Best Social Security Lawyers in Dornach

About Social Security Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Social security in Dornach is part of the Swiss federal social insurance system, applied locally through cantonal and communal offices in the canton of Solothurn. It covers old age and survivors insurance AHV, disability insurance IV, loss of earnings allowances EO including maternity, paternity and adoption allowances, unemployment insurance ALV, mandatory accident insurance UVG, the occupational pension system BVG second pillar, supplementary benefits EL for people with low income in old age or disability, and health insurance KVG with possible premium reductions. Although the legal framework is federal, day-to-day administration, applications and many decisions are handled by cantonal bodies serving residents of Dornach.

In practice, you will interact with the Solothurn cantonal compensation office for AHV, IV, EO and family allowances, the IV office for disability assessments and measures, the regional job center for unemployment matters, your pension fund for BVG benefits, your accident insurer often Suva or a private insurer for accident cases, and your health insurer for compulsory health insurance. Municipal social services can help if you need social assistance. Many procedures have strict deadlines, and decisions can be appealed through a structured process starting with an objection and moving to the cantonal insurance court if needed.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help when a claim is denied, delayed or reduced, when an insurer demands repayment of benefits, or when medical or vocational assessments are disputed. This often arises in disability insurance IV after work capacity assessments, in accident insurance when causality or the extent of impairment is contested, and in unemployment insurance when sanctions or waiting days are imposed.

Legal help is also useful for coordinating benefits if you are a cross-border worker living in an EU or EFTA country, for calculating and splitting occupational pensions in a divorce, for challenging AHV contribution decisions for self employed and small business owners, and for applying for supplementary benefits EL where income and asset rules are technical and evidence heavy.

Lawyers ensure deadlines are met, gather persuasive medical and employment evidence, prepare objections and appeals, represent you in hearings, and negotiate with insurers and pension funds. If you have language barriers or health limitations, representation can make the process more manageable.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss social insurance is primarily governed by federal statutes, including the general part of social insurance law ATSG, the AHV Act AHVG, the IV Act IVG, the accident insurance Act UVG, the health insurance Act KVG, the unemployment insurance Act AVIG, the occupational pensions Act BVG, and the supplementary benefits Act ELG. These laws apply in Dornach and across Switzerland. Key procedures and appeal rights are set in the ATSG.

Canton Solothurn implements these laws through its compensation office SVA Solothurn for AHV, IV, EO and family allowances, and its IV office for disability assessments and measures. The canton also runs premium reduction schemes for compulsory health insurance and administers EL together with the SVA. Family allowances are based on federal rules with cantonal specifics. Municipal social assistance in Dornach is a separate safety net if insurance benefits do not cover basic needs.

Important practical points include the AHV reference age currently 65 for men and a phased transition for women toward 65, flexible retirement taking between 63 and 70 with reductions or increases, IV benefits that are granted after medical and vocational assessment with pensions scaled by degree of invalidity starting from 40 percent, mandatory occupational pensions for employees above the federal entry threshold, accident insurance coverage for occupational accidents and for non occupational accidents if you work at least 8 hours per week with one employer, and unemployment insurance requirements to register promptly, apply for jobs and cooperate with measures. Appeal windows are short, typically 30 days from notification to file an objection with the issuing office.

For cross border situations, Switzerland applies EU and EFTA coordination rules so that only one country’s system generally applies at a time, contributions and coverage are coordinated, and export of certain benefits follows the coordination regulations. Dornach’s proximity to Basel and neighboring countries makes this particularly relevant for commuters and international employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits are part of Swiss social security for someone living in Dornach

The core benefits are AHV old age and survivors insurance, IV disability insurance including rehabilitation measures, EO allowances for military service, civil service, maternity, paternity and adoption, ALV unemployment insurance, UVG accident insurance, BVG occupational pensions for employees, EL supplementary benefits for low income retirees and disabled people, and compulsory health insurance KVG with possible premium reductions set by the canton of Solothurn.

How do I apply for my AHV retirement pension

Submit your application to the Solothurn cantonal compensation office SVA. Apply about 3 to 4 months before you want to start your pension. You will need identification, civil status documents, and contribution records. You can bring forward the pension up to two years early with reductions or defer up to five years with increases. If you lived or worked abroad, provide foreign insurance numbers so periods can be coordinated.

