Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Dornach

About Social Security Disability Law in Dornach, Switzerland

In Switzerland, Social Security Disability is part of the federal first pillar social insurance system known as AHV-IV. The disability branch is called IV in German and AI in French. It covers people who live or work in Switzerland and whose ability to earn a living is permanently or long-term reduced due to a health condition. Dornach is in the canton of Solothurn, so the competent authority for applications and case handling is the IV office of the canton of Solothurn. While the system is federal and harmonized across Switzerland, your file is processed at the cantonal level. The core idea is integration before pension, which means the IV first tries to maintain or restore your capacity to work through early detection and rehabilitation measures. A disability pension is granted only if integration is not possible or only partially possible.

The IV provides a range of benefits. These include early detection and early intervention at the workplace, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, education or retraining, assistive devices, and daily allowances during certain measures. If your earning capacity remains reduced, you may qualify for a partial or full disability pension. People with significant limitations in daily activities may also receive a helplessness allowance and, if living at home, an assistance contribution for paid helpers. If your income with an IV pension remains low, you may apply for supplementary benefits, which are administered separately. Children with congenital conditions can receive specific medical measures through the IV, and adults receive medical treatment through mandatory health insurance, not the IV.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people manage an IV application on their own, but legal support can be very helpful in several situations. A lawyer can assess whether your medical evidence meets the legal definition of disability and whether further documentation is needed. If your claim is denied, if you receive only a partial pension, or if your degree of disability is set lower than you believe is correct, a lawyer can challenge the decision within strict deadlines. If you have complex medical conditions, fluctuating capacity, mental health diagnoses, or pain disorders, legal guidance can help present your situation in a way that fits the legal criteria.

Legal assistance is also useful if you are a cross-border worker, recently moved to Switzerland, self-employed, or have overlapping insurance situations such as accident insurance, occupational pension, or unemployment insurance. A lawyer can coordinate benefits, prevent gaps, and avoid contradictory statements across insurers. If an expert medical report seems incomplete or biased, a lawyer can request clarification or a new assessment. If the IV seeks to revise or reduce an existing pension, a lawyer can help you respond and protect acquired rights. If the IV claims an overpayment and asks for repayment, a lawyer can argue for waiver in good faith and hardship cases. If you need to file an objection or appeal, a lawyer ensures you meet the 30-day time limits and presents a strong case.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss disability insurance is governed by federal law, primarily the Federal Act on Disability Insurance and the Federal Act on the General Part of Social Insurance Law. Detailed rules appear in ordinances. These rules apply in Dornach and throughout the canton of Solothurn. The application is filed with the IV office of the canton of Solothurn. The administrative language is German. You have rights to be heard and to access your file.

Definition of disability. Disability is a lasting or long-term loss of earning capacity due to a physical, mental, or psychological health impairment. The degree of disability is calculated by comparing income you could earn without the impairment with income you can reasonably earn with the impairment. For people without paid employment, such as homemakers, the assessment is based on the impact on their usual activities. For part-time workers, a mixed method applies. Cooperation is required. You must participate in reasonable measures and provide information and medical records. The principle is integration before pension. The IV prioritizes maintaining or restoring work capacity through early intervention and measures such as job adjustments, training, or supported employment.

Pension entitlement. A disability pension can start after an average incapacity for work of at least 40 percent lasting for at least one year without significant interruption, and if substantial earning loss remains despite measures. The pension is graded. About 40 to 49 percent disability yields a quarter pension, 50 to 59 percent a half pension, 60 to 69 percent a three-quarter pension, and 70 to 100 percent a full pension. Pension amounts are based on insured earnings and contribution years in the first pillar. Child supplements are available for dependent children.

Other benefits. The IV funds assistive devices, vocational rehabilitation, and certain daily allowances during measures. People with limitations in daily activities may receive a helplessness allowance and possibly an assistance contribution to hire helpers if living at home. Supplementary benefits can be claimed if income is insufficient to cover basic needs. Health insurance remains responsible for medical treatment costs in adults. Accident insurance and occupational pensions may also provide disability benefits, and coordination rules apply to avoid double compensation.

Procedure and remedies. After a preliminary hearing, the IV office issues a formal decision. You normally have 30 days to file an objection directly to the IV office. If the objection is rejected, you have 30 days to appeal to the Solothurn insurance court. A further appeal to the Federal Supreme Court is possible on points of law. Deadlines are strict, and submissions must be in German or with translation. Legal aid may be available if you lack means and your case has reasonable prospects.

International situations. If you worked in the EU or EFTA, Swiss and foreign insurance periods can be coordinated under social security agreements. Eligibility and payment abroad follow special rules. If you are a cross-border worker or recently moved, seek advice early to clarify which country is competent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a disability for IV purposes

Disability means a long-term or permanent reduction in earning capacity caused by a health impairment. The IV looks at what income you could earn without the impairment and what income you can reasonably earn with it. The difference, expressed as a percentage, is your degree of disability. For people without paid work, the IV evaluates the impact on household and usual activities. The IV considers functional limitations and their effect on work ability, not just diagnoses.

How do I start an IV application in Dornach

You file the application with the IV office of the canton of Solothurn. You can contact them directly or ask your employer, doctor, or the municipal social services in Dornach to help. Applications should be filed as soon as a health problem threatens your job or has caused extended incapacity. Early detection and intervention can begin even before a pension is considered. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.

