each month, and in the event of errors or delays, you must contact your clearing house promptly.

Useful information

• AVS Compensation Fund : is the entity responsible for paying AVS annuities. In this case, the Bern CCB and the ECAs Jura are the institutions involved.
• AVS pension: it is the social security benefit paid by the Old Age Insurance and

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

Actions and deadlines

For Moutier pensioners involved in the AVS annuity misunderstanding, the situation is being resolved. Most annuities have been reimbursed, but it is important to remain vigilant and check your own annuity amounts for any future errors.

Procedures and tools

• Control of annuities: it is essential to regularly check the amounts of your AVS annuities. If you have any doubts or discrepancies, please contact your AVS clearinghouse immediately.
• Communication with institutions: In the event of errors or misunderstandings, it is important to communicate promptly with the institutions involved, such as the Bern CCB or the ECAs Jura, to clarify the situation and obtain assistance.
• Deadlines: remember that AVS annuities are subject to specific deadlines. Payments usually take place on the first working day of each month, so it's important to be aware of these dates to avoid delays or errors.

Useful tools

• Calcolatore rendite AVS: an online tool that allows you to calculate and simulate your AVS annuities based on different scenarios and contributions paid.
• Guida alle rendite AVS: an information resource that provides details on the procedures, deadlines and requirements to obtain AVS annuities.
• Clearinghouse contacts: a list of cantonal AVS clearinghouses, with their contact details, to facilitate communication in case of need.

Conclusion

The Moutier episode highlights

Source: tio.ch