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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.

Note

Further information can also be found in the tax tips for families and in the tax tips for people with disabilities.

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