Family allowances in Switzerland

Family allowances form a part of Swiss social insurance law and consist of child and education allowances.

Family Allowances

The federal government has regulated the provision of family allowances in the Federal Act on Family Allowances (FamZG). The FamZG only specifies minimum requirements. However, the cantons are free to enact more extensive regulations. For example, cantons may stipulate higher minimum rates. Originally, family allowances were intended for employees as well as for non-employed persons. Since January 1, 2013, self-employed individuals are also covered by the law. The financing of the family allowances can be determined by the cantons. Typically, employers must fund it. For non-employed persons, the cantons must provide funding, although they may stipulate that non-employed persons have to pay a surcharge on their AVS contributions.

The child allowance is at least CHF 200.- and the education allowance must be at least CHF 250.- per month. Only one allowance is granted per child. Therefore, someone employed by multiple employers does not receive more allowances. To ensure that only one family allowance is paid per child, the legislator has created a family allowance register with Art. 21a FamZG. A tricky aspect of the allowance is clarifying competing claims, for example, between father, mother, foster parents, etc.