Am I, as an individual who is not gainfully employed, eligible for family allowances?

Individuals who are not gainfully employed are entitled to family allowances provided that they satisfy the following criteria:

• the applicant resides in Switzerland;
• they are considered to be not in gainful employment as defined by the OASI insurance scheme;
• they have a taxable income of no more than CHF 43 020 per year (several cantons have more lenient rules in place);
• no supplementary OASI/DI benefits are being received.

Individuals who lose their gainful employment status in the course of the year remain entitled to family allowances provided that they meet the above conditions. This means that they can start claiming these benefits during that time.

Please note that entitlement to family allowances for individuals who are not gainfully employed is a subordinate right. In other words, if, during the same period, a gainfully employed person would be entitled to a family allowance for the same child, their claim takes precedence.