Three-pillar system
The Swiss system of old-age, survivors' and disability provisions is based on three pillars set out in Article 111 of the Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation. The CCO's competencies are limited to the first pillar (OASI and DI); supplementary benefits over and above OASI and DI are not within its remit.
While the first and second pillars correspond to the public and occupational pension provisions, the third pillar concerns private pension provisions.
Supplementary benefits help when pensions and other income are not sufficient to cover living expenses. Together with OASI and DI, supplementary benefits are an important basis of our welfare state.