OASI: what are the benefits and obligations?

OASI: the foundation of the Swiss pension system

OASI (Old‑Age and Survivors’ Insurance) forms the first pillar of the Swiss pension system. Its primary objective is to guarantee a minimum standard of living in the event of retirement, death or, more broadly, loss of income linked to age.

It operates on a principle of solidarity between generations, where the contributions of the working population directly finance current pensions.

Who is covered by OASI?

OASI is mandatory for all individuals:

• residing in Switzerland,

• or working in Switzerland.

This includes:

• employees,

• self‑employed individuals,

• as well as persons without professional activity (students, homemakers, etc.).

Main OASI benefits

OASI provides several types of benefits, mainly in the form of pensions.

Old‑age pension

The old‑age pension is paid from the OASI reference age. It represents the basic income for retirees.

Its amount depends primarily on:

• the contribution period,

• the average income earned during working life.

Any gaps in contributions may result in a reduced pension.

Survivors’ pensions

In the event of an insured person’s death, OASI provides financial support to dependants through:

• widow’s or widower’s pensions,

• orphan’s pensions for children.

These benefits help ensure continuity of income for family members.

Supplementary benefits

If OASI pensions are insufficient to cover basic living needs, supplementary benefits may be granted.

They play an essential role for individuals with limited financial resources.

Obligations under OASI

OASI is built on a simple principle: all insured persons must contribute.

Contribution obligation

• Economically active individuals must contribute from the start of their working life (from 1 January following their 17th birthday).

• Persons without professional activity must contribute from the age of 20.

Contributions are:

• shared between employer and employee,

• or fully borne by self‑employed individuals.

Continuous contributions

To be entitled to a full pension, it is necessary to:

• contribute without interruption throughout one’s working life.

Each missing year leads to a proportional reduction in the pension.

Administrative steps

• Employees are generally affiliated automatically by their employer.

• In certain situations (self‑employment, time spent abroad), it is important to review your status with the competent compensation office.

The OASI pension must be actively claimed, typically a few months before reaching the reference age.

OASI within a broader pension strategy

OASI provides an essential foundation, but it is generally not sufficient to maintain one’s standard of living in retirement.

It must be complemented by:

• the second pillar (occupational pension provision),

• the third pillar (individual pension provision).

This overall structure aims to balance:

• basic financial security,

• preservation of living standards,

• personalisation of pension planning.