Family allowance in Switzerland

The family allowance in Switzerland is a type of social security designed to provide financial support to parents and guardians, to offset the additional costs of raising a family. All residents with children are entitled to apply for the Swiss family allowance.

What is the Swiss family allowance?

The Act on Family Allowances is a federal act that mandates that all cantons in Switzerland must provide some form of family allowance. The allowance is a monthly payment that is paid to all residents who have dependent children, including young adults who are studying. The system is open to all, but you do not automatically receive the allowance; instead you need to apply for it.

Who can receive a family allowance?

All residents of Switzerland with children up to the age of 16 can receive the family allowance. If your child is ill or has a disability and is unable to work, the age limit is increased to 20 years. If you have a child between the ages of 16 and 25 who is still in higher education such as at university or in vocational training, you can also apply for the family allowance. 

All employed people who are paid at least 592 francs each month can apply for the family allowance. While those claiming unemployment benefits are not entitled to the family allowance, they receive an additional supplement to their benefits if they have dependent children.

How much is the Swiss family allowance?

Although the amount varies from canton to canton, generally the family allowance amounts to (in 2025):

• At least 250 francs a month, per child, for children between the ages of 0 and 16 (20 for disabled children or children unable to work)
• At least 268 francs a month, per child, for children between the ages of 16 and 25 in full-time education

Only one person is allowed to claim the family allowance for their child. In the case of a family that has been split through divorce and separation, the parent who has majority custody can claim the family allowance.

Applying for the family allowance in Switzerland

Rather than receiving it automatically, you must apply for the family allowance in Switzerland. The process differs depending on whether you are employed, self-employed or retired:

Applying for the family allowance in Switzerland as an employee

If you are employed, you need to apply through your employer, who will take you through the necessary steps. Some common documents you will need to present are:

• Residence permit
• Confirmation of residence in the canton, as provided by your council (Gemeinde)
• Passport or ID of the child you wish to register

Self-employed person applying for Swiss family allowance

People who are self-employed or freelancers can still benefit from the Swiss family allowance. In order to apply, you must visit your local Family Compensation Fund. This might be at your local Gemeinde or at a regional centre. Your regional centre can be found here.

How to apply for the family allowance if you are retired or do not work

People who do not work or are retired and have dependents must apply at the same office as self-employed persons. Retirees must go to whichever centre handles their pension in Switzerland.

How will I receive the family allowance?

If your application is approved, your Swiss family allowance will be paid alongside your regular salary. If you are receiving unemployment benefits or a regular pension, your family allowance will be paid alongside your unemployment allowance or first pillar pension.

What do I do when my child becomes too old to claim the family allowance?

It is your responsibility to contact your employer or family compensation fund should any of your circumstances change, since this might disqualify you from claiming the family allowance. For instance, you should inform the authorities if:

• Your child reaches the age of 25.
• Your child reaches the age of 16 (20 for disabled or unwell children) and is not pursuing further education or vocational training.
• Your child is no longer your dependent (for instance, if you lose custody).
• Your child begins to earn a wage.

Any misinformation or refusal to inform your employer or family compensation fund of any changes can lead to the denial of payments or legal proceedings.

Can I still claim Swiss family allowance if my child is studying abroad?

So long as your child remains your dependent, you can still receive the family allowance, even if they are studying abroad. However, you must inform your employer or family compensation fund of where your child is going to study and that you are still supporting them. You might be asked to provide a proof of study letter from your child's university or technical school.