AHV-Ausgleichskasse / SVA letter explained in English

Social insurance office (AHV). Runs the state pension (AHV) and disability insurance (IV). It also collects contributions, for example from self-employed people and people who don’t work.

Letters you may get

• Beitragsverfügung — how much you must pay in contributions
• Akontorechnung — an advance bill for contributions
• Ergänzungsleistungen — extra money if your pension is not enough to live on

What to do

• If you live in Switzerland and don’t work, you may still have to pay AHV contributions. Ask your Ausgleichskasse.
• Your AHV number starts with 756. It is your social security number — keep it safe.
• Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert”.
• Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
• If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”). See the template.

Words you may see

Verfügung

Formal decision by an office. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.

AHV

The Swiss state pension (old-age and survivors’ insurance). Almost everyone who lives or works in Switzerland pays into it.

IV

Disability insurance. It is run together with the AHV.

Questions

What is the AHV-Ausgleichskasse / SVA?

Social insurance office (AHV). Runs the state pension (AHV) and disability insurance (IV). It also collects contributions, for example from self-employed people and people who don’t work.

How long do I have to answer a letter from the AHV-Ausgleichskasse / SVA?

It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innert” — they mark the deadline. In Switzerland, a legal deadline starts the day after you receive the letter. A registered letter you don’t collect usually counts as delivered on the 7th day after the collection notice (Abholungseinladung). To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einsprache”, “Rechtsvorschlag”, “Rekurs”, “Beschwerde”).

Can I read a AHV-Ausgleichskasse / SVA letter in English?

Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.

Other offices in Switzerland

Kantonales Steueramt / Steuerverwaltung · Gemeindesteueramt · RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum) · Arbeitslosenkasse · Migrationsamt · Einwohnerkontrolle / Einwohneramt · Krankenkasse · Serafe AG