Caisse de compensation AVS Verom: close to members

Lucas Bennet: How did the Verom compensation fund come into being, and what role did the SSPM play?

Orhan Gökgöz: On January 1, 2003, the hardware, music & radio and fruit compensation funds merged, giving rise to the Verom compensation fund. Six founding associations are affiliated to it: Swissavant, Schweizerische Interessengemeinschaft für Musik und Radio, Société suisse de pédagogie musicale, Union Suisse des commerces spécialisés Radio-, TV- et multimédias, Swisscofel, and Fruit-union suisse. The name "Verom" is an acronym made up of the initial letters of the German names of all the insured branches: "Vereinigung für Eisenwaren, Radio, Obst, Musik".

L.B.: How many members does Verom currently have?

O.G.: Verom currently manages some 2,100 members. 1500 are employers and 450 are self-employed. The remaining 150 members are not gainfully employed.

L.B.: What can Verom offer SSPM members, and what advantages does it offer over other funds?

O.G.: As an association fund, Verom focuses on its members, and is familiar with their day-to-day realities and needs. Because our membership is relatively small, we are better able to take into account the individual needs of our members, naturally within the framework of legal requirements. Our customer-oriented corporate structure enables us to work very efficiently. We strive to process members' requests as quickly as possible. The SSPM is represented on the fund's committee, and can therefore submit requests from the association and its members with the assurance that they will be given due consideration.
Social insurance is a complex field, and we're happy to support our customers efficiently and effectively.

L.B.: Many SSPM members are self-employed music teachers. What do they need to bear in mind when it comes to retirement provision?

O.G.: First and foremost, it's very important for self-employed people to register with the compensation fund and declare their self-employed status. It's important to obtain proof of this status, as people often assume that they are self-employed, when in fact, from a legal point of view, they have the status of an employee.

L.B.: How do you distinguish between employee and self-employed status?

O.G.: There are several elements that characterize self-employment, and I'll mention three of the most important: do you bear the commercial risk yourself, and do you draw up your own invoices? Do you present yourself to the outside world under your own name? Can you set your own fees for the services you provide, or are these prescribed by your principal? And even if someone is self-employed, this does not necessarily mean that every activity carried out in the same line of business, for example as a music teacher, is considered self-employed. It is quite possible for other activities to be classified as dependent. That's why we recommend that you contact Verom if you're in any doubt about your situation. We're happy to help here too.

L.B.: What offers does Verom provide over and above the mandatory services?

O.G.: For Verom members who employ staff, e.g. in the head offices and secretariats of the SSPM's central association and sections, or in the sole proprietorships of SSPM members, we offer a range of supplementary insurances in collaboration with Groupe Mutuel. This includes daily sickness benefit insurance, accident insurance and more. All settlements are made via the compensation fund, and premiums are invoiced directly with the fund's statement, making administrative tasks considerably easier for members. Another advantage is that premiums do not have to be paid in advance for the year, but are collected monthly or quarterly.

L.B.: It's sometimes difficult to manage 1st pillar contributions properly. Does the Verom caisse offer courses or further training in this area?

O.G.: We currently have two offers for employers. On the one hand, there are regular, free information sessions for all those involved in payroll. Information is provided on compulsory AHV contributions, deadlines, interest, pension funds and so on. We also offer members who employ staff a software package for drawing up professional salary statements. We take care of installation, training and support. The cost of this service is a flat-rate 100 francs per year, and 1 franc per salary statement per month. This offer is much appreciated. We are also happy to organize industry-specific meetings in collaboration with the relevant associations. This service could obviously be useful to the interesting professional sector of music teaching, which includes many self-employed teachers.

Address for support and further information about the Verom relief fund :
www.verom.ch or call 044 253 93 02.