Supplementary benefits may be claimed when old-age or invalidity pensions and other income are not sufficient to meet minimal living costs. They are meant to ensure that the elderly as well as the surviving family members of pension beneficiaries and the disabled have sufficient means to cover their basic living expenses. Several private charitable foundations - Pro Senectute, Pro Infirmis, Pro Juventute - also grant financial assistance to individuals in need.
The first line of contact for insured persons with questions about Swiss Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance, invalidity insurance, income compensation allowances, supplementary benefits and family allowances are the compensation funds and IV Offices:
