Old-age provision More VAT and salary percentages for the 13th AHV pension
There is still no solution in sight for the financing of the 13th AHV pension. The responsible Council of States committee has moved away from its original plan. However, it still wants to stick to additional salary percentages in addition to an increase in VAT.
20.02.2026, 11:51
SDA
The Social and Health Committee of the Council of States (SGK-S) is sticking to this mixed solution, as the parliamentary services announced on Friday. However, thanks to the recent good results of the AHV equalization fund, it is reducing the scope of the increases. In addition, it is now proposing that the financing of any abolition or increase in the pension cap for married couples be regulated separately.
The SGK-S's new proposal includes an increase in salary contributions of 0.3 percentage points instead of the previous 0.4 percentage points and an increase in VAT of 0.4 percentage points instead of the previous 0.5 percentage points. This decision was taken by 8 votes to 4 with one abstention.
The 13th AHV pension will be paid out for the first time in December 2026. 4 to 5 billion francs are required for this every year. The Federal Council and National Council only want to increase VAT - by 0.7 percentage points; the Federal Council for an indefinite period, the National Council for a limited period until 2030.
The discussion in the Council of States will continue in the spring session.
