Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Social Security Disability Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

In Switzerland, Social Security Disability is primarily handled through the federal Invalidity Insurance known as IV in German and AI in French. Arlesheim is part of the canton of Basel-Landschaft, so applications and case handling take place through the cantonal IV office known as the IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft. Although procedures are federal and uniform across the country, local administration and support services are provided at the cantonal and municipal level.

Swiss disability insurance focuses first on early detection and reintegration into work. Before a long-term pension is considered, the IV assesses and funds measures such as job coaching, workplace adaptations, vocational retraining, and other rehabilitation services. If a person remains significantly unable to work after these efforts, a disability pension may be granted. Pensions are graded according to the degree of invalidity. Since recent reforms, there is a proportional scaling between 40 percent and 69 percent disability and a full pension from 70 percent disability and above.

Disability protection in Switzerland is a coordinated system. Besides IV, benefits can also involve accident insurance under UVG for accident-related impairments, occupational pension disability benefits under BVG from your employer pension fund, daily sickness benefits if your employer has such insurance, and supplementary benefits known as EL if your income and assets are insufficient. Municipal social assistance may also be relevant if other benefits do not cover basic needs.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many applicants manage the IV process without representation, but legal help can be crucial in specific situations. You may need a lawyer if your application has been denied or only partially approved, if you received a decision that reduces or stops an existing benefit, or if you disagree with the result of a medical assessment. A lawyer can evaluate the decision, identify missing evidence, and prepare a well-argued objection within the strict deadlines.

Legal support is also valuable for complex medical or employment histories, mental health conditions, fluctuating capacity to work, or cases involving both illness and accident. If you have cross-border circumstances such as living in France or Germany while working in Switzerland, a lawyer can help navigate international coordination rules. Counsel can also coordinate IV with occupational pension disability benefits, accident insurance, and supplementary benefits, ensuring that you neither miss entitlements nor face avoidable offsets.

When your case proceeds to appeal before the cantonal social insurance court, professional representation increases your chances of a complete record, correct legal arguments, and proper handling of expert medical evidence. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid known as unentgeltliche Rechtspflege and whether your legal protection insurance covers social insurance disputes.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss disability insurance is governed by federal law, primarily the General Part of the Social Insurance Law known as ATSG and the Invalidity Insurance Act known as IVG with related ordinances. Accident-related impairments fall under the Accident Insurance Act known as UVG. Occupational disability benefits are governed by the Occupational Pensions Act known as BVG. Health insurance for treatments and rehabilitation is regulated by the Health Insurance Act known as KVG. Supplementary benefits are governed by the ELG. These laws apply throughout Switzerland, including Arlesheim.

The IV process typically starts with early detection when a person is unfit for work for at least 30 days or has frequent absences. After an application is filed, the IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft gathers medical and vocational information, may arrange independent medical examinations, and prioritizes reintegration measures. Eligibility for a pension generally requires an average incapacity to work of at least 40 percent for about one year and a lasting impairment of earning capacity. The degree of disability is determined by comparing potential earnings with and without the impairment or by assessing the impact on daily activities for non-employed persons.

Decisions of the IV-Stelle can be challenged by filing an objection known as Einsprache, usually within 30 days of notification. If the objection is dismissed, you can appeal to the competent cantonal court for social insurance matters in Basel-Landschaft. A further appeal to the Federal Supreme Court is possible in limited circumstances. Time limits are short and strictly applied, so act promptly.

Arlesheim residents interact mainly with the IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft for IV matters, the occupational pension fund for BVG disability benefits, and where applicable Suva or another accident insurer for accident-related claims. The municipal social services in Arlesheim and the cantonal social security administration can assist with applications for supplementary benefits and social assistance. Cross-border cases are handled under Swiss law coordinated with EU or EFTA rules, ensuring benefits are assessed and paid according to international agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a disability for IV purposes

Disability under Swiss law means a lasting impairment of health that causes a reduction in earning capacity or in the ability to perform usual daily tasks. The IV assesses both medical and vocational aspects. The degree of disability is expressed as a percentage. Partial pensions are possible from 40 percent disability and a full pension is typically granted from 70 percent disability and above.

How do I apply for disability benefits in Arlesheim

You submit an application to the IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft. You can file the application yourself or with help from your doctor, employer, or a social service office. The application starts the formal assessment and allows the IV to consider early intervention and rehabilitation measures even before a pension is decided.

