Best Social Security Lawyers in Dornach

About Social Security Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Social security in Dornach operates within the Swiss federal system and the canton of Solothurn. Most benefit rules are set at the federal level, while administration takes place through cantonal and local offices. Residents interact with the Solothurn compensation office for contributions and benefits, the Solothurn disability insurance office for disability matters, the cantonal unemployment services for job loss, and the municipal social services for social assistance. Key areas include old age and survivors insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, unemployment insurance, family allowances, mandatory health insurance with possible premium subsidies, occupational pensions, and supplementary benefits that top up low AHV or IV pensions.

Employees and self-employed persons pay social security contributions on income. Employed persons start AHV contributions on 1 January after turning 17. Non-employed adult residents usually owe minimum AHV contributions from 1 January after turning 20. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, with potential premium reductions granted by the canton based on income. Accident insurance is mandatory for employees through the employer, while non-employed persons typically rely on accident coverage added to their health insurance. The municipality of Dornach handles last-resort social assistance for people who do not qualify for or who have exhausted social insurance benefits.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You might need a lawyer if your application for disability, accident, unemployment, or supplementary benefits is denied or only partially granted. Disputes often concern the degree of disability, causation of injuries in accident cases, overpayments and repayment claims, or the calculation of pensions and allowances. People also seek legal help when coordination between systems is complex, for example when AHV, BVG occupational pensions, and supplementary benefits interact, or when cross-border employment raises questions about which country covers you and how periods of insurance are added up.

Legal assistance is valuable if you face short and strict deadlines, need to challenge a medical assessment, want independent medical expertise, or must request your case file. A lawyer can help gather evidence, draft objections and appeals, represent you before the Solothurn insurance court, and negotiate with insurers. If your employer failed to pay contributions, if you are self-employed with irregular income, or if you are dealing with divorce-related pension splitting and entitlement issues, professional guidance can prevent long-term financial harm.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss social insurance follows federal statutes that apply in Dornach. Important laws include the General Part of the Social Insurance Law ATSG, the Old Age and Survivors Insurance Act AHVG, the Disability Insurance Act IVG, the Accident Insurance Act UVG, the Unemployment Insurance Act AVIG, the Occupational Pensions Act BVG, the Health Insurance Act KVG, the Supplementary Benefits Act ELG, the Loss of Earnings Compensation Act EOG, and the Family Allowances Act FamZG. These laws are implemented by cantonal bodies such as the Solothurn compensation office and the IV office, and by insurers such as SUVA or private accident insurers.

Appeal procedures are largely harmonized. After an insurer or office issues a formal decision, you usually have 30 days to file an objection to that same authority. If the objection is rejected, you can lodge an appeal to the Versicherungsgericht des Kantons Solothurn. A further appeal to the Federal Supreme Court may be possible. Deadlines are strict, and missing them can end your case unless you qualify for restitution of time due to very limited reasons. For social assistance, the canton of Solothurn applies its Sozialgesetz together with the SKOS guidelines, and municipal authorities in Dornach carry out the assessments.

Dornach is in a cross-border region. Many residents work in neighboring cantons or abroad. EU and EFTA coordination rules often apply, allowing aggregation of insurance periods from multiple countries and clarifying which system covers you. This coordination can be decisive for unemployment, family allowances, and pensions, and legal advice is helpful in cross-border cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits make up the core of social security for Dornach residents

The core includes AHV old age and survivors pensions, IV disability benefits and integration measures, accident insurance benefits for work and non-work accidents, unemployment benefits, family allowances, health insurance with possible premium subsidies, BVG occupational pensions, and supplementary benefits for people with low AHV or IV income. Municipal social assistance is available as a last resort.

How do I apply for an AHV old age pension and when should I do it

Apply through the Solothurn compensation office or your employer’s compensation fund about six months before retirement. Standard retirement age and options for early or deferred retirement are set by federal law. The pension amount depends on your contributed years and average income. Missing contribution years can reduce the pension, so check your individual account extract early to correct any gaps.

What if my disability insurance application is denied

You will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. You typically have 30 days to file an objection. You can request access to your file, challenge medical assessments, and submit additional evidence. If the objection is rejected, you can appeal to the Solothurn insurance court. A lawyer can help frame the legal arguments and obtain independent medical opinions where appropriate.

