In Summary
- Many Swiss people losing the trace of part of their vested benefits.
- Between job changes, career breaks, or moving abroad, it is not uncommon for assets from the 2nd pillar: remain “dormant” in forgotten accounts.
- This is where the 2nd Pillar Central Office comes in — a national body affiliated with the LPP Guarantee Fund, responsible for helping people track down unclaimed LPP assets.
- Acting as a genuine bridge between insured individuals and pension institutions, it ensures that every franc contributed finds its way back to its rightful owner.
What is the 2nd Pillar Central Office?
The 2nd Pillar Central Office, established in 1999 and affiliated with the LPP Guarantee Fund in Bern, is a public service dedicated to helping insured individuals track down forgotten occupational pension assets.
It acts as an interface between pension funds and individuals, cross-referencing data submitted by pension institutions.
Unlike a pension fund, the Central Office does not hold any assets or pay out benefits.
It should not be confused with the Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution, which holds the funds when an insured person has not designated a new pension fund.
Find Your LPP Assets
How Does the 2nd Pillar Central Office Work?
To track down any forgotten pension assets, you can submit an official request directly through the LPP Guarantee Fund website (sfbvg.ch). The 2nd Pillar Central Office then compares the personal details provided (name, date of birth, AHV number) with the information reported by pension funds.
If a match is found, both the individual concerned and the pension institution are notified. The service is free, confidential, and available in several languages, ensuring simple access for all insured individuals.
The 2nd Pillar Central Office doesn't hold any individual accounts and doesn't manage pension assets. It doesn't carry out any money transfers: its role is limited to informing insured individuals and connecting them with the relevant pension fund.
How Does the 2nd Pillar Central Office Differ From the LPP Guarantee Fund?
The LPP Guarantee Fund and the 2nd Pillar Central Office are under the authority of the same foundation, based in Bern at Eigerplatz 2, but their missions are distinct.
The LPP Guarantee Fund's role is to ensure the stability of the occupational pension system. It steps in particularly in the event of a pension fund's insolvency, guaranteeing payment of the minimum benefits required by law.
The 2nd Pillar Central Office, on the other hand, acts as the Guarantee Fund's liaison service. It focuses solely on individual searches for forgotten assets, without managing any funds or pensions.
Its activities operate within the legal framework of Article 58a LPP, which governs data exchanges between pension funds and the Central Compensation Office.
How Do I Contact the 2nd Pillar Central Office?
The 2nd pillar central office can be contacted directly via the Official website of the LPP Guarantee Fund. There you'll find a online application form easy to fill out to start a search for forgotten pension assets.
Official contact information:
Centrale du 2ème pilier
Fonds de garantie LPP
Organe de direction
P.O. Box 1023
3000 Bern 14
Email: info@zentralstelle.ch
Phone: +41 31 380 79 75 (no information about your assets is given by phone)
Before submitting your request, have your AVS/OASI number, a list of your former employers, and your periods of employment in Switzerland ready. This information allows the Central Office to carry out a quick and accurate search across pension funds' databases.
Best Practices to Avoid Forgotten Assets
Losing track of a pension account is more common than you might think. Here are a few simple steps to avoid forgotten 2nd pillar assets:
- Notify your pension fund every time you change jobs or your professional situation changes.
- Store and centralize your statements LPP in a single file (paper or digital).
- In the event of a suspension of operations, transfer your assets to a vested benefits account rather than leaving them unmonitored.
- Finally, remember to Optimize Your LPP Buybacks and your retirement planning strategy with the help of a certified advisor, in order to fill any gaps and maximize your tax benefits.
At Invexa, we support you with the search, transfer, and optimization of your LPP pension assets. We analyze your personal situation and help you locate, consolidate, and make the most of your pension assets to strengthen your retirement plan or long-term financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my 2nd pillar?
Your 2nd pillar assets are generally held by your current employer’s pension fund. If you changed jobs without transferring your funds, they may have been transferred to a vested benefits account or to the Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution.
How can I track down my forgotten 2nd pillar?
To locate any forgotten pension assets, complete the official form on the 2nd Pillar Central Office website. The service compares your details with those held by pension funds and notifies you if a match is found. The service is free and confidential.
Who can carry out an occupational pension (BVG/LPP) assets search?
Anyone who has worked in Switzerland, even temporarily, can submit a request.
How long does it take to find my pension fund assets?
The timeframe depends on the number of institutions to contact. In general, the search takes 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the file and the responses from the pension funds involved.
Is the search service paid?
No, the search carried out by the 2nd Pillar Central Office is entirely free and confidential.
How can I find out if I have forgotten 2nd pillar assets?
If you have changed jobs several times, worked part-time, or left Switzerland, some of your pension assets may have remained in a vested benefits account. Submit a search request through the 2nd Pillar Central Office to check.
What should I do if I have left Switzerland?
Even while living abroad, you can request a Vested Benefits search via the 2nd Pillar Central Office. The form is available online and can be submitted from any country.