Part-time work is now used widely, whether for family care, further education or for your own work-life balance. However, clarifications regarding occupational benefits and risk protection are important.
Part-time work leads to a lower salary being insured. The result of this is that, on the one hand, the savings contributions for occupational benefits are lower and, on the other hand, the insurance cover is also reduced in the 1st and 2nd Pillar in the event of disability and death.
Do you work part-time? Optimise your occupational benefits
You can actively influence all three pillars of your occupational benefits:
1st Pillar (AHV)
Parents automatically receive parental credits for children, which have a positive impact on the AHV.
If you are caring for relatives, you have the right to receive care credits. You must apply for this to the cantonal compensation office in your canton of residence annually.
2nd Pillar (pension fund)
The coordination deduction determines which part of your salary is insured in the 2nd pillar. It is normally 7/8 of the maximum annual AHV pension. Discuss with your employer or with your pension fund whether there is a coordination deduction and whether it is adapted to your part-time work rate.
In addition, a purchase into the pension fund – if there is purchasing potential – can be a useful measure to optimise your occupational retirement benefits, especially after an increase in the number of hours that your work.
3rd pillar
Private savings in the 3rd Pillar can also improve your occupational benefits. A financial planner can support you individually when planning.
Temporary reduction in the level of employment with possible continuation of insurance
As of January 1, 2026, you can continue your pension plan during this time at the previous salary level* despite a reduced workload.
This way, you avoid a pension gap and remain well protected even during a time-out or part-time period. You decide whether you want to continue to insure the original salary for saving and risk or only for risk (disability/death).
This possibility exists regardless of the reason for the reduction in working hours and is possible for up to two years.
* The continuing insurance at the previous level may not exceed 450% of the maximum AHV retirement pension.
(Status 2025: CHF 136’080)
Are your partner or you working part-time? Check your level of insurance cover
In family models where one person primarily takes care of the child and reduces the number of hours that they work, the risks of disability or death should be assessed carefully. On the one hand, the loss of the employed person can have considerable financial consequences and, on the other hand, the loss of the carer can also lead to high additional costs. Advice from a financial planner can be useful in this case.
On your pension certificate, you can see the benefits that you or your family members are expected to receive in the event of disability or death.
Deepen your knowledge with the quiz "Marriage and Family".
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Information on the occupational pension
Are you looking for more information on the occupational pension? The Verein BVG Auskünfte will provide you with free information on questions about your pension fund or your retirement pension. More information on the Verein, which is supported by Profond (available in German and French only).