Family allowances: everything you need to know
In Switzerland, family allowances are a social benefit designed to provide financial support to families with dependent children. Family allowances are governed by the Family Allowances Act (LAFam), which provides a set of benefits for employees, self-employed persons and persons not in gainful employment.
Family allowances are paid monthly and are subject to eligibility criteria. The main features of family allowances in Switzerland are
Family allowances are paid for each dependent child from birth until the age of 16 (18 for children in vocational training).
Family allowances are subject to an income limit: parents must have an income below a certain threshold to be eligible for family allowances.
The amount of child benefit varies according to the canton of residence of the family. In general, family allowances are higher for families with several dependent children.
Employees receive family allowances from their employer, while the self-employed and persons not in gainful employment must apply to the competent cantonal body.
Family allowances are financed by employers and employees. Employers pay a fixed contribution per employee, while employees are deducted a percentage of their gross salary.
In short, family allowances in Switzerland are a social benefit designed to provide financial support to families with dependent children. Family allowances vary according to the canton of residence of the family and are subject to income eligibility criteria. Employees receive family allowances from their employer, while self-employed persons and persons not in gainful employment must apply to the competent cantonal body.