Family allowances (AF)

These are entirely your employer’s responsibility (except in the canton of Valais) so you have no direct contributions to pay. 

If you are engaged in paid employment, you are entitled to an allowance for each child from birth until they are 16 years of age.  An incapacity benefit is paid for children unable to engage in paid employment from day one of the month following their 16th birthday, until they turn 20.  A vocational training allowance is granted for children between the ages of 16 and 25 if they are studying or engaged in an apprenticeship, provided their monthly income does not exceed CHF 2,450 per month (since 01.01.2023). In some cantons there is a flat-rate allowance (which is cumulative) granted at birth or when a child is placed for adoption.  Minimum amounts are fixed by Federal Law: CHF 200 in child benefits and CHF250 for a vocational training allowance.  As a number of cantons have the competence to stipulate other amounts, please consult the cantonal allowance tables.  In the event of incapacity for work due to illness, accident, pregnancy or legal obligations, this entitlement can be prolonged by three months at the most.

In order to benefit from a family allowance, you will have to fill out an application form which will be provided by your employer at the start of employment, if you already have one or more children, or at their birth.  In principle, the allowance is paid by the company along with the monthly salary, or else in particular situations, directly by our Compensation Fund.