Glossary
Supplementary Benefits
Supplementary Benefits are state benefits that supplement AHV or IV pensions when these do not cover the recognised subsistence needs. They are means-tested and governed by the ELG. Supplementary Benefits are a statutory entitlement, not social assistance.
At a glance
01
Entitlement arises when recognised expenses exceed attributable income (ELG Art. 9 ff.).
02
Supplementary Benefits are co-financed at cantonal level; the federal government and cantons share the costs (ELG Art. 26 ff.).
03
Since 2021, an asset threshold and rules on asset disposal apply, which may lead to reductions (ELG Art. 11a).
Frequently asked questions
Persons who receive AHV or IV pensions and whose income, together with the pension, does not cover the statutorily recognised living costs are entitled to Supplementary Benefits. The entitlement must be actively claimed; it does not arise automatically. As Supplementary Benefits are calculated on a means-tested basis, it is worth contacting the responsible cantonal compensation office if in doubt.
Part of the topic
Vorsorge & Pensionierung
Sources: Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen (BSV) · Systematische Rechtssammlung (fedlex)