Received a letter from SVA about a 'reduction in premium'. What is it?

Finance, Taxes, Banking, Insurance and Retirement
1
Hi,

I received recently a letter from SVA Zürich asking me to register on their website to benefit from a "Prämienverbilligun"(?) for the year 2021.

Now what is bizarre is that I don't think my salary qualifies for any sort of "discount" in any social contribution, and I certainly don't want to receive a discount that may be counted as social help and come back to bite me in the future.

Hence I really appreciate if someone can help understand what this is (what SVA is, too :-/) and what this discount is about. I assume/hope I am not the only person who has received this letter.

Many thanks

2
The SVA is the office that collects everyone's AHV (mandatory social security) contributions.

Here's some general information (in English) about medical insurance premiums, and a reduction:

https://www.ch.ch/en/health/health-i...surance-costs/

Here (in German) the SVA sets out the income limits:

https://svazurich.ch/online-services...shinweise.html

and here is a calculator which, like all online calculators made available by Swiss government offices, is not binding, but does give something of an indication of eligibility:

https://svazurich.ch/online-services...e-rechner.html

3
If you don't qualify. It is possible that it might be for a child of yours?

I was able to benefit from the Prämienverbilligung while I was studying.

Might be worth to check

4
My child is barely one year old

5
I do not believe it makes a difference how old the child is, the SVA assessed based on you data that you (your family) members may be eligible.

I have been in a similar situation a few years back and opted not to apply, with no reprimand or follow up from SVA.

6
We have also received the letter for the last two years. Being good earners I also could not understand why we would qualify but am still wondering...

It involves some paperwork to send and I hate paperwork (+a bit of mental work) hence have not sent... But must say that I kind of wonder what the result could be, hence happy to hear if you opt to send OP

7
For 2022 the salary cap for families with children in school is around CHF 89'300 (so that should give you some indication whether you are entitled or not)

https://www.zh.ch/de/news-uebersicht...mit,67'000 .

In any event if you have your tax return (i.e. assessment) you can plug in the figures and see if - and approx. how much - you would get.

https://svazurich.ch/online-services...e-rechner.html

8
I also don't "want to" send, unless I have to. Is it mandatory?

9
No, you can choose not to apply for it.

10
As far as I recall this assistance with health insurance is offered by the Canton of Zürich when children are at a certain point in their education (possibly full time beyond compulsory education). Perhaps someone more capable is able to find a link about it. Obviously this doesn't apply to the OP, but perhaps to other posters here, possibly Mimimi?

This particular benefit is not means tested and as far as I am aware, has no negative repercussions.

11
"..a discount that may be counted as social help and come back to bite me in the future."

Does anyone have more info or experience on the above aspect? For e.g., say a premium reduction (~2k CHF subsidy in a year) would be considered as being "depended" on social assistance? (and can then be used for Art. 62e as a ground for revocation for permits?)

12
No, this isn't considered as social assistance and has no impact on permits, naturalisation etc.

13
Yes, this is also the information I have. The Prämienverbilligung from SVA Zürich does not impact permit and naturalisation.

14
The same also happened to me in the year I got C permit, there was 3 months which i had to make a separate tax form and probably there was a system mistake thinking that the only income i had in that year....