Uncovered benefits: Care credit & compensation for loss of earnings

In the two previous blog posts on the financing options for uncovered benefits, we gave you an overview and took a closer look at supplementary benefits and then presented the helplessness allowance and the assistance contribution. In this article, we will first look at the options for family carers to receive financial support so that their indispensable, self-sacrificing work does not threaten their livelihood. As the very last social safety net, we will also briefly introduce social assistance, which we hope you and your relatives will never have to claim.

Credits and compensation for family carers

Care credit

Relatives who care for needy relatives in a self-sacrificing manner can make a legal claim to a care credit. This credit is then offset against the subsequent AHV or IV pension. The following conditions must be met:

grandparents, parents, children, siblings, spouses, parents-in-law or stepchildren are being cared for
the relatives receiving care receive an AHV/IV, UV or MV helplessness allowance of a moderate or severe degree
the carer and the person in need of care are predominantly, i.e. for at least 180 days a year, in the same, easily accessible
per year, in the same, easily accessible living situation

Important: You can claim your entitlement to a care credit from the compensation office of the canton in which the person in need of care resides - i.e. not in your own canton of residence.

Compensation for loss of earnings

As part of the supplementary benefits, which we have already described in detail in this previous article, people in need of care can apply for compensation for loss of earnings for family members providing care - as compensation for their loss of earnings. General information on loss of earnings compensation can be found here. However, as there is no detailed information for family carers, we recommend that you either ask your cantonal compensation office or contact us. We will work with you to clarify your individual situation, including your entitlements and options. Simply take advantage of our free initial consultation:

Social welfare

In Switzerland, around 256,800 people receive social assistance. This is intended for people who can no longer find employment, no longer have any assets at their disposal and for whom no social insurance is responsible.

For people in need of care, for whom all the financing options presented are no longer sufficient, social assistance is the "last straw". However, this only steps in under certain circumstances. It is also possible for direct relatives, i.e. the parents or children of the person in need of care, to be obliged to provide financial support. Social assistance is regulated at cantonal level, but the Swiss Conference for Social Assistance (SKOS) has drawn up guidelines for the structure and assessment of social assistance. These ensure legal equality and legal certainty across cantonal borders. Information on the Swiss contact points can be found here. The SKOS does not offer advice itself, but does provide a list of Swiss and regional contact points.

We will be happy to answer your questions!

In our free and non-binding initial consultation, we will work with you to clarify your individual situation and the options for professional, friendly and affordable care for you or your relatives. We are also happy to help you overcome the bureaucratic hurdles. Just talk to us: