Tension at the border: Stop to family allowances for cross-border workers

Context

TL;DR

• Tension between Ticino and Italy over family allowances for cross-border workers.
• Switzerland seeks accurate data from Italy to avoid double payments.
• Cross-border workers risk financial impact due to payment delays or errors.

Key facts

• Issue: Family allowances for cross-border workers between Italy and Switzerland.
• Priority Principle: Italy pays first, Switzerland covers the difference if higher.
• Problem: INPS not providing timely and accurate information to Swiss authorities.
• Motion: Lorenzo Quadri's motion urges Swiss government to act on INPS data sharing.
• Platform: RINA platform used for managing family allowances has critical issues.
• Impact: Delays or errors in payments could significantly affect families' finances.
• Source: comozero.it, 12/03/2026

The tension between Canton Ticino and Italy seems to have no end, with a new source of friction adding to the already existing discussions about the health tax and the threat to cut back payments. This time, the issue concerns the family allowances received in Italy by the families of cross-border workers, in order to avoid double or excessive payments by Switzerland.

The Lega politician Lorenzo Quadri has submitted a motion calling for urgent intervention by the Swiss government. The motion aims to instruct the UFAS (Federal Office of Social Insurance) to take urgent action with INPS (National Institute of Social Security), specifically the Lombardy section, to ensure that the Italian institute correctly loads the information relating to the allowances received in Italy by the families of cross-border workers onto the dedicated platform.

Current regulations provide precise rules to avoid overlaps. As specified in the motion, if the family of a cross-border worker has an income in their country of origin (Italy), the principle of priority of the state of residence of the children applies. In practical terms for Canton Ticino, this means that the family allowance must be paid first by Italy. Switzerland only intervenes subsequently to make up the difference between the Italian and Swiss amounts, if the latter is higher.

However, in order to allow the IAS (Institute of Social Insurance) to correctly calculate and make this deduction, it is essential to know exactly the existence and amount of the Italian benefit. Quadri's motion emphasizes the need for swift action by the Swiss authorities to ensure that INPS provides accurate and complete information, thus averting the risk of double or excessive payments by Swiss funds.

Tension between the two states is high, and this new dispute adds further complexity to the already delicate cross-border relations. Cross-border workers, who represent a significant part of the workforce in Ticino, find themselves at the center of this controversy, with the risk of being denied the benefits they are entitled to.

Operational details

The issue of family allowances for cross-border workers is regulated by precise rules aimed at avoiding double payments and ensuring fair treatment for workers and their families. Current regulations establish the principle of priority of the state of residence of the children, which in the case of Italian cross-border workers working in Switzerland means that the family allowance must be paid first by Italy.

However, to ensure that this principle is correctly applied, it is essential that INPS provides accurate and complete information on the amount of family allowances received in Italy. This information is essential for the Swiss IAS (Institute of Social Insurance), which is responsible for calculating and paying family allowances for cross-border workers.

The problem lies in the fact that INPS is not providing this information in a timely and accurate manner, thus creating the risk of double payments or excessive payments by Switzerland. Quadri's motion aims to resolve this situation by asking UFAS to intervene with INPS to ensure that the necessary information is loaded onto the dedicated platform correctly and promptly.

The RINA platform, used for managing family allowances, has been at the center of some critical issues. INPS has encountered difficulties in loading the information relating to family allowances received in Italy, thus creating delays and inaccuracies in the process of paying allowances by Switzerland. Quadri's motion emphasizes the need for swift action by the Swiss authorities to resolve these critical issues and ensure that cross-border workers and their families receive the family allowances they are entitled to, without delays or errors.

The situation is delicate, especially considering that family allowances represent an important support for the families of cross-border workers, who often face higher living costs in Switzerland compared to Italy. The suspension of family allowances could have a significant impact on the finances of the families concerned, thus creating further tensions between the two states.

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Key points

The issue of family allowances for cross-border workers is complex and requires special attention from the Swiss and Italian authorities. Here are some practical tips for cross-border workers affected by this situation:

• Check the status of your application: Contact INPS to check the status of your application for family allowances. Make sure that the information about your family and your income in Italy has been correctly recorded and that the amount of family allowances received has been communicated to the Swiss IAS.

• Monitor payments: Keep track of the family allowance payments you receive from Switzerland. Compare these amounts with those you receive from Italy to make sure there are no double payments or excessive payments.

• Report any irregularities: If you notice any irregularities or delays in the payment of family allowances, report the problem to the Swiss IAS or UFAS. These authorities are responsible for managing family allowances for cross-border workers and can intervene to resolve any issues.

• Use online tools: The Frontaliere Ticino website offers a range of useful tools, including a salary calculator that can help you estimate your net income and better understand your tax situation. Use these tools to get a clear picture of your financial situation.

• Stay informed: Follow the latest news and updates on the issue of family allowances for cross-border workers. The Frontaliere Ticino website and other specialized media can provide you with up-to-date information and practical advice.

Remember that the situation is evolving and that the Swiss and Italian authorities are working to find a solution. In the meantime, it is important to stay informed and active to ensure that your rights and those of your family are protected.

For more information and updates, visit the Frontaliere Ticino website and consult the section dedicated to family allowances. [Source: comozero.it, 12/03/2026]

Article 1(237–238) of Italian Law No. 213/2023 does not apply indiscriminately to all cross-border workers. It covers: (a) Italian residents who work and stay in Switzerland and use the Italian SSN; (b) frontier workers under Article 9(1) of the Italy–Switzerland Agreement whose