Military Service Compensation: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how military or civil service members in Switzerland receive income replacement to cover their earnings during their periods of service.
This scheme provides financial support to help cover your lost income while you are away performing your mandatory duties. It is designed to ensure that fulfilling your national obligations does not result in a financial hardship for you or your household.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for citizens who are fulfilling their national obligations through either military service or civil service. Whether you are serving in a military capacity or performing alternative civil service, you may qualify for this income replacement.
What you get
The primary benefit is income replacement. When you are called away from your regular employment to perform your service days, this scheme provides compensation to replace the wages you would have earned during that time. This is intended to bridge the gap between your regular salary and your earnings while on duty.
What it costs you
There is no upfront cost or application fee required to access this compensation. The scheme is funded through the social security contributions that are already part of the national social insurance system. You do not pay a specific fee to receive these benefits; instead, they are part of the broader social security framework managed by the Federal Social Insurance Office.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that the compensation process is not automatic. You cannot simply assume the money will arrive in your bank account because you are on duty. You are responsible for ensuring that your service record—often referred to locally as the Dienstbüchlein—is submitted directly to your employer. Without providing this documentation to your employer, they will not have the necessary proof to process your compensation.
How to apply
- Perform your required military or civil service according to your assigned schedule.
- Obtain your official service record (Dienstbüchlein) from the relevant authorities once your service period is documented.
- Submit your official service record directly to your employer.
- Coordinate with your employer's payroll or HR department to ensure the income replacement is processed correctly.