Arme Rentner in der reichen Schweiz

Going to the supermarket can be frustrating for many seniors in Switzerland: Prices are rising, money is scarce, and there's barely enough left for a normal life. Liliana, a retiree, speaks openly about her financial problems. Despite a modest lifestyle, without major expenses or waste, she has to make every penny count. "It's hard not to make ends meet," she says. Although her children could help her, she finds it difficult to accept support. Poverty in old age is often associated with shame. Many retirees in Switzerland experience similar challenges. Monthly costs for health insurance, rent, heating, and electricity are constantly rising, while pensions are barely adjusted. According to a 2022 nationwide study by Pro Senectute, 29.5% of retirees in the canton of Ticino live in absolute poverty. This is the highest rate compared to other cantons and significantly above the Swiss average. When Pensions Are Not Enough Nationally, 20% of pensioners live on less than CHF 2,506 per month, while 13.9% have to get by on less than CHF 2,279. These figures illustrate the extent of the financial hardship. A woman reports that her 80-year-old mother is having increasing difficulty paying her bills. Fearing she will become a burden, she is increasingly withdrawing. The first step in such cases is to review social security benefits. This determines whether a person already receives supplementary AHV benefits or whether they are entitled to them. These supplementary benefits are a central pillar of the Swiss social system and are intended to ensure a minimum subsistence level. As soon as recognized expenses exceed income, they are entitled to this support. But even this minimum is often not enough. Link to Telegram group: https://t.me/+n1aM40jq_OhkNDA0