Old-Age and Survivor Insurance (1st Pillar, 1. Säule)
Old-age and survivor insurance (AHV) is a state institution. Most adults have to pay financial contributions. The contributions are deducted directly from employees' monthly wages. The employer covers half of the contributions. Self-employed or unemployed people should ask the social insurance office in Glarus (Sozialversicherungsanstalt, SVA) how to pay their contributions. AHV pays retirees a monthly pension. The amount paid depends on the contributions made. In case of death, the AHV also pays the spouse and children of the deceased a pension (widow's and orphan's pension). Everyone receives an AHV card with a personal insurance number.