Did you know?
The combined benefits of the 1st pillar and 2nd pillar generally cover only about 60% of previous income.
Pension gaps: more than just a question of money
When discussing pension gaps related to part-time work, the first thing that comes to mind is the reduction of retirement capital. This is indeed a major issue, but it is not the only one. Gaps also affect risk coverage: life insurance, disability insurance in case of illness (LPP) or accident (LAA).
This distinction is crucial because these two types of risks are treated differently. Accident coverage falls under the LAA (Accident Insurance Act), while protection in the event of disability due to illness depends on your pension fund (LPP). Poorly planned part-time work can leave you vulnerable on both fronts, but especially in the case of illness-related disability.
The main problem: lack of pension fund affiliation
Most people working part-time are not affiliated with a pension fund. It should be noted that the LPP entry threshold is set at CHF 22,680 per year (as of 1.1.2026). Below this amount, you are simply not insured under the 2nd pillar.
In practical terms, this means:
- No capital accumulation for retirement via the 2nd pillar
- No death cover to protect your loved ones
- No disability insurance in the event of illness (UVG only covers accidents)
Voluntary 2nd pillar affiliation
Even if your salary is below the LPP/BVG threshold, some pension funds allow voluntary affiliation. This option can be attractive for obtaining death and disability coverage while also accumulating retirement capital.
Check with your employer to see if the rules of their pension fund allow for this option. If not, other solutions are available.
The solution: Pillar 3a as an essential alternative
In the absence of LPP coverage, the 3rd pillar (tied pension plan) becomes your main tool to fill these gaps. However, be aware that not all 3rd pillar plans are equally suitable for your situation.
3a in insurance: the solution tailored for part-time work
For part-time workers without LPP affiliation, a 3rd pillar in insurance offers several decisive advantages:
- Death and disability protection: Unlike a 3a bank policy, a 3a insurance policy includes cover in the event of death or disability. These guarantees compensate for the absence of BVG protection.
- Guaranteed savings: even in the event of disability, your contributions continue to be paid, thanks to the waiver of premiums. Your retirement capital continues to build up without you having to pay.
- Flexibility: you can tailor the level of coverage to your personal situation and protection needs.
Pillar 3a contribution limits
In 2026, it will be possible to pay out amounts in tied personal pension plans:
- Employees affiliated to a pension fund: Up to CHF 7,258 / year
- Self-employed or employees not affiliated to a pension fund: 20% of income, maximum CHF 36,288
If you are not affiliated with a pension fund due to part-time work, you therefore benefit from a significantly higher contribution ceiling. This is an opportunity to take advantage of to compensate for the absence of a 2nd pillar, provided you have the financial capacity to do so.
Complete with a 3a bank
Once risk coverage is secured through an insurance-based 3rd pillar, you can consider supplementing it with a bank-based 3rd pillar for the purely savings component. This approach offers:
- More flexibility on payments (no obligation to make regular payments)
- Potentially from higher yields on investment funds
- A slightly higher liquidity in case of need (under strict conditions)
A combined strategy is therefore ideal: a 3a insurance policy for protection, complemented by one or more 3a bank policies to maximize savings within the annual limit.
Why choose Invexa for your 3rd pillar?
- We are one of the few brokers who clearly explain the real costs, in plain language, with no hidden catches.
- We focus on fund performance, the transparency and the relevance for your situation, not about pushing a product.
- We work exclusively with selected service providers, and we only recommend solutions that really suit you.
Spouse protection: an often overlooked aspect
If you work part-time and care for children, it is essential that your partner names you as beneficiary of their pension fund, life insurance, and 3rd pillar plan.
Key point: this protection is automatic if you are married, but not if you are in a cohabiting relationship. In that case, your partner must take explicit steps to designate you as a beneficiary. Certain conditions must be met; generally, five years of living together are required.
Accident insurance: not to be forgotten
Under the LAA, you are insured against both occupational and non-occupational accidents if you work more than 8 hours per week for the same employer.
If you work less than 8 hours per week, you remain covered for occupational accidents but not for non-occupational accidents. In that case, you must arrange this coverage yourself through basic health insurance, where the gaps can be significant.
Warning: the amount of daily benefits and pensions depends on your insured earnings, which are naturally reduced in the case of part-time work. Make sure that the coverage level is sufficient to maintain your standard of living in the event of an accident.
Concrete steps to secure your pension coverage
To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are the steps to follow:
1. Check your LPP/BVG membership: ask your employer for your pension certificate. If your annual salary is less than CHF 22,680, find out whether you can join voluntarily.
2. Open a 3a in insurance: Choose this solution to benefit from death and disability cover, which compensates for the absence of a 2nd pillar.
3. Complete with a banking 3a: if your finances permit, maximize your payments up to the annual limit.
4. Secure your family situation: if you are cohabiting, make sure you are named as beneficiary in your partner's pension fund, life/death insurance and Pillar 3a.
5. Check your accident coverage: confirm that you are insured against non-work-related accidents, especially if you work less than 8 hours a week.
6. Check your AHV statement regularly: order your individual account statement (CI) to check that there are no gaps in your contributions. You have five years in which to fill them.
Concrete steps to secure your pension coverage
Part-time work need not be synonymous with future financial insecurity. With the right strategy and the right tools, such as Pillar 3a insurance for protection and Pillar 3a banking for savings, you can effectively compensate for the absence of BVG coverage.
The key is to act quickly: every year without protection is a year in which you and your loved ones are exposed to significant financial risk. Don't wait to put your pension strategy in place.
Need help analyzing your situation? Our pension experts can help you set up a strategy tailored to your part-time situation. Contact us for a no-obligation personal assessment.
Frequently asked questions
You are automatically enrolled in a pension fund if your annual salary exceeds CHF 22,680 (as of 1.1.2026). Below this threshold, you are not insured under the 2nd pillar, unless your pension fund allows for voluntary affiliation.
- The maximum amount for the 3rd pillar in 2025 is CHF 7,258 for individuals affiliated with a pension fund (LPP).
- For self-employed individuals without a 2nd pillar, the ceiling is 20% of income, up to CHF 36,288.
The 3rd pillar can be withdrawn in the following cases:
- 5 years before AHV retirement age
- Purchase of principal residence
- Mortgage amortization
- Departure from Switzerland
- Independence
- Disability or death
There are a wide range of options for the 3rd pillar, either through a bank or an insurance provider. Most products can be subscribed to within both tied pension schemes (pillar 3a) and flexible pension schemes (pillar 3b).
In insurance, a third pillar is often set up in the form of a life insurance policy or income protection insurance, while in banking, a 3a or 3b most often corresponds to a standard savings account or one linked to investment funds.
Comparing 3rd pillar plans will help you choose the solution best suited to your profile and goals.
For part-time workers without LPP affiliation, a insurance-based 3rd pillar is generally recommended as the first option because it offers:
- Death and disability cover to compensate for the absence of a 2nd pillar pension plan
- Waiver of premiums in the event of disability
- Protection for your loved ones
Yes, if you are affiliated with a pension fund (salary > CHF 22,680), you can make voluntary buy-backs to cover gaps in your pension provision. These purchases are tax-deductible.
