Supplementary Benefits (EL/PC) 2026: Is Your AHV Pension Not Enough? How to Get Financial Support

The AHV pension alone is no longer enough for many retirees to cover the rising cost of living – especially rent, health insurance premiums, and medical expenses. This is where supplementary benefits (EL/PC) come in: a legal form of support to which many affected individuals are entitled, but which is requested far too rarely.

In this guide, we explain clearly and simply what supplementary benefits are, who is eligible, and how you can quickly check whether you are entitled to financial support – without complicated forms and without disclosing your data.

What are Supplementary Benefits (EL/PC)?

Supplementary benefits to AHV and IV (EL/PC) constitute the "third pillar" of social security in Switzerland. They come into play when the regular AHV or IV pension is insufficient to cover the minimum subsistence needs.

Who is Eligible for Supplementary Benefits?

In principle, all individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible:

• Receive an AHV or IV pension
• Are resident in Switzerland
• Do not have sufficient income and assets to cover the recognized cost of living

Those particularly affected include retirees with a small AHV pension, single people, those with high rental costs, and those with additional medical expenses.

What Benefits Do Supplementary Benefits Include?

Supplementary benefits consist of several components:

• Living expenses allowance – monthly supplement when the pension is insufficient
• Housing allowance – coverage of part of the recognized rent (in 2026, maximum amounts are adjusted by canton)
• Coverage of health insurance premiums and deductibles – many medical costs (e.g., dental treatments, glasses, hearing aids) are covered in full or in part

The housing allowance is particularly decisive for many retirees in regions with high rents.

Common Misunderstandings

• ❌ "I own my apartment, so I'm not eligible." → Wrong. Owner-occupied housing is only partially taken into account (high allowance).
• ❌ "This only affects social welfare recipients." → No. EL/PC is also available to many "ordinary" retirees.
• ❌ "This negatively affects my children." → Generally not. EL/PC is not repayable social welfare.

How to Apply for Supplementary Benefits?

The application is submitted to the cantonal compensation fund or social welfare office. Processing can take several months, so it's worth acting early.

Tip for family members: Many children and grandchildren help their parents with the application. With our calculator, you can already get a realistic estimate in advance.

Conclusion: Don't Let Your Money Slip Away

Many retirees unconsciously forego several hundred francs a month. Supplementary benefits are a legitimate entitlement – use it.

Start now with a no-obligation check. It only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supplementary Benefits (FAQ)

This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. The final verification and payment of supplementary benefits is always carried out by the competent cantonal authority. Status: March 2026.

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