Older unemployed persons
Individuals who are nearing retirement age and who are no longer entitled to unemployment benefits may be eligible for bridging benefits to cover expenses like rent, food and health-related costs. The purpose is to provide the claimant with financial support so that they do not have to bring forward payment of their old-age pension.
Eligibility criteria
You have to satisfy several criteria (age, employment history and personal finances) to qualify for bridging benefits.
Main criteria
- You are 60 or older and have exhausted your entitlement to unemployment benefits.
- You are resident in Switzerland or in an EU or EFTA member state.
- You have paid into the OASI scheme for a minimum of 20 years, of which at least five were afetr you turned 50.
- Your annual earnings over these 20 years averages CHF 22,680 or more.
- You are not claiming an OASI or invalidity pension.
The second set of criteria are related to your personal finances.
- You have assets of less than CHF 50,000 if you are single, or less than CHF 100,000 if you live as a couple.
- Your expenses are more than your income.
Benefits
Bridging benefits are means tested. The amount you receive therefore depends on both your expenses and your income. The law sets out the type of expenses and income that the calculation may include.
The first part of the bridging benefit is paid out annually and covers everyday expenses, such as rent, food and clothes, as well as health insurance premiums. This benefit is capped (maximum amount).
Alongside this benefit, expenses incurred due to sickness and invalidity are also reimbursed up to a certain amount.
The calculations also include income you or your spouse receive, as well as other assets like occupational pension (2nd pillar) savings.
Contributions
The bridging benefits scheme is not contribution-based.
Application
Bridging benefits are not paid out automatically.
You need to submit an application to the competent implementing authority. This is usually the OASI office in your canton of residence.
You will have to provide supporting documents regarding your personal finances.
Contact
List of competent implementing authorities:
Cantonal offices for supplementary/bridging benefits | Contacts | OASI/DI Information Center