Early detection and early intervention

The aim of the early detection instrument is to promptly identify individuals who are unable to work or at risk of being unable to work and take action to prevent or mitigate the onset of invalidity. This instrument should make it easier to introduce swiftly and with a minimum of red tape initial measures to allow the incapacitated person to remain either fully or partly in their current job or to take up new employment.

Early detection

If an insured individual has been unable to work for at least 30 days or is repeatedly absent from work on health grounds over a 12-month period, they or their legal representative, a family member who lives with the insured, the employer, the attendant physicians, the relevant social and private insurers or the social assistance scheme can notify the IV/AI. However, the third party must inform the insured of their intentions in advance. The notification form can be obtained from the cantonal IV/AI offices and compensation offices. It is also available to download from the internet. The IV/AI office investigates whether the insured presents with a risk of invalidity and may arrange a meeting with them to discuss their situation. It then informs the insured in writing whether there are sufficient grounds for them to submit a claim to the IV/AI.

Early intervention

Once the insured has notified the IV/AI, case workers in the IV/AI offices can take steps swiftly and with a minimum of red tape to introduce early intervention measures so that the person is able to stay in his/her current job or take a new job.

For teenagers and young adults, early intervention measures also aim to facilitate their entry to first-time vocational training.

In some instances, swift action can even stop a person's health deteriorating or prevent their complete or partial withdrawal from the workforce.

Before the IV/AI makes a decision, it assesses the situation; in some cases, it may ask for input from the employer and/or other partners (e.g. education provider, unemployment insurance scheme, accident insurer, daily allowance insurer and the social assistance scheme). Based on the findings of its assessment, the IV/AI draws up an integration plan which is binding for all parties involved. It issues a fundamental decision within 12 months of receiving the applicant's claim.

The early intervention process begins on receipt of the IV/AI claim and ends with the issue of the fundamental decision. The latter establishes whether the integration route is a viable option is not, or whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with a determination of pension eligibility. In order to reach this decision, the IV/AI also assesses the applicant's eligibility for rehabilitation measures during the early intervention phase.

As a general rule, the IV/AI does not award daily allowances during the early intervention phase. In addition, the insured have no legal entitlement to early intervention measures.