You have become completely or partially unemployed.
You have worked as an employee for at least 12 months in the last 2 years. (See FAQ for possible exceptions.)
Switzerland is your main place of residence. If this is not the case, please refer to the section below on foreign nationals and cross-border commuters.
You have completed the compulsory schooling and have not yet reached the AHV retirement age.
notify the regional employment centre (RAV) of your unemployment
be ready and immediately available to accept a job that matches your professional profile;
start looking for a new job during the notice period;
if you are on a fixed-term contract, start looking for work three months before the end of your contract.
your OASI/InvI (AHV/IV, AVS/AI) insurance certificate or your health insurance card
your identity card or passport,
documents from job searches carried out so far (application letters, replies received, etc.)
any other information requested by the RAV
a PD U2 form, if you are a national of an EU or EFTA country, are already receiving unemployment insurance benefits from an EU or EFTA country, and are looking for work in Switzerland
the form to request unemployment benefits, available here
work certificates from the last two years, with form listed here
other information requested by the unemployment fund
a PD U1 form, if you are a national of an EU or EFTA country
How much do I get?
You have dependent children younger than 25 years old
Your monthly insured salary is less than CHF 3,797
You have a disability rating of at least 40%
How long is it paid for?
Length of contrib. (no. of months in the 2 years prior to enrolment) | Age | Dependents | No. of days eligible for unemployment benefit |
---|---|---|---|
12 to 24 months | Up to age 25, without dependents | 200 (1) | |
12 to < 18 | Up to age 25 | 260 (1) | |
12 to < 18 | With dependents | 260 (1) | |
18 to 24 | 25 to 55 | 400 (1) | |
18 to 24 | With dependents | 400 (1) | |
22 to 24 | Over age 55 | 520 (1) | |
22 to 24 | Age 25 to 55 | Receiving a disability pension that corresponds to a degree of disability of at least 40%. | 520 (1) |
22 to 24 | With dependents | Receiving a disability pension that corresponds to a degree of disability of at least 40%. | 520 (1) |
Exempt from paying contributions | 90/180 (2) |
Foreign nationals
Cross-border workers
have lost your right to unemployment insurance no earlier than the month you turned 60;
have been insured with the OASI/AHV for at least 20 years, including at least five years after your 50th birthday;
have worked and earned an annual income of at least 75% of the maximum OASI/AHV pension (as of 2024: CHF 22,050) or have been entitled to parenting and care credits in the same amount;
live in Switzerland or in a member state of the EU or EFTA; and
have basic expenses that exceed your qualifying income (statutory limits).