Supplementary benefits (EL)

Supplementary benefits (EL) are means-tested benefits linked to the AHV (old-age and survivors’ insurance) and IV (disability insurance) for people whose pension and income do not cover their living costs. In addition to the annual supplementary benefit, they can also reimburse illness and disability costs — these can include transport costs that neither basic nor supplementary insurance covers.

Also called: EL to AHV/IV · supplementary benefits AHV · EL illness and disability costs · reimbursement of illness costs

Costs arising from illness or disability that are not covered by any insurance can be reimbursed. Depending on the canton and the individual case, these also include the costs of transport to the nearest suitable place of treatment. Typically this is the part above the basic insurance cap of CHF 500 per year, as well as the deductible and co-payment.

The exact rules and maximum amounts are set by the cantons. Binding information can therefore only be given by the cantonal EL office of your canton of residence.

The most common mistake is simply not applying — out of ignorance or embarrassment. Supplementary benefits are a statutory entitlement for people with a small pension. A second pitfall is missing documents: without an invoice and without the health insurer’s statement, the EL office cannot reimburse illness costs. So keep all documents in one place.

Thirdly, deadlines are overlooked. Illness costs must be submitted within a certain period, otherwise the entitlement lapses. If you need transport regularly, it is best to submit the documents at fixed intervals, for example monthly. And finally, when something changes — a move into a care home, a new diagnosis, more journeys — it is worth actively informing the EL office.

Good to know: relatives or an authorised person may also submit documents and obtain information if the person concerned gives written permission. This takes the pressure off older people who find forms overwhelming.