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Key points at a glance
- If an insured dies before they retire, under certain circumstances their survivors may also receive a supplemental lump-sum death benefit in addition to the survivors’ pension.
- The occupational benefits fund regulations for your pension fund determine which people are entitled to a lump-sum death benefit if you die.
- You can change the designated order of beneficiaries in the regulations to suit your personal needs.
What is a lump-sum death benefit?
If an insured dies, in certain cases the survivors will receive a lump-sum death benefit. Your employer’s occupational benefits plan determines whether and to what extent a lump-sum death benefit is insured. The amount of the lump-sum death benefit can be found on your pension fund statement. This amount is provisional, as it can only be precisely calculated after your death.
Who is entitled to a lump-sum death benefit?
When a lump-sum death benefit is paid out, the regulations define which people are entitled to it. This is what is known as the “order of beneficiaries.” Typically the order is as follows:
- the spouse; if none
- the children eligible for an orphan’s pension; if none
- the natural persons who received substantial support from the insured, and/or the person with whom the insured lived in a life partnership or who bears financial responsibility for one or more children from the relationship; if none
- the children not eligible for an orphan’s pension; if none
- the parents; if none
- the siblings and half-siblings; if none
- any other legal heirs, with the exception of the canton and commune.
Changing the order of beneficiaries
You can change the order of beneficiaries listed in the regulations to adjust it to your personal situation. In other words, based on what is legally permissible, you can determine which people receive what percentage of the lump-sum death benefit. Depending on your circumstances and family situation, this may give your more or less flexibility.
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You are married or live in a registered partnership
The following general rule applies: If there is no person from group C – that is, no person(s) who are primarily supported by you or who are responsible for supporting your joint children – you can distribute the lump-sum death benefit as you wish among the remaining groups.
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You are not married and do not live in a registered partnership
The following general rule applies: If there is no person from group C – that is, no life partner and person(s) who are primarily supported by you or who are responsible for supporting your joint children – you can distribute the lump-sum death benefit as you wish among the remaining groups.
Please note: Since family situations change during the course of a lifetime, a lump-sum death benefit is only paid out based on the actual situation at the time of death.
Regularly check your order of beneficiaries
Remember to regularly check your order of beneficiaries and adjust it when necessary. This is particularly important if your family situation changes, such as due to marriage, the birth of a child, the death of a family member or the end of a life partnership.
How can I adjust my order of beneficiaries?
Send us the form “Individual order of beneficiaries” telling us how you wish your lump-sum death benefit to be distributed. List the name of each of your beneficiaries and the percentage they should receive. The total should amount to 100 percent. The information sheet contains all the key points you need to know.
FAQ
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How much is the lump-sum death benefit?
This depends on the individual and the retirement plan. The amount of the lump-sum death benefit is listed on your personal pension fund statement which you receive once a year. If the lump-sum death benefit as per the pension plan depends on the accrued retirement assets, then the amount on the pension fund statement is a provisional amount that can only be determined once you have died.
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Can the individual order of beneficiaries be adjusted at a later time if my family situation changes?
Yes, you can change or cancel your individual order of beneficiaries at any time. This is particularly important if your family situation changes, such as due to marriage, the birth of a child, the death of a family member or the end of a life partnership.
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When does my individual order of beneficiaries go into effect?
It goes into effect as soon as the form has officially been received by the pension fund and provided it has been correctly filled out.
Your contact for further questions
If you have any other questions, you can call us at 0800 809 810 or write to us at services.bvg@axa.ch.
