Unemployment

You are entitled to unemployment insurance (ALV) benefits if one of the following two scenarios applies to you:

• You can prove at least 12 months of contributions within the last two years (framework period for the contribution period) before the initial registration. This means that you were gainfully employed during this period.
• You have completed at least 12 months of full-time training in the last few years and are therefore exempt from paying contributions.

In the event of (impending) unemployment after graduation, it is advisable to register with your municipality of residence or directly with the relevant regional employment centre (RAV). You must register no later than the first day of unemployment.

Bring the following documents with you to register with your municipality of residence or the responsible RAV:

• AHV identity card or health insurance card
• Official identification (identity card, passport, driver's license, etc.)
• Permanent Residence Permit or Foreign National Identity Card for foreign nationals
• If the initial registration is made directly with the RAV in your canton:
  the proof of residence or the receipt of documents from the municipality of residence.

You will receive information on how to proceed when you register. Your entitlement to ALV benefits will then be checked.

You are obliged to look for a job even before you become unemployed. This means that you must start looking for a job before you graduate or during the notice period or during a temporary employment relationship. Document the job search process in writing from the beginning. In this way, the responsible RAV advisors can view and track your efforts. For example, you should record the following

• to whom you have sent applications and when
• how many applications you have sent out
• from whom you received a rejection
• whom you telephoned to look for work and when
  
  

University graduates who have not made sufficient ALV contributions in the last two years are entitled to 90 daily allowances. However, these are only paid out after a waiting period of 120 days.

The payment is based on the so-called «insured earnings». This is normally calculated by the unemployment insurance fund on the basis of the income of the last six months. A daily allowance is then paid from this insured earnings, which amounts to 70% or 80% of the insured earnings, depending on personal circumstances. For those who are exempt from fulfilling the contribution period, a flat rate is used as a basis.

To help you integrate into working life, the ALV can finance what are known as «labour market measures». These measures can help you make important contacts, deepen your expertise and, last but not least, optimize your job search.

One example of a labour market measure is a project assignment limited to three to six months in the regular labour market through the national qualification programme BNF (Beraten-Netzwerken-Fördern). The BNF offer is aimed at university graduates:

• University of Bern Portal – BNF – National Qualification Programme
• BNF – Project Network

You will find information about other qualification programmes in Switzerland and abroad on the Swiss information portal for vocational, academic and career counselling (berufsberatung.ch):

• berufsberatung.ch – Qualification programmes for university graduates (German or French)