Survivor's pension reform: divided opinions on gender equality and savings

Opinions on the reform of the Swiss survivor’s pension are divided. While some Swiss parties and organisations in the consultation process welcome a balanced amendment, others fear the impact on the poorest and women in particular. The amendment to the old-age and survivors’ insurance (OASI) (known also as the AHV/AVS), is intended to correct unequal treatment of widowers and widows. The latter currently receive a lifelong pension, while widowers are only supported until their youngest child comes of age. +Swiss pension vote: what’s at stake The reform provides for benefits to be based on the period of child-rearing, regardless of the parents' marital status. Lifelong widow's pensions would be abolished. A two-year transitional benefit is planned for people without dependent children. Widows and widowers with dependent children would receive a pension until the child reaches the age of 25. Supplementary benefits are provided for people over the age of 58 who would find themselves ...