Which documents should I prepare

Prepare identity and residence documents, employment contracts, recent pay slips and tax assessments, medical reports and hospital discharge summaries, therapy records, lists of medications, and contact details of treating physicians. If you are self-employed, include accounts and business records. If you have received benefits from accident insurance, unemployment insurance, or occupational pension, include those decisions and reports. Provide a clear timeline of your health and work history.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary. Early intervention measures can start quickly. A full pension assessment often takes several months to a year, depending on medical evaluations and rehabilitation measures. If the IV orders an expert report, it can add several months. Objections and court appeals add more time. While you wait, consider unemployment insurance, accident insurance, social assistance, or supplementary benefits to bridge gaps.

Do I have to attend a medical assessment by an IV expert

Often yes. The IV may commission an independent medical assessment. You have the right to be informed of the expert and to raise justified objections, for example due to bias. You can submit questions you want the expert to address. After the report is issued, you can comment in writing and ask for clarifications. A lawyer can help ensure your functional limitations are properly documented.

Can I work and still receive an IV pension

Yes. Partial pensions are common and are designed to support remaining work capacity. You must report changes in your work or income. Working is encouraged, and financial incentives exist so that increased earnings do not create sudden pension losses. If your capacity improves or worsens, the IV can review your case and adjust the pension accordingly.

What is the difference between IV and accident insurance disability benefits

IV is general disability insurance covering health impairments regardless of cause. Accident insurance covers work and non-work accidents and certain occupational diseases. If an accident is the main cause of disability, accident insurance may pay benefits, and coordination rules apply. You can receive both, but total benefits are limited to prevent overcompensation. Provide all accident insurer decisions to the IV.

Are children and young people covered

Yes. Children with congenital conditions can receive medical measures from the IV, and adolescents may receive vocational guidance and training measures to enter the labor market. Young adults with disabilities can access integration support. Parents should apply early to coordinate schooling, therapy, and transition to employment.

I am a foreign national. Am I eligible

Eligibility depends on whether you are insured in Switzerland when the disability occurs and on contribution periods. Residents who pay AHV-IV contributions are generally covered. If you have worked in EU or EFTA countries, coordination rules help totalize insurance periods and determine competence. Payment abroad follows special rules, which depend on your nationality and international agreements.

What if my claim is denied or my pension is reduced

You can file an objection within 30 days of the decision. Explain the errors and attach supporting evidence, such as updated medical reports or work records. If the objection is rejected, you can appeal to the Solothurn insurance court within 30 days. Legal aid may be available if you cannot afford a lawyer and your case has merit. Act quickly because deadlines are strict.

Additional Resources

IV office of the canton of Solothurn. This is your primary contact for applications, forms, and case handling. They provide information on early detection, rehabilitation measures, and pensions. Communication is in German. You can request guidance on required documents and next steps.

Solothurn cantonal insurance court. This court hears appeals in social insurance matters, including IV. Use it if your objection has been rejected and you wish to challenge the decision.

Municipal social services Dornach. They can help you navigate applications, coordinate interim financial support, and connect you with local counseling or integration programs.

Federal Social Insurance Office. This federal body issues guidance and oversees the IV system. It provides official information on legal rules, reforms, and benefits.

Procap Switzerland. A nationwide organization supporting people with disabilities. They offer counseling, legal advice, and assistance with social insurance matters.

Pro Infirmis. A social service organization for people with disabilities that offers counseling, case management, and support for navigating the IV and related systems.

Inclusion Handicap. The umbrella organization for disability groups in Switzerland. It provides policy information and may offer legal support in selected cases.

Regional employment office RAV Solothurn. Supports job placement and integration measures that can complement IV efforts, especially during vocational reintegration.

Health insurance advisory services in Solothurn. For questions about coverage of treatments, premium reductions, and coordination with IV benefits.

Legal advice centers and bar association in Solothurn. For referrals to lawyers experienced in social insurance and disability cases. Ask about unentitled legal aid if you have limited means.

Next Steps

Document your situation. Write a concise timeline of your health issues, treatments, and work absences. Gather medical reports, employment records, pay slips, and prior insurance decisions. Keep a daily log of symptoms and functional limitations that affect work and daily life.

Contact the IV office of the canton of Solothurn. Ask how to file the application and which forms to complete. If you are still employed but at risk, request early detection and early intervention. Employers, doctors, and insurers can also trigger early detection with your knowledge.

Speak with a lawyer or specialized advisor. Choose someone experienced in IV and social insurance law. Ask for an initial assessment of your case, evidence gaps, and deadlines. Discuss costs, possible legal aid, and strategy for expert assessments and appeals if needed.

Coordinate with other insurers. Notify accident insurance, occupational pension, and unemployment insurance as applicable. Provide consistent information across systems to avoid conflicts. Ask your advisor to help align benefits and prevent gaps.

Respect deadlines. Calendar the 30-day limit for objections and appeals. If you need more time to submit evidence, ask promptly whether a short extension is possible and submit whatever you have by the deadline.

Engage in integration measures. Participate in reasonable rehabilitation or workplace adaptations. Keep records of attempts to work, training, and job searches. Report changes in health, work, or income to the IV without delay.

Consider financial bridging. Explore supplementary benefits, premium reductions for health insurance, unemployment benefits, or social assistance while your case is pending. Municipal social services in Dornach can advise on local support.

Maintain clear communication. Respond to letters quickly, keep copies of everything, and bring an interpreter if needed for German communications. Ask for written confirmations of phone calls and decisions.

Review decisions carefully. If you receive a draft assessment or expert report, comment in writing on any inaccuracies. If a formal decision arrives that you disagree with, contact your lawyer immediately to prepare an objection.

Protect your health. Follow medical advice, attend appointments, and ensure your treating doctors understand your work demands. Well-documented treatment history often strengthens your case.