Family allowances
In the agricultural sector family allowances are organised at Federal level,
while those for other workers are governed by cantonal legislation. Family
allowances are normally paid by employers with wages or salaries.
Federal level
Child allowance (per child and per month): CHF 175 for the first two children
and CHF 180 for the third and subsequent children in lowland regions, with an
additional CHF 20 in mountainous regions. The allowance is payable until the
child reaches the age of 16, or 25 if in education or training. Family allowance
for agricultural workers living with their spouse and/or children: CHF 100 per
month.
Cantonal level
Child allowance (per child and per month): between CHF 160 and CHF 350
according to canton. The allowance is normally payable until the child reaches
the age of 16, or 25 if in education or training. Higher vocational training
allowances are payable for apprentices and students up to the age of 25 in 12
cantons: between CHF 190 and CHF 444 according to canton. Birth allowance in ten
cantons: between CHF 600 and CHF 1 500 according to canton for each child born;
adoption allowance: same amount in five of these ten cantons for a child placed
for adoption.
Maternity
The compulsory health insurance scheme offers not only general healthcare
benefits but also specific benefits in kind: examinations
during and after pregnancy, delivery, advice on feeding, and care and
in-hospital services for a healthy newborn while hospitalised with its mother.
Mothers are not required to contribute to the cost of these services.
The loss-of-earnings insurance scheme ensures that all women engaged in gainful
activity (whether employed or self-employed) receive a maternity
allowance of 80% of their last income, subject to a ceiling of CHF 172
per day, for 14 weeks after the birth. To qualify for this allowance, a woman
must have been insured for not less than nine months preceding the birth and
must have been engaged in gainful activity for at least five months during this
period.
Text last edited on: 11/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.
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