In Switzerland persons with children receive financial support through child and education benefits. Working mothers are entitled to paid maternity leave of at least 14 weeks.
Maternity Compensation
Generally, working mothers are entitled to a paid maternity leave (Mutterschaftsurlaub) of 14 weeks. During this time they recieve at least 80 percent of their wages. Unemployed women or women unable to work should ask their community’s AHV-branch (AHV-Zweigstelle) whether they also qualify. In this case, special rules apply. Women are not permitted to work during the first eight weeks following childbirth (maternity protection).
Father and wife of the mother
In Switzerland, the father is entitled to two weeks of vacation after the birth of a child. The same applies to the mother's wife in same-sex couples. They are entitled to two weeks of paid leave within six months of the birth of your child. Some employers voluntarily offer longer paid parental leave.
Family Allowances
Persons with children receive financial support through family benefits (Familienzulagen). These are issued as child support until a child reaches age 16 and as an education allowance for young people until the age of 25. All parents are entitled to these benefits, whether they are employed, self-employed, or unemployed with little means. Employees receive the allowances with their monthly wages. Additional information on family benefits will be provided by employers or the community’s AHV-branch (AHV-Zweigstelle). The amount paid differs according to canton.