25 Important Questions About Unemployment Insurance (ALV)
Published on 2026-03-03
👁️🗨️Overview of Unemployment Insurance
If you become unemployed, it's about deadlines, obligations, and money.
The most important thing is: report to the RAV immediately, document everything properly, and actively apply for jobs.
Many lose money due to waiting days or because they act too late.
What about the AHV, pension fund, and the 3rd pillar in case of unemployment?
1) What to do after termination to receive ALV benefits
Register quickly with the RAV and gather all documents (termination letter, pay slips, ID). Do not wait until money is tight to register. Start job searching immediately and document everything.
2) RAV registration deadline: how quickly to register
Ideally, immediately, as soon as it is clear that you will become unemployed, i.e., even during your notice period. If you come too late, you may lose daily benefits. The RAV will tell you when you are officially considered unemployed. Do not be ashamed to go there. You have paid for it and probably did nothing to cause your situation.
3) Reporting unemployment even during notice period
Yes, this is often advisable. You can register with the RAV even during your notice period. This way, you won't miss any deadlines and can receive help with job searching sooner.
4) Difference between unemployment fund and RAV
The RAV helps you find a job and monitors your job search. The unemployment fund pays you the money (daily benefits). You usually need both entities.
5) What documents are needed for RAV / ALV
Typically required are: termination letter, employment contract, ID, residence permit, pay slips, and employer confirmation. Often also a resume and proof of applications. Ask the RAV for the exact list.
6) ALV entitlement requirements: 12 months of contribution time
You generally need at least 12 months of work with ALV contributions in the last 2 years. Additionally, you must be unemployed, reside in Switzerland, and be capable of working. If in doubt, it is worth registering for verification.
7) ALV daily benefit calculation: 70 or 80 percent
Usually, you receive 70% of your insured salary. 80% is available in certain cases, for example, if you have to support children or have a low income. The exact amount is calculated by the fund.
8) ALV maximum insured salary: 148,200
There is an upper limit: salary portions over CHF 148,200 per year are not insured by the ALV. This means you do not receive unlimited daily benefits, even if you earned very well. The ALV only calculates up to this limit.
9) ALV daily benefits: how many days / entitlement duration
This depends on your age, contribution period, and family situation. Typically, it is 260, 400, or 520 daily benefits. The unemployment fund will inform you of your exact entitlement in writing.
200 daily benefits: up to 25 years without maintenance obligation (contribution period 12 to 24 months)
260 daily benefits: from 25 years or with maintenance obligation (contribution period 12-18 months)
400 daily benefits: from 25 years or with maintenance obligation (contribution period 18 to 24 months)
520 daily benefits: from 55 years (contribution period 22 to 24 months)
520 daily benefits: from 25 years or with maintenance obligation (contribution period 22 to 24 months) + disability pension (disability degree of at least 40%)
If you became unemployed shortly before reaching the AHV retirement age (within the last four years before the AHV retirement age), you will receive an additional 120 daily benefits. I have written a blog article on this topic titled “Unemployed shortly before retirement.”
10) ALV 55+: how many daily benefits (520 / extra daily benefits)
From age 55, you can have up to 520 daily benefits under certain conditions. In the last years before the reference age, there are an additional 120 daily benefits. Important: The details depend on your contribution period and situation.
11) Private unemployment insurance for the self-employed
As a self-employed person, you are not mandatorily insured in the ALV. The state unemployment insurance does not pay if your business is struggling or you give up self-employment.
As a self-employed individual, you generally have no entitlement to unemployment compensation.
An entitlement exists only if you have previously worked at least 12 months as an employee and paid ALV contributions (within the reference period).
You bear the entrepreneurial risk yourself.
Do not try to obtain unemployment benefits "through back channels," for example, by intentionally getting sick and claiming benefits through a sick pay insurance. This will inevitably lead to problems with the insurer. They will either massively increase the premium or simply terminate the contract. Finding a follow-up solution is especially difficult for small businesses.
12) Avoiding waiting days in Switzerland (ALV)
Do not simply resign "for fun" without a good reason. Actively search for a new position before your job ends and document applications. Keep all appointments and follow the instructions from the RAV.