What should I do if my IV disability claim is denied

Read the decision carefully and observe the 30 day objection deadline. File an objection explaining why the decision is incorrect, attach medical reports, functional assessments and employment records, and request a copy of the file. If the objection is rejected, you can appeal to the Solothurn insurance court. A lawyer can help obtain independent medical opinions and challenge work capacity assessments.

Can I work part time while receiving IV or ALV benefits

Often yes, but rules differ. IV allows work compatible with your residual capacity and may adjust your pension according to actual earnings. ALV requires you to accept suitable work and report any income monthly, which is offset against benefits. Always inform the competent office about any work to avoid overpayments.

I lost my job. How do I register for unemployment benefits

Register with the regional job center responsible for Dornach as soon as you know your employment will end and at the latest on your first day of unemployment. Bring identification, proof of termination, salary slips, work certificates and job search records. You must continue job searches and attend appointments. Waiting days and sanctions may apply depending on your situation.

What if my employer did not pay AHV contributions

If contributions were withheld from your salary but not remitted, your individual AHV account can usually be credited if you provide proof of earnings like salary slips and your employer’s failure is established. Contact SVA Solothurn to check your individual account and submit evidence. You can also claim wage statements in employment proceedings if needed.

How are occupational pensions BVG handled in a divorce

Second pillar accrued during the marriage is generally split by the court. The pension fund executes the transfer after receiving the court order. If you are close to retirement or already drawing benefits, special rules apply. A family lawyer and the pension fund can explain your options and the documents required.

I live in France or Germany but work in Dornach. Which system covers me

Under EU and EFTA coordination rules, you are usually insured where you work. Your employer in Dornach registers and pays Swiss contributions. Certain exceptions apply for detached workers and multi state employment. For health insurance, special cross border options may apply. Ask your employer and the compensation office for the correct setup.

How do I get a premium reduction for health insurance in Solothurn

Premium reductions are granted by the canton based on income and family situation. File an application with the Solothurn authorities and provide tax assessments and household details. Decisions are issued annually and can be appealed within the stated deadline if you disagree.

What are the typical appeal deadlines in social insurance matters

Most social insurance decisions allow 30 days from receipt to file an objection with the issuing office. If the objection is rejected, you generally have 30 days to appeal to the Solothurn insurance court. Some procedures have different periods, so always check the notice. Missing a deadline can end your case unless a valid reason for reinstatement is accepted.

Additional Resources

SVA Solothurn - Cantonal compensation office handling AHV, IV, EO, family allowances and supplementary benefits EL for residents of Dornach.

IV office Solothurn - Medical assessments, early intervention and vocational measures for disability insurance.

Regional job center RAV responsible for Dornach - Registration and counseling for unemployment insurance and job placement.

Accident insurance provider for your employer - Often Suva or a private insurer designated by your employer, responsible for occupational and non occupational accident claims.

Occupational pension fund BVG - Your employer’s pension fund provides information on vested benefits, retirement options and disability benefits.

Department of Health and Social Affairs of the canton of Solothurn - Information on health insurance premium reductions and public health matters.

Municipal social services in Dornach - Advice on social assistance if insurance benefits are insufficient.

Pro Senectute - Guidance and support for seniors on AHV, EL and related topics.

Pro Infirmis - Counseling and support services for people with disabilities.

Caritas Solothurn or similar non profit advice centers - Low cost social and legal counseling for insurance and debt issues.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and benefit type such as AHV pension, IV disability benefits, ALV unemployment, EL supplementary benefits or accident insurance. Note any deadlines shown on decisions or letters.

Gather documents that typically include identification, residence and civil status papers, employment contracts, salary slips, termination letters, medical reports, accident reports, tax assessments and insurance policy information.

Contact the competent office for your case. For AHV, IV, EO and EL matters, start with SVA Solothurn or the IV office. For unemployment, register with the regional job center responsible for Dornach. For accidents, notify the accident insurer and your employer. For BVG, contact your pension fund.

If a decision is negative or unclear, file a timely objection in writing. Ask to inspect the file. Short, clear objections preserve your rights while you seek advice.

Consider consulting a lawyer experienced in Swiss social insurance law. Bring your documents and a timeline of events. Ask about legal costs and whether legal protection insurance or legal aid is available.

Use community resources for practical help. Advice centers can assist with forms, budgeting and coordination between benefits so you avoid gaps or overpayments.

Keep copies of everything you submit and a diary of contacts and deadlines. Respond promptly to requests from authorities. Accurate and complete information usually speeds up decisions.