Under what conditions can I receive child benefit or child allowances for a child over the age of 18?

You receive child benefit or the child allowance for a child

between theages of 18 and 21,
if they are unemployed and available for employment in Switzerland

between theages of 18 and 25,
if they are

• is being trained for a profession
• is in a transitional period (e.g. between two training periods) of no more than four months
• cannot start or continue vocational training due to a lack of a training place
• is doing a voluntary social or ecological year, a "European Voluntary Service for Young People" or other service abroad within the meaning of the Civilian Service Act (Zivildienstgesetz)

If the child has already completed a first vocational training course or a first degree course, you can only receive child benefit or the tax-free allowances during their second course if they are not in gainful employment or are only in low-paid employment (less than 20 hours per week).

without age limit,
if they are unable to support themselves due to a physical, mental or psychological disability. However, the disability must have occurred before the age of 25.

Further information can also be found in the Extern: tax tips for families (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) and in the Extern: tax tips for people with disabilities (Öffnet in neuem Fenster).