13) How many applications per month are required by RAV (obligation)
The RAV will give you a target number, depending on your profession and region. It is important to apply regularly, appropriately, and well-documented. A few "token applications" can cause problems.
14) RAV control days / appointments: what happens if I miss them
If you miss without a good reason, there may be sanctions, such as waiting days. If you are sick, you usually need a doctor's certificate. Always report to the RAV immediately if you cannot attend.
15) Interim earnings ALV: how it is calculated
Interim earnings mean: you work temporarily and earn something. This income is taken into account, but you often still receive a portion of daily benefits. The goal is that working pays off.
16) Interim earnings are worthwhile ALV (example calculation)
Usually yes, because you are back in the job market and "stretch" your daily benefits. You often consume fewer daily benefits than without a job. Have the fund explain the exact calculation to you.
17) Part-time work and ALV entitlement (partial unemployment)
If you work part-time but want to work more, it may be partial unemployment. Then you may receive money for the shortfall. However, you must show that you are actively looking for a suitable position.
18) ALV illness during unemployment: who pays
If you are sick, you must report it and often provide a doctor's certificate. Depending on the situation, the ALV may continue to pay or other rules may apply. Important: without reporting, there may be problems.
19) Accident during ALV: what happens
While you are receiving daily benefits, you are usually covered by accident insurance. In case of an accident, report it immediately and clarify who pays (accident insurance or ALV). Keep medical reports and notifications ready.
20) Pregnancy / maternity during ALV entitlement
Pregnancy is not automatically "sick," but there may be restrictions. Around the time of birth, maternity compensation often applies if the conditions are met. Clarify this early with the RAV/fund.
21) Vacation during ALV allowed (how many days)
Vacation is only possible with rules: you must coordinate it with the RAV. During "vacation days," there are usually fewer obligations, but not unlimited. If you are simply away, you risk sanctions.
22) Job search abroad with ALV (EU/EFTA)
In certain cases, you can search for jobs abroad, but you need permits and forms. Without clarification, you risk stopping payments. Always ask the RAV first.
23) Cross-border commuters unemployed: where to receive daily benefits (country of residence or CH)
In case of full unemployment, the country of residence is often responsible. In case of short-time work, it may be different. This is complex, so definitely clarify with the responsible authority.
24) Employer-like position ALV entitlement (GmbH/board of directors/managing director)
If you have significant decision-making power (e.g., board of directors, shareholder, managing director), the fund may state: no real entitlement to ALV. You then must demonstrate that you have truly given up the position. This will be verified with documents.
25) Unemployed and my pension, AHV, pension fund, 3rd pillar
1st pillar – AHV (old-age and survivors' insurance)
You do not need to do anything additional. While you receive unemployment daily benefits, the unemployment fund automatically pays AHV contributions for you.
If your daily benefit entitlement is exhausted and you have no income, you must register with your municipality as a non-working person and pay the AHV contribution yourself (Min CHF 503, Max 26,500 per year). If you do not pay this, gaps will arise, which will lead to a reduction in your future pension.
2nd pillar – pension fund (occupational pension)
Risk protection remains in place: While you receive unemployment daily benefits, you are still insured for death and disability through the BVG compensation fund.
No mandatory savings contributions: No savings contributions (retirement savings) will be paid anymore. Your savings (vested benefits) remain "frozen" at the level before unemployment.
Voluntary continued insurance possible: You can voluntarily continue to pay savings contributions if you wish. This is not mandatory. Apply to the BVG compensation fund.
Withdrawal or cash payment: A cash payment is only possible if you definitively leave Switzerland or become self-employed. A withdrawal for home ownership is possible.
3rd pillar a – tied pension (private pension)
Contributions are only possible with AHV-liable income. Tax offices accept the status “during temporary interruption of employment” and allow you to claim the deduction. Depending on the canton, the regulations may differ, so briefly inquire with the tax office to avoid trouble.
Recommendation: have your overall situation assessed by an independent expert. They will address your personal situation and tell you what is good for you. Also, read the blog article “Unemployed shortly before retirement.”
Sources
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Written by Tommaso Rubino, http://finanzberatung-rubino.ch/