When can someone receive so-called supplementary benefits?
Wann kann jemand sogenannte Ergänzungsleistungen beziehen?
Correct answer: C
- A When you have an apprenticeship at a company.Wenn man eine Lehrstelle in einem Betrieb hat.
- B When you do not reach the minimum wage.Wenn man den Mindestlohn nicht erreicht.
- C When, despite an IV or AHV pension, you do not reach the subsistence minimum.Wenn man trotz IV- oder AHV-Rente das Existenzminimum nicht erreicht.
- D When you are unemployed.Wenn man arbeitslos ist.
Why
Supplementary benefits are paid if the AHV or IV pension is not enough for the subsistence minimum. They add to the pension.
Common mistakes
- B: When you do not reach the minimum wage.
- Supplementary benefits (EL) do not make up for a low wage. They are mainly paid in addition to an AHV or IV pension.
- D: When you are unemployed.
- If you are unemployed, unemployment insurance pays, not supplementary benefits.
Topic
AHV, IV and supplementary benefits
The AHV is the most important social insurance in Switzerland. AHV stands for old-age and survivors' insurance. It pays a pension in old age. It also pays the survivors: these are widows, widowers and orphans when someone dies. The AHV is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in Switzerland.
Reference age 65
First pillar
Erste Säule
State pension provision with the AHV and IV, compulsory for everyone.
Second pillar
Zweite Säule
Occupational pension provision, also called the pension fund or BVG.
Third pillar
Dritte Säule
Voluntary private pension provision, for example pillar 3a.
State, job, self: 1st pillar from the state (AHV), 2nd pillar through your job (pension fund), 3rd pillar you save yourself.
Supplementary benefits Extra money if the pension is not enough for the subsistence minimum.
Living in Switzerland
Pension provision
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 193 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.