Motherhood

The maternity allowance starts on the day of the birth and lasts up to 14 weeks (98 days). It pays 80% of your average earnings before the birth, at most CHF 220 a day.1

You qualify if you were insured under AHV for the nine months before the birth, worked for at least five of them, and are employed, self-employed or unemployed under the conditions of unemployment insurance when the baby is born.1

If your baby must stay in hospital for more than two weeks after the birth, the allowance is extended by the length of the stay, up to 56 days.1

The allowance ends early if you return to work during the 14 weeks, even part-time.1

The other parent, the father or the mother’s wife, is entitled to two weeks of leave, ten working days at full time, to take within six months of the birth and paid at the same rate.2

Maternity services, such as check-ups, the birth and postnatal care, are covered by basic insurance without deductible or co-payment. Ask your insurer from which week of pregnancy this also applies to other treatment.8

Insure your baby within three months of the birth; cover then applies from the day of birth.8

After the birth, basic insurance covers home visits by a midwife.11

Every canton pays at least CHF 215 a month per child up to age 16, and at least CHF 268 for young people in education up to age 25. Many cantons pay more.67

Employees receive them through their employer, self-employed people through their compensation office. If both parents work, the law sets who claims them.67

Childcare costs for children under 14 can be deducted from your taxable income, up to a limit.9

In most cantons, compulsory schooling lasts eleven years, including two years of kindergarten from about age four.10

Your commune can tell you about local daycare, after-school care and counselling for parents of babies and young children.