Key facts
The invalidity insurance (IV) can retrain people who can no longer pursue their current occupation for health reasons. Retraining includes a wide range of measures, such as courses lasting a few weeks, continuing professional development, vocational apprenticeships or tertiary studies. Every year, around 4,000 insured persons undergo such retraining. The costs amount to around CHF 100 million. On top of that, approximately CHF 270 million in daily allowances is paid out during training. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined the way retraining works and its effectiveness. Among other things, it conducted case studies in four cantons (Bern, Geneva, Schwyz, St Gallen) and a survey of 1,500 insured persons.