Unemployment Benefits as a Household Worker - Your Rights When Dismissed
Were you let go or are you afraid of losing your job? If you were officially registered as a cleaner or household helper, you have the right to unemployment benefits. If not, you get nothing. Here is what you are entitled to, how to register at the RAV, and what to do now.
You get unemployment benefits if you were registered and paid contributions for at least 12 months in the last 2 years - then you receive 70-80% of your salary.
- Only with AHV registration: undeclared work means zero entitlement.
- 70% of your salary, 80% with children or on a low income.
- Register at the RAV on the first day after your contract ends - every day counts.
Check your unemployment eligibility
Answer 5 short questions to find out if you qualify for unemployment benefits.
Were you registered with the AHV?
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
In Switzerland, unemployment insurance (ALV) is mandatory for all employees. If your employer registered you with the AHV, you automatically paid ALV contributions. The requirements are:
At least 12 months of contributions in the last 2 years
You live in Switzerland and have a valid work permit
You are willing and able to accept a new job
You are registered at the RAV (Regional Employment Centre)
The 12 months do not need to be consecutive. If you worked for 3 different families for 4 months each - that counts together, as long as you were registered everywhere.
Unsure?
Registered vs. undeclared work: the brutal difference
Here is the hard truth: if you worked undeclared, you do not exist for unemployment insurance. Not a single franc was paid in - so you get nothing back.
Undeclared work
- •No unemployment benefits - zero francs
- •No AHV pension for those years
- •No accident insurance coverage
- •If caught: fine for you AND the employer
- •Residence permit at risk
Registered (AHV)
- •Full unemployment benefits (70-80% of salary)
- •AHV pension being built up
- •Accident insurance included
- •Everything legal and secure
- •Permit stays valid
Still working undeclared? It is never too late to change that. Talk to your employer or contact us - we help for free.
Two very different outcomes
Maria
online
I got fired 😢 But I was officially registered, so I am going to the RAV and getting unemployment benefits!
14:32I was fired too... but I was working undeclared. I get absolutely nothing. 😞
14:35I am sorry. Ask your old employer if they can pay the contributions retroactively, you might still have a chance.
14:37How much unemployment money will you get?
The amount of your daily allowance depends on your insured earnings - basically your average salary over the last 6 or 12 months.
You get 80% if you have dependent children, if your daily allowance is below CHF 140, or if you are disabled. Everyone else gets 70%.
Maximum benefit duration
- •12-17 contribution months: 260 daily allowances (under 25 without children: 200)
- •From 18 contribution months: 400 daily allowances (approx. 18 months)
- •From age 55 AND 22+ contribution months: 520 daily allowances (approx. 2 years)
💡
How to register at the RAV - step by step
The faster you register, the faster you get money. Ideally on the first day after your employment ends.
Get the employer certificate
Ask your employer for a written certificate: employment period, salary, reason for termination. This is the 'Employer Certificate' form - your employer must fill it out.
Register at your municipality
Go in person to your municipality and register as a job seeker. You will receive the address of your assigned RAV.
Attend your RAV appointment
At the RAV, you receive personal counselling. Bring all documents (list below). You will be assigned a counsellor who supports your job search.
Search and apply for jobs
From day one, you must prove that you are actively searching. The RAV typically requires 8-12 applications per month. Document every application.
Important deadline
Types of termination and their impact on your benefits
Not every termination is the same. The type of termination directly affects when you start receiving money:
Dismissal by the employer
That is the best case for your ALV. You are entitled to daily allowances immediately - with an insured annual wage up to CHF 36,000 even without any waiting days (otherwise 5-20 waiting days depending on income). No suspension days.
Resignation (you quit)
You will be penalised: 31-60 suspension days with no pay. That is 1-2 months without income. Think carefully!
Immediate dismissal (for misconduct)
If the immediate dismissal was your fault: 31-60 penalty days. If it was not your fault: no penalty.
Mutual termination agreement
Usually treated as a resignation - meaning penalty days as well. Be careful!
Warning about quitting
Documents you need
Gather these documents before going to the RAV. The better prepared you are, the faster everything goes.
Your RAV checklist
Frequently asked questions
Can I get benefits if I only worked a few hours per week?
Yes, as long as you have a total of 12 contribution months in the last 2 years. Part-time work counts. The daily allowance amount is based on your average salary.
What if my employer did not register me?
Then unfortunately you have no entitlement to unemployment benefits. However, you can demand retroactive payment of contributions from the AHV compensation office. Your employer is liable.
Can I get benefits with a B or L permit?
Yes. All permit types (B, C, L, also cross-border G) are entitled to unemployment benefits, as long as contributions were paid and you live in Switzerland (for G: register in your country of residence).
How quickly will I get the first payment?
After registering at the RAV you typically receive the first payment within 4-6 weeks. With an insured annual wage up to CHF 36,000 there are no waiting days; above that, 5-20 waiting days apply depending on income and family obligations.
Do I have to accept every job the RAV suggests?
In principle, yes. You must accept 'suitable' work. This means: the salary must not be significantly lower than your previous one, the commute must not exceed 2 hours each way, and the working hours must match your availability.
Working without a contract?
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