Support for families

In Geneva, a childbirth allowance of CHF 2,000 is paid for the birth of each child (then CHF 3,000 for the third and subsequent children), provided the mother was living in Switzerland at the time of the birth and for the preceding nine months.

By analogy, in Geneva an adoption allowance of CHF 2,000 is paid for the adoption of a child in Switzerland (then CHF 3,000 for the third and subsequent children) for which the future parents have received the definitive adoption authorisation.

The family allowance is a monthly benefit of CHF 300 for each child, paid from birth (or placement in the case of adoption) until 16 years of age (CHF 400 from the third child). In principle, the family allowance is requested by the parent with the highest income.

The allowance can also be paid for children residing abroad, except those domiciled outside the EU/EFTA (for exceptions refer to the cantonal office for social insurances (OCAS)). Please note that Swiss allowances are only paid if no such benefit is received in the country of origin. Family allowances are not automatically granted. A request must be made to the OCAS.

The training allowance is a monthly payment per child between the ages of 16 and 25 who is studying or doing an apprenticeship. Important: This allowance is only granted if the child does not earn more than CHF 28,680 per year.

If the child begins further education before the age of 16, you will receive this allowance in advance.

The allowance can be granted to a child leaving abroad in an EU/EFTA country. If your child lives in a country where compulsory education ends before the age of 16, you will also receive this allowance in advance. However, this entitlement does not apply in countries where compulsory education continues to age 16 or older.

The request must be submitted to the Cantonal service for family allowances in writing by means of the official form.