Unemployment benefit: how much will I get?
Updated: 30.10.2026
Swiss unemployment insurance pays a percentage of your previous average salary, known as insured earnings. Here is how the amount is worked out.
The formula
- Daily allowance = monthly insured earnings ÷ 21.7 × 70%.
- You get 80% if you support children under 25, if your insured earnings are up to CHF 3'797 a month, or if you receive a disability pension of at least 40%.
- Maximum insured earnings are CHF 12'350 a month (CHF 148'200 a year).
Three worked examples
All results are non-binding estimates without guarantee. The statements of your employer, insurer and the authorities prevail.
| CHF 5'000, no children (70%) – per day | CHF 161.29 |
|---|---|
| … monthly average | CHF 3'500 |
| CHF 3'500, no children (80%) – per day | CHF 129.03 |
| CHF 5'000, with children (80%) – per day | CHF 184.33 |
| … monthly average | CHF 4'000 |
These are gross amounts: social contributions and, where applicable, withholding tax are still deducted.
For how long
As a rule you need at least 12 months of contributions in the last two years. The number of daily allowances depends on contribution period, age and children (for example 260 or 400, up to 520 from age 55 with at least 22 months of contributions). Register with the RAV no later than your first day without work; the unemployment fund always has the final say.