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Family allowances for children living abroad: a complex challenge for ekspert!

Welcome to our latest article on managing child benefit!

Specific rules to be aware of

International Conventions

In Switzerland, family allowances for children living abroad are only paid if Switzerland is obliged to do so under an international social security agreement. Such agreements exist in particular with the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). For agricultural workers, agreements also exist with certain other countries, such as Türkiye.

Type of benefits that can be exported
Where an entitlement to benefits exists, only certain benefits are exported:
o Child allowance and training allowance: exported.
o Childbirth allowance and adoption allowance: not exported.
o Household allowance for agricultural workers: exported in certain cases.

Education abroad
Children leaving Switzerland for training purposes are presumed to remain resident in Switzerland for five years, thereby continuing to be entitled to family allowances. However, this presumption may be overturned if certain criteria are met, such as loss of compulsory health insurance (LAMal) or lack of regular contact with Switzerland.

Special cases
EU/EFTA nationals
Nationals of EU/EFTA countries who are gainfully employed in Switzerland are entitled to benefits for their children who are resident in the EU/EFTA. (Benefits are also payable to persons not in gainful employment domiciled in Switzerland, provided their children live in the EU/EFTA).
Children living in non-contracting countries
Family allowances are not generally paid for children living in countries with which Switzerland does not have an agreement, except in the case of certain Swiss employees working abroad or seconded by a Swiss company.


Brexit
Since 1 January 2021, the rules for the United Kingdom have changed. People in a situation of expatriation or residence with the UK before this date continue to receive family allowances, but new cross-border situations after 2021 no longer give entitlement to these allowances.

How ekspert can help
Managing family allowances for children living abroad involves in-depth knowledge of complex rules and tedious administrative procedures. At ekspert, we specialise in this area and offer comprehensive services to manage these aspects for you:


o Entitlement analysis: to determine your employees’ entitlement to family allowances in accordance with the relevant international conventions.
o File management: to set up and follow up files with the relevant institutions.
o Personalised advice: to optimise their entitlements and answer your specific questions.
o Administrative follow-up: to ensure that the benefits received are those due, taking into account any changes in legislation or circumstances.


Entrusting us with the management of your staff’s family allowances relieves you of the associated administrative burden, saves you a lot of time and ensures that your employees’ rights are fully respected.
By delegating this task to us, you strengthen your employer brand and offer your employees peace of mind and comfort!


Contact us today for more information!

Our Customer Team is at your disposal for any enquiries you may have.

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