Child allowances

The Swiss government provides two types of monthly allowances to parents and guardians to help offset the cost of raising children.

Child allowance

  1. Paid for children up to age 16, or until they become eligible for the education allowance.
  2. The minimum child allowance is CHF 200 per month in all cantons.
  3. The exact amount may vary by canton (e.g., higher rates in Zug or Geneva) and may increase for the third child and subsequent children.
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Education allowance

  1. Paid for children in post-compulsory education (e.g. apprenticeships, cantonal schools) from age 15 onward.
  2. Also paid for children over 16 who remain in compulsory education.
  3. The minimum education allowance is CHF 250 per month across Switzerland.
  4. The exact amount may vary by canton, with some cantons offering higher payments, especially for the third child and additional children. 
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How to apply for an allowance

To apply for or to make changes to the child allowance, please fill out the corresponding form below (depending on your employing entity):

Be sure to also return a copy to the Support Centre by submitting a request.

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Contacts and resources

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