Can I work part time and still receive a disability pension

Yes, Swiss disability insurance allows partial pensions based on the degree of disability, and it promotes reintegration. You may work to the extent of your residual capacity. Earnings can affect the pension amount, and there are rules on how income interacts with benefits. Always report changes in work or health status promptly.

I had an accident. Do I contact health insurance or accident insurance

Employees are usually covered by the employer’s accident insurer for both work and non-work accidents. Report the accident to your employer or directly to the accident insurer as soon as possible. If you are not employed, your basic health insurance typically covers accidents only if you included accident coverage in your policy. Keep all medical reports and invoices.

What are supplementary benefits and who can get them

Supplementary benefits top up low AHV or IV income to cover essential living costs. They are granted if your recognized expenses exceed your recognized income. You must reside in Switzerland and meet legal conditions. Applications are filed with the relevant cantonal office, and decisions can be appealed if denied.

How do unemployment benefits work if I live in Dornach

Register with the regional unemployment office as early as possible, ideally before your first day of unemployment. You generally need sufficient contribution periods in the recent past, with some exceptions. The benefit amount is a percentage of insured earnings, and you must actively seek work and follow the office’s instructions. Sanctions can reduce benefits, so keep records of job searches and appointments.

What if my employer did not pay AHV contributions

If contributions were deducted from your salary, your AHV record should still be credited. The compensation office can pursue the employer for unpaid amounts. If you notice gaps in your contribution record, contact the compensation office immediately to clarify and correct them. Keep payslips and annual salary statements.

Can foreign citizens receive Swiss social security benefits in Dornach

Eligibility depends on the specific benefit and residence or insurance status. Many benefits are available to resident foreigners on the same terms as Swiss citizens if contribution and residence criteria are met. EU and EFTA rules coordinate cross-border situations. Some benefits can be exported abroad, while others require residence in Switzerland. Check the rules for each benefit.

How long do claims and appeals take

Processing times vary. Simple claims like family allowances or premium subsidies can be relatively quick. Disability and accident cases with medical assessments can take months. Objections often take several weeks to a few months. Court proceedings can take many months. File complete applications, respond promptly to requests, and observe all deadlines to avoid delays.

Additional Resources

Solothurn compensation office SVA Solothurn for AHV, family allowances, and premium subsidies.

IV-Stelle Solothurn for disability insurance benefits and integration measures.

Regional unemployment office RAV Kanton Solothurn and unemployment funds for unemployment benefits.

SUVA or your employer’s designated accident insurer for accident cases.

Gemeinde Dornach Sozialdienst for municipal social assistance and advice.

Versicherungsgericht des Kantons Solothurn for appeals in social insurance matters.

Pro Senectute Kanton Solothurn for support to older persons related to AHV and EL.

Pro Infirmis Kanton Solothurn for support to persons with disabilities.

Solothurnischer Anwaltsverband for finding licensed lawyers in the canton.

Kantonale Stellen für Opferhilfe and debt counseling services if financial or victim assistance issues intersect with benefits.

Next Steps

Clarify your issue and identify the benefit involved. Gather documents such as ID, residence permit, employment contracts, payslips, employer confirmations, medical records, accident reports, insurance policies, tax assessments, and correspondence from insurers or authorities. Request your file if a decision is pending or already issued, and note the stated deadline for objection.

File applications or objections in writing, clearly stating what you seek and why. Use registered mail to prove timely submission. If you receive a negative decision, calendar the 30 day deadline immediately. Consider asking a lawyer to review the merits and the evidence, and to draft the objection or appeal.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about unentgeltliche Rechtspflege, which can cover legal fees for people of limited means if the case has reasonable prospects. You can also contact non profit advisory organizations in the canton for initial guidance.

Because Dornach sits in a cross border area and because benefit rules interact, do not make assumptions about eligibility or exportability. Confirm with the competent office which system applies to you. Keep copies of everything you submit and receive, inform authorities of any address changes, and promptly report changes in health, employment, and family situation. Early, well documented action usually leads to better outcomes.

This guide is for general information. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer or accredited advisor familiar with social security law in the canton of Solothurn.