Maternity leave and maternity allowance: all you need to know
In Switzerland, women workers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, 8 weeks of which are taken after giving birth. During this period, they are entitled to a maternity allowance, which is paid by the maternity insurance.
The maternity allowance is 80% of the worker’s average income in the 12 months before the birth, up to a maximum of CHF 196 per day. Women workers must insure themselves with maternity insurance in order to receive this benefit.
Maternity leave is compulsory for all workers, regardless of whether they are employed full-time or part-time, and whether they work in the public or private sector. Self-employed women can also benefit from maternity allowance by insuring themselves with the maternity insurance.
Women workers can take their maternity leave from six weeks before the expected date of delivery. If the child is born prematurely, maternity leave is extended accordingly.
It is important to note that workers are also entitled to parental leave after the end of maternity leave, which can last up to 16 weeks. This leave is also paid in the form of maternity allowance.
In case of doubt or question, it is recommended to contact the competent authorities in this area, such as the cantonal authority or the maternity insurance.