Swiss Passport

Question 193 of 350 · Pension provision

When can someone receive so-called supplementary benefits?

Wann kann jemand sogenannte Ergänzungsleistungen beziehen?

Correct answer: C

  1. AWhen you have an apprenticeship at a company.Wenn man eine Lehrstelle in einem Betrieb hat.
  2. BWhen you do not reach the minimum wage.Wenn man den Mindestlohn nicht erreicht.
  3. CWhen, despite an IV or AHV pension, you do not reach the subsistence minimum.Wenn man trotz IV- oder AHV-Rente das Existenzminimum nicht erreicht.
  4. DWhen 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.

Living in Switzerland · Pension provision

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.