Family and Child Allowances in Switzerland: Everything You Need to Know

Switzerland supports families with children through a system of family allowances, designed to provide financial relief to parents or guardians. These payments are mandatory in all cantons, although the amount and eligibility rules vary depending on the canton.

This article explains how family and child allowances work, who is eligible, and how these benefits are taxed.

What Are Family Allowances?

Definition

Family allowances are legally mandated financial benefits that parents receive to partially offset the costs of raising and caring for their children.

Types of Allowances

• Child allowance: for children up to 16 years old
• Education allowance: for children 16 years and older who are in education
• Birth or adoption allowance: additionally provided in some cantons

Eligibility for Family Allowances

Eligible Recipients

Family allowances can be claimed by:

• Employees (full-time or part-time)
• Self-employed individuals
• Non-working parents, if their income is below a certain threshold (varies by canton)

Employment Threshold

Eligibility generally starts from a monthly income of CHF 597 (as of 2025). Part-time employees are also entitled.

Priority When Both Parents Are Eligible

If both parents work, there is a legal order to determine who receives the allowance (e.g., first the parent in the canton of the child’s residence).

Amount of Family Allowances

Minimum Amounts

Legally required federal minimum amounts:

• Child allowance: at least CHF 200 per month per child
• Education allowance: at least CHF 250 per month per child

Cantonal Variations

Cantons can set higher amounts. Examples (as of 2025):

• Zurich: CHF 200 child allowance, CHF 250 education allowance
• Geneva: CHF 300 child allowance, CHF 400 education allowance
• Ticino: CHF 230 child allowance, CHF 280 education allowance

Tax Treatment of Family Allowances

Income Tax

Family allowances are considered income and must be declared in the tax return.

Social Security Contributions

Family allowances are exempt from AHV/IV/EO contributions and are therefore free of social security deductions.

Administrative Aspects

Payment

• Through employer: included with salary payments
• Self-employed or non-working parents: paid via the cantonal compensation office

Application

Parents must actively apply for allowances. Commonly required documents:

• Family record book or child’s birth certificate
• Proof of education for children aged 16 and older
• Employment contract or proof of income

Practical Examples

Example 1: Family with Two Children in Zurich

One parent works 80% in Zurich. They receive CHF 200 per month per child. Once the older child starts vocational training, the allowance increases to CHF 250.

Example 2: Family in Geneva with a School-Age Child

A mother works full-time in Geneva. She receives CHF 300 per month for her daughter, as the canton sets higher allowances than the federal minimum.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

• Assuming allowances are paid automatically without applying
• Failing to submit education proof for children aged 16+ on time
• Incorrectly declaring allowances in the tax return

Tips

• Regularly check eligibility, especially after job changes or moving to another canton
• Submit education proofs on time to the compensation office
• Correctly declare allowances for tax purposes

Conclusion

Family allowances are an essential part of Switzerland’s family policy and provide financial relief to parents. Eligibility includes full-time and part-time employees, self-employed individuals, and in some cases, non-working parents.

Because amounts vary by canton, it is important to understand the local rules. By applying on time and declaring allowances correctly in the tax return, families can make the most of these benefits.