The purpose of the Fund is to insure its members and beneficiaries as well as the members of their families against the economic consequences of disability, old age and death.
As an international organisation, CERN has created its own social security system, including a pension scheme, the CERN Pension Fund. The Fund, which is a defined-benefit scheme, is an integral part of CERN.
A member of the Fund is an employed member of the CERN personnel with a contract of at least six months, or a member of the ESO personnel admitted to the Fund in accordance with the CERN/ESO Agreement.
A beneficiary is a person receiving a benefit, with the exception of a transfer value, from the Fund, in application of the Rules.
A deferred retirement pension is a benefit.
Formed in 1955, the Fund has around 3 700 members and is responsible for paying the pensions of around 3 600 beneficiaries based in 48 countries worldwide.