Child benefit in Switzerland (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Federal minimums in 2026 are CHF 215 per month up to age 16 and CHF 268 for training up to age 25; cantons may pay more. Employees claim through their employer or family compensation fund.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Amount of child benefitChild benefit | Federal minimum in 2026: child allowance CHF 215 per month (up to age 16) and training allowance CHF 268 per month (age 16 to 25). Cantons may set higher amounts, and some add birth and adoption allowances. [1] |
| Age limit for the childChild benefit | Child allowance from the month of birth to the end of the month in which the child turns 16. Training allowance from the end of the month the child turns 15 (at the earliest, once post-compulsory training starts) until training ends, at most to the end of the month of the 25th birthday. [1] |
| Residence conditionChild benefit | Entitled: employees and self-employed people earning at least CHF 630 per month (CHF 7,560 per year) from AHV-liable income, and non-working people living in Switzerland who count as non-working under AHV and have a modest income. [1] |
| Income testChild benefit | Not income-tested for employees and self-employed people. For non-working people taxable income must not exceed CHF 45,360 per year, and they must not receive supplementary benefits to AHV/IV. [1] |
| Where to claimChild benefit | Employees claim through their employer or the family compensation fund (FAK) it belongs to; self-employed people through their FAK; non-working people usually through the cantonal FAK of their place of residence. [1] |
Sources
- Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen BSV: Leistungen und Voraussetzungen (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.