The abbreviation IV stands for Invalidenversicherung (invalidity insurance). In addition to AHV it is another important form of social insurance in Switzerland. A person qualifies for invalidity insurance if he or she is no longer able to work permanently or for an extended period (at least one year) due to a physical or mental health problem.

The primary role of IV is to reintegrate the person concerned into employment, for which a series of inclusion measures exist. IV only pays the insured person a pension when these are unsuccessful.