Part-time work: What you need to know
PUBLIREPORTAGE Few people know about it, but those who work part-time may be at a great disadvantage when it comes to occupational benefits. What do you have to watch out for and what are your options? Find out the most important facts about part-time work and the pension fund here.
As a part-time employee, do I have to arrange my own occupational benefits?
As a part-time employee, it is important to always keep an eye on your overall pension provision in general. Because depending on how much you work and where, large gaps can arise.
This is especially true for occupational pension plans. Because if someone has several jobs, then a distinction is made between main and sideline employment. And the sideline does not have to be insured in the pension fund. This is a disadvantage for the employee.
What is my main job, what is my secondary job?
The difference between main and secondary employment is not always clear. A higher workload does not automatically mean that this is the main occupation. The decision here is made by the AHV based on various factors. One thing is clear: Secondary employment is not subject to BVG, which means that income from secondary employment does not have to be insured in the pension fund.
Those who are employed by several employers on a small scale must be careful. It is possible that the individual salary is below the BVG entry threshold of around CHF 21,000 and is not insured. This person then has no occupational pension at all.
Why does it make a difference for my occupational pension plan whether I work part-time or full-time?
The main issue here is the so-called coordination deduction in accordance with the BVG compulsory scheme. This is a fixed amount that the pension fund deducts from your salary, what remains is insured. This amount remains the same whether you work 40% or 100%. If you have two or more part-time jobs and therefore two or more pension funds, the coordination deduction is subtracted from your salary each time. This means that you have a smaller insured salary overall, and you and your employer pay fewer contributions. For many part-time employees, this means that they suffer large losses in their pensions.
How can I respond to these disadvantages in the 2nd pillar if I work part-time?
There are options, but you have to take them yourself:
- Ask your employer to adjust the coordination deduction at the pension fund to your degree of employment.
In principle, many pension funds offer the option of adjusting the coordination deduction to the degree of employment - also the pension fund pro. The adjustment must apply in each case to all part-time employees in the same line of business (e.g., all in the office or all in production). Some employers do not make the adjustment automatically because they have to pay fewer contributions that way: If the insured wage is lower, this also costs the employer less in contributions. Others, however, take their social responsibility seriously when they are made aware of it. There are also employees who explicitly do not want the coordination deduction to be adjusted because they depend on having a few francs more on their salary account at the end of the month. - If you have several part-time jobs: Try to insure your salary cumulatively with a single pension fund.
Ask your pension fund whether it is possible for you to have your entire salary insured. This will prevent a double or triple coordination deduction on your insured salary. - Insure your salary yourself with the Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung.
Many people are not aware of this possibility: If you have a second job and your earnings are not insured with any pension fund (e.g. because they are also below the entry threshold), you can apply to the Foundation reception facility be insured. Your employer must also contribute at least 50% to the cost of contributions.
Do you have any further questions about your occupational pension plan? Our pension specialists gladly advise you.
