Social benefits in Switzerland

Do you live in Switzerland and are trying to understand what social benefits you can receive? Learn about the Social benefits in Switzerland.

Well, know that the country offers a solid social support network—whether for families with children, people in financial difficulty, the unemployed, or newcomers.

So, if you're facing challenges with income, health, or housing, there are programs that can help you live with more security and dignity.

After all, the Swiss system is renowned for balancing solidarity and individual responsibility — and you may be entitled to much more than you think.

In this article, you'll learn about the most sought-after social benefits in Switzerland and learn the step-by-step process for applying for each one.

Let's go?

1. Family allowances: monthly assistance for those with children

Firstly, if you have children and work in Switzerland (even as a foreigner), you are probably entitled to a monthly allowance known as allocation pour enfant.

Additionally, when your children enter vocational training or higher education, you can receive the allocation de formation.

🟠 How much do you receive?
It depends on the canton, but generally:

• CHF 200 to 300 per month per child
• CHF 250 to 400 per month per young person in training

🟢 Who can receive it?

• Salaried workers with children under 16 years of age
• Up to 25 years of age, if the child is in training
• Parents living in Switzerland or in a country with a bilateral agreement (such as France, Portugal, Italy)

🔵 How to apply step by step:

1. Ask your employer for the “Demande d'allocation familiale” form (or download it from the website of your canton's caisse de compensation).
2. Fill in your details and those of your child.
3. Attach a copy of your family booklet or birth certificate.
4. Delivered to the employer or directly to the compensation fund (Caisse de compensation).
5. Wait for approval and payment to begin.

2. Subside pour l'assurance-maladie: help paying for health insurance (LaMal)

In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory — but it's also expensive.

Fortunately, the government offers a subsidy (appelé subside) to help families and people with lower incomes pay their monthly premiums.

🟠 How much do you receive?

• It depends on your income and the franchise you choose.
• Can cover from CHF 100 to 100% of the monthly premium

🟢 Who can receive it?

• Persons legally resident in Switzerland
• Annual household income below a ceiling set by the canton
• Young adults in training also have the right

🔵 How to apply step by step:

1. Go to the website of your caisse cantonale d'assurance-maladie (e.g. ge.ch for Geneva, vd.ch for Vaud).
2. Download or fill out the subsidy request form online.
3. Attach a copy of your latest tax return or income certificate (attestation de revenu).
4. Send to the indicated address or deliver in person.
5. Wait for the response with the approved amount.

Tip: In some cantons, the subsidy is automatically renewed. In others, you must reapply annually.

3. Assurance chômage: unemployment insurance

Lost your job and legally living in Switzerland?

You may be eligible for unemployment insurance — which provides a monthly income while you look for another job.

🟠 How much do you receive?

• 70% of previous salary (or 80% if you have children or low income)
• Duration depends on how long you worked previously

🟢 Who can receive it?

• Workers with a regular contract in the last 12 months
• Persons with permit B, C or Swiss nationality
• Mandatory registration with the Regional Placement Office (ORP)

🔵 How to apply step by step:

1. Go immediately to an ORP (Office régional de placement) after dismissal.
2. Bring documents: work card, resignation letter, contract, identity card.
3. Register as unemployed.
4. You will be called for interviews and need to prove that you are actively seeking employment.
5. You will receive the demande d'indemnités form and it will be registered with the Caisse de chômage.

Important: Anyone who resigns without justification may be denied payment for up to 60 days.

4. Social aide: support for those who no longer have resources

If you are in a critical situation — without a job, without income, and without unemployment insurance — you can turn to aide sociale.

However, this is the last resort, but it can guarantee housing, food, transportation, health and a minimum of basic necessities to live.

🟠 How much do you receive?

• It depends on the canton, but follows the guidelines of the Conférence suisse des institutions d'action sociale (CSIAS)
• On average, CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500 per month for a single person, plus help with rent and health insurance

🟢 Who can receive it?

• Persons legally resident in Switzerland
• Those who do not have their own resources and are not entitled to other assistance (e.g. unemployment)
• Foreigners with valid permission, but with individual assessment

🔵 How to apply step by step:

1. Go to the social services in your commune or city.
2. Request a rendezvous (interview) with a social worker.
3. Bring documents: passport, residence permit, bank account, proof of income/expenses.
4. Explain your situation and complete the dossier.
5. A social plan will be put together, with possible emergency aid.

Note: Those who receive aide sociale may have difficulty renewing certain types of permission (such as L or B), so it is always a good idea to consult a social worker.

5. Maternity and paternity allocations

Did you just have a baby?

In Switzerland, mothers and fathers are entitled to a benefit during parental leave — even as foreigners.

🟠 How much do you receive?

• 80% of salary for 14 weeks for mothers
• 80% of salary for 2 weeks for parents

🟢 Who can receive it?

• Workers with at least 5 months of activity before childbirth
• Persons with valid permits (B, C, L or Swiss)

🔵 How to apply step by step:

1. Request the “Demande d'allocation de maternité” form from your employer or caisse de compensation.
2. Fill out with your doctor and employer.
3. Attach the baby's birth certificate.
4. Delivered to the clearinghouse.

Finally, the benefit is paid directly to the mother/father or to the employer, depending on the case.

Conclusion: Your rights exist — and they are within your reach.

Ultimately, Switzerland has a robust social system, based on cooperation between cantons, municipalities, and federal entities.

Therefore, if you live legally in the country — even if you are a foreigner — you can access many of these supports.

So, the secret is simple: clear information, correct documentation and quick action.

So, now that you know the most sought-after social benefits, choose the one that applies to your situation and start the process.

After all, asking for help isn't weakness — it's wisdom.