Switzerland - Family allowances
This chapter introduces the family allowance system, distinguishing between the benefits paid in the agricultural sector and those paid in the other sectors.
Benefits covered in this chapter:
- Family allowances in the agricultural sector
- Family allowances in the other sectors
In what situation can I claim?
In Switzerland, we distinguish between family allowances paid in the agricultural sector and those paid in the other sectors.
In the agricultural sector, family allowances are governed at federal level.
In the other sectors, these benefits are defined by specific laws in each of the 26 cantons; a federal law stipulates the minimum conditions.
Whatever the sector, there are at least two types of allowances:
- child allowance, paid until the child reaches 16 years of age or 20 years if the child is unable to engage in paid employment (if the child qualifies for a training allowance before the age of 16, the latter is paid instead of the child allowance);
- training allowance, paid until the end of the child's training, but not after the child reaches 25 years of age.
What conditions do I need to meet?
Children of married or unmarried parents, adopted children, children of a spouse/registered partner, foster children, as well as brothers, sisters and grandchildren if they are dependent on the beneficiary give entitlement to benefits.
Family allowances in the agricultural sector
If you are an agricultural worker or a self-employed farmer, you can claim family allowances.
As an agricultural worker, you are also entitled to a household allowance.
Family allowances in the other sectors
All parents engaged in paid employment are entitled to family allowances (employed and self-employed).
The same goes for unemployed mothers who are entitled to allowances in case of maternity.
If you are not engaged in paid employment, you are entitled to family allowances provided that your annual income does not exceed CHF 44,100 (this threshold may be increased or removed by the cantons).
What am I entitled to and how can I claim?
Family allowances in the agricultural sector
|
Child allowance: |
CHF 200 per month and per child in lowland regions |
|
CHF 220 per month and per child in mountain regions | |
|
Training allowance: |
CHF 250 per month and per child in lowland regions |
|
CHF 270 per month and per child in mountain regions | |
|
Household allowance: |
CHF 100 per month |
Family allowances in the other sectors
|
Child allowance: |
CHF 200 per month and per child |
|
Training allowance: |
CHF 250 per month and per child |
These are the minimum amounts. The cantons may provide for higher allowances and may also pay you other benefits such as birth or adoption allowances.
If you are an employee, you need to send an application to your employer, who will forward it on to the appropriate family allowances fund.
If you are self-employed, contact your compensation fund for family allowances.
If you are a self-employed farmer, you need to apply to your AVS cantonal compensation fund.
If you are not engaged in paid employment, you need to contact the AVS cantonal compensation fund.
Jargon busters
- AVS: old-age and survivors' insurance. The AVS is the first pillar of the old-age and survivors' scheme in Switzerland.
- Compensation funds: the compensation offices arrange the payment of various social benefits at the cantonal level. The funds are not centralised and reflect Switzerland's federal structure. There are two main types: occupational compensation funds and cantonal compensation funds.
- Registered partnership: the registered partnership allowed two people of the same sex who were not related to legalise their relationship. As of 1 July 2022, it is no longer possible to enter into new registered partnerships in Switzerland. Same-sex couples can only opt for marriage. Existing registered partnerships can be maintained without the need for a special declaration. For its whole duration the registered same-sex partnership is treated as marriage and its judicial dissolution as divorce; the surviving registered partner is treated as a widower.
Forms you may need to fill in
The forms are usually available on the websites of the cantonal compensation funds.
Know your rights
The following links provide additional information about your rights. They are not European Commission sites and do not represent the view of the Commission:
- Family allowances register
- Family allowances: frequently asked questions
- Information on family allowances on the AVS/AI Information Centre site
European Commission publications:
Who do you need to contact?
Cantonal compensation funds and occupational compensation funds
Find the contact details of the cantonal compensation funds and occupational compensation funds.
Contact the relevant compensation office.
Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO)
Effingerstrasse 20
3003 Bern
Tel. +41 584629011