What documents will I need

You should provide identity details, residence and insurance information, medical reports from treating physicians, hospital summaries, a list of medications, your employment history, details of current job duties, salary records or tax documents, and information about prior accidents or illnesses. The IV may request additional records or arrange independent medical examinations.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary. Early detection and integration measures can start relatively quickly. A full pension decision can take several months and often longer than six months if medical assessments are needed. You must generally show an average incapacity to work of at least 40 percent for about one year before a pension is considered.

Can I receive benefits if I still work part time

Yes, the system allows and encourages work to the extent possible. Your pension can be partial and is adjusted to your degree of disability and actual earning capacity. If your income changes, the IV may revise your benefits. Always report changes in employment or health promptly.

What is the difference between illness and accident cases

If your impairment is due to a non-occupational or occupational accident, the accident insurer under UVG such as Suva may cover medical treatment, daily allowances, and possibly a disability pension or integrity compensation. If your impairment is due to illness, IV and any daily sickness benefits from an employer policy will be relevant. Coordination rules prevent double payment for the same loss, and a lawyer can help you navigate overlapping coverages.

Do I need to be a Swiss citizen to qualify

No. Eligibility depends on being insured under Swiss social security, typically by residing in Switzerland or working for a Swiss employer. International coordination rules apply for EU or EFTA nationals and certain treaty countries. Contribution and insurance periods influence both eligibility and the amount of benefits. If you have cross-border circumstances, seek advice before filing.

How are pensions calculated

The IV determines the degree of disability based on an income comparison or activity assessment. The pension amount is then calculated proportionally according to that percentage and your insured earnings history. Recent reforms introduced a proportional scale between 40 percent and 69 percent disability and a full pension from 70 percent. Occupational pension funds may pay additional disability benefits under BVG rules.

What can I do if the IV denies my claim

You can file an Einsprache objection, usually within 30 days of receiving the decision. If the objection is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Basel-Landschaft cantonal social insurance court within the set time limit, and in some cases to the Federal Supreme Court. It is important to act quickly and submit medical and vocational evidence that addresses the specific reasons for the denial.

Will I have to see an independent medical examiner

Often yes. The IV may arrange assessments with specialized medical centers. You have a duty to cooperate, but you can raise concerns about conflicts of interest and ask procedural questions. You may submit reports from your treating doctors and respond to the assessment before a final decision is issued.

Additional Resources

IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft - the cantonal agency responsible for invalidity insurance applications, assessments, integration measures, and pensions for residents of Arlesheim.

SVA Basel-Landschaft - the cantonal social insurance institution including the compensation office and services for supplementary benefits.

Gemeindeverwaltung Arlesheim - Soziale Dienste - municipal social services that can assist with applications, referrals, and support.

Kantonsgericht Basel-Landschaft - Abteilung Sozialversicherungsrecht - the cantonal court that hears social insurance appeals.

Suva and other accident insurers - for accident-related disability cases under UVG.

Your occupational pension fund known as Pensionskasse - for BVG disability benefits and coordination with IV.

Pro Infirmis Nordwestschweiz and Procap Nordwestschweiz - disability organizations offering advice and practical support.

Inclusion Handicap - the Swiss umbrella organization for disability advocacy and legal information.

Unabhängige Patientenstelle Nordwestschweiz - independent advice on patient rights and medical issues.

Regional Job Centers known as RAV Baselland - support for reintegration and job search coordinated with IV measures.

Next Steps

Clarify your situation. Write down your medical history, dates of sick leave, current symptoms, and how your condition limits work or daily activities. Ask your treating doctors for updated reports that clearly describe functional limitations and expected prognosis.

Contact the IV-Stelle Basel-Landschaft. Request an application or early detection referral. Early intervention can start even before you complete all medical evaluations, so do not delay the initial contact.

Collect evidence. Gather medical records, employment contracts, salary slips, job descriptions, and any accident reports. Keep a diary of your symptoms and work capacity. Provide complete and consistent information to avoid delays.

Coordinate benefits. Inform your employer, occupational pension fund, and any accident insurer. Ask whether you have daily sickness benefits coverage. Check if you may qualify for supplementary benefits if your income is low.

Watch deadlines. If you receive a decision you disagree with, note the 30-day time limit for an objection. Missing deadlines can end your case. Send important submissions by a traceable method and keep copies.

Consider legal advice. Consult a lawyer experienced in Swiss social insurance if your case is complex, has been denied, or involves multiple insurers. Ask about legal aid and whether your legal protection insurance can cover costs.

Stay engaged. Attend scheduled assessments, respond to requests, and inform the IV about any changes in health or work. If your condition improves or worsens, a revision of benefits may be appropriate.

Seek local support. The municipal social services in Arlesheim and regional disability organizations can help you navigate applications, appointments, and everyday challenges during the process.