A landmark decision sees Switzerland gearing up to implement a 13th AHV pension payment from 2026, with modalities under consideration by the Federal Council.

There will be a 13th AHV pension from 2026. It remains to be seen whether it will be paid out at the end of the year or on a pro rata basis throughout the year.

Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said this on Monday during question time in the National Council.

In response to a question from Olivier Feller (FDP/VD), the head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs explained that the Federal Council will propose the modalities of the payment in its proposal, it is currently too early to provide any information.

The Federal Council’s message on the initiative had stated that the supplement would be paid out once a year.

According to the text of the initiative, pensioners are entitled to “an annual supplement amounting to one twelfth of their annual pension”. The administration stated that the administrative burden would be lower if the supplement were paid out monthly on a pro rata basis.

In response to Thomas Rechsteiner’s (center/AI) question as to who should pay the 13th AHV pension, Baume-Schneider stated that this was also still unclear.

The Federal Council is examining various options and will present these to Parliament, together with the respective implications.

©Keystone/SDA