Our maximum AHV pension
Our maximum AHV pension
"Married since 1967, my wife and I have always paid AVS contributions. A few years ago, I asked my AHV fund for an estimate of our retirement pensions. They told us that the maximum pension for married couples was a total of CHF 3,315 - is that correct?
José, Le Grand-Saconnex
In principle, anyone working or living in Switzerland can claim an old-age pension from the month following their 64th birthday in the case of women and 65th birthday in the case of men, provided they have paid contributions for at least one full year. The law refers to a full year of contributions if the insured person has contributed for a full year, if his or her spouse has paid at least twice the minimum contribution for one year, or if he or she can be awarded credits for educational or care duties.
The amount of the pension is calculated on the basis of the period of contributions and the average annual income. The length of contributions determines whether the insured is entitled to a full or partial pension. For example, a full pension is paid if uninterrupted contributions are made from the age of 20 until the normal retirement age. If there are interruptions in the contribution periods or if full years of contributions are missing, the pension is reduced in line with the missing years of contributions. This is known as a partial pension. The amount of the pension also varies according to the average annual income. This is made up of the average income from gainful employment and the average of any credits. In the case of married couples, the income earned during the full calendar years of marriage is divided equally between each spouse.
Every two years, the Federal Council adjusts pension levels in line with economic trends. As a result, from 1 January 2011, the minimum amount of a single pension will be €1,160. The maximum amount is set at €2,320 and €3,480 in total for married couples, if both spouses are entitled to an old-age pension or if one of them is receiving a disability pension. If the sum of the two spouses' individual pensions exceeds €3,480, they will be reduced accordingly, unless the spouses are no longer living in the same household following a court decision.
As a result, if you make uninterrupted contributions, you and your wife will be able to receive a full retirement pension. The total amount you will receive will be capped at €3,480 if you both reach retirement age this year or next. Please note that this amount will certainly be changed by the Federal Council on 1 January 2013 and that the figures obtained from your fund correspond to the amounts set for the years 2007-2008.
