Surviving spouse: what income and what provision?

The AVS survivor's pension (1st pillar)

The AVS pays a widow's or widower's pension to the surviving spouse, under conditions. Widows are entitled more broadly; for widowers, entitlement is in principle linked to having dependent children.

An orphan's pension is also provided for the deceased's children. These benefits aim to offset part of the household's income loss after the death.

The 2nd-pillar survivor's pension (LPP)

The pension fund generally pays a surviving-spouse pension, often equal to a percentage of the deceased member's retirement or disability pension. The fund's rules set the precise conditions (marriage duration, age, children).

Registered partners are treated as spouses. For cohabiting partners, some funds provide a pension or lump sum, but often subject to a prior declaration. This is worth checking while still alive.

3rd-pillar capital

On the holder's death, the 3rd-pillar savings (3a and 3b) are paid according to an order of beneficiaries set by law and the contract. The spouse or registered partner usually comes first.

The 3rd pillar is a useful lever to protect a cohabiting partner, who does not have the same rights as a married spouse under the AVS and LPP. The beneficiary clause is worth reviewing regularly.

Cohabiting partners: more limited protection

Without marriage or a registered partnership, the surviving partner is in principle not entitled to the AVS widow's or widower's pension. On the 2nd-pillar side, a pension is only possible if the fund allows it and a declaration was made.

For these couples, the 3rd pillar, life insurance and estate arrangements (a will, a couple's agreement) are often essential to ensure the survivor's financial security.

Plan ahead while alive

Check your pension fund's survivor benefits, clearly designate the beneficiaries of your 3rd pillar and, for cohabiting partners, formalise a declaration: these simple steps avoid heavy surprises for the survivor.

RetirePlan factors the couple's situation into the retirement projection and highlights protection gaps in the event of death, so they can be fixed in time.

Frequently asked questions

Does a surviving spouse receive an AVS pension?

Yes, under conditions. Widows are entitled fairly broadly; for widowers, entitlement generally depends on having dependent children. An orphan's pension also exists for the children.

How much is the 2nd-pillar survivor's pension?

It often equals a percentage of the deceased member's pension, set by the fund's rules. The conditions (marriage duration, age, children) vary from one fund to another.

Is a cohabiting partner entitled to a survivor's pension?

Not for the AVS. For the 2nd pillar, a pension is only possible if the fund allows it and a declaration was filed. The 3rd pillar and life insurance are then essential.

How do I protect my spouse or partner?

Check your fund's survivor benefits, designate your 3rd-pillar beneficiaries and, for cohabiting partners, formalise a declaration. A couple's projection helps spot the gaps.