Disability insurance

What measures are possible under the disability insurance scheme?

Individuals who are unable to work for more than 30 days can register for early recognition under the Swiss disability insurance scheme (IV). The aim of early recognition is to take appropriate measures to enable the individual to carry on working. Following a comprehensive assessment, early intervention can be initiated within 30 days. 

The aim of early intervention is to enable the affected individual to carry on working in their current job or to facilitate integration into a new one, such as through training courses or a work placement. This phase lasts for up to six months and concludes with a decision on whether to proceed with reintegration or assess the eligibility for a pension. 

Reintegration measures, such as retraining or continued education, are aimed at substantially improving a person’s long-term employability. Under the Swiss disability pension scheme, the principle of “reintegration before pension” applies. This means that pensions are only granted if early intervention or reintegration measures are not feasible or do not yield the desired results.

Entitlement to a disability pension is subject to a one-year waiting period, during which the inability to work must average at least 40%. After this year, the inability to work must remain at the same level at least. The entitlement to a pension arises no earlier than six months after registering with the IV office.

How is the degree of disability calculated?

The degree of disability determines the eligibility for a disability pension. 

For employed individuals, the degree of disability is determined by means of an income comparison, which involves comparing the potential income without the disability against the actual income attainable with the disability. The resulting shortfall, expressed as a percentage, represents the degree of disability.

For unemployed individuals, the degree of disability is determined by means of an activity comparison, which considers the extent to which the person’s disability affects their current activities (e.g. household duties). 

For partially employed individuals, the degree of disability is based on the extent to which the person’s disability affects their work life (loss of earnings) and their current activities (activity comparison).

How is the disability pension calculated?

• Degree of disability below 40%:
  No pension entitlement
         
• Degree of disability 40–49%:
  A 40% degree of disability = 25% pension, 
  after which the pension increases by 2.5% per degree of disability. 
  Example: 45% degree of disability = 37.5% pension
         
• Degree of disability 50–69%:
  The pension corresponds to the degree of disability.
  Example: 58% degree of disability = 58% pension
         
• Degree of disability at least 70%
  Full pension

Detailed information can be found in the Legal Guide HIV (chapter «Disability Insurance»).