Swiss occupational pensions in 2027: three adjustment rates depending on when benefits began

Some benefits under Switzerland’s mandatory occupational pension scheme will be adjusted for inflation on 1 January 2027. The increase will not be the same for everyone. Depending on when a survivors’ or disability pension began and when it was last adjusted, the rise will be 2.1%, 1.0% or 1.2%. The Federal Social Insurance Office announced the rates on 22 October. [1]

2.1% for pensions that began in 2023

Survivors’ and disability pensions paid since 2023 will be adjusted for the first time. They will rise by 2.1%. The calculation is based on the Swiss consumer price index between September 2023 and September 2026. On the new December 2025 = 100 basis, the index increased from 99.4159 to 101.4737 points. [1]

The first adjustment to these mandatory benefits takes place after three years. The timetable is then linked to inflation adjustments for state AHV/AVS pensions and normally follows a two-year cycle. The rule applies until the ordinary retirement age is reached. [1][2]

1.0% or 1.2% for previously adjusted pensions

Because AHV/AVS pensions will also be adjusted in 2027, further mandatory survivors’ and disability pensions will increase. Pensions first adjusted on 1 January 2026 will rise by 1.0%. Those last adjusted on 1 January 2025 will rise by 1.2%. The calculations compare the September 2026 price index with the corresponding levels in September 2025 or September 2024. [1]

Different rules for benefits above the mandatory minimum

These rates do not automatically apply to the portion of a pension above the statutory minimum. The law does not require regular inflation compensation for those supplementary benefits. Each pension fund’s highest governing body decides annually, according to the fund’s financial capacity, whether to grant an adjustment and by how much. It must explain the decision in its annual accounts or annual report. [1][2]

Recipients should therefore ask their pension fund which part of their benefit falls under the mandatory scheme and which starting year applies. The federal announcement sets the statutory rates but does not replace an individual pension statement.

*Image: AI-generated illustration; OpenAI / Helvetia.rocks Editorial Desk; licence: AI-generated.*