Reference age

The unified reference age

The reference age is 65 years (Art. 21 para. 1 AHVG). From that point there is an entitlement to an old-age pension with no reduction and no increase. The entitlement begins on the first day of the following month and ends at death.

The transitional generation

For women born from 1961 to 1969, the earlier reference age is raised in steps until it meets the unified one. The transitional provisions to the amendment of 17 December 2021 (AHV 21) contain the table itself; it is not in Article 21.

These cohorts may also draw the pension from 62 years (Art. 40c AHVG) instead of 63 years.

The pension supplement — and the condition that costs it

Women of the transitional generation who do NOT draw their pension early are entitled to a lifelong pension supplement (Art. 34bis para. 1 AHVG). It is paid on top of the computed pension and is not caught by the ceiling on a married couple’s two pensions (Art. 34bis para. 4 AHVG).

Drawing the pension early, even in part, forfeits the supplement permanently. It is the third item to weigh before drawing early, alongside the reduction rate and the incomplete contribution period.

The amount depends on two things: the birth year, and the relevant average annual income at the point the reference age is reached. A later change in that income has no further effect (Art. 53quater para. 1 AHVV). Where the contribution period is incomplete the supplement is reduced in proportion, and it is not adjusted to wage and price development.