Federal Department of the Interior (DFI)
Bern, 06.08.2024 – The head of the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI) Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has ordered the opening of an administrative investigation following the discovery of erroneous financial projections for the AHV. According to initial estimates, the overestimation of expenses would reach approximately four billion francs by 2033. The investigation will determine the origins of the error. Results are expected by the end of the year. The DFI and the Federal Office of Social Insurance will take necessary measures to ensure the reliability of financial projections.
Following the discovery of two erroneous mathematical formulas in the model used to calculate the financial outlook for the AHV, it was found that the annual expenses of the AHV until 2033 had been overestimated. According to still provisional initial estimates from the Federal Office of Social Insurance (OFAS), the magnitude of this overestimation would reach approximately four billion francs by 2033. This error was discovered during audit work related to the implementation of the payment of the 13th AHV pension.
To clarify the origins of this error, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has decided to open an administrative investigation. The investigation will be conducted by the law firm Bratschi in Zurich. Its conclusions are expected by the end of 2024.
In view of the financing of the 13th AHV pension and the pension reform project that will be submitted to Parliament in 2026, it is essential to have reliable, verified, and quality data. This is why the investigation will also analyze quality control procedures and assess their effectiveness, particularly the reliability of mathematical models. The DFI and OFAS will take necessary measures to ensure the reliability of AHV financial projections.
Contact address for inquiries
Christian Favre, Co-Head Communication DFI, +41 58 485 62 61
Christoph Lenz, Co-Head Communication DFI, +41 79 797 86 21
Author
Federal Office of Social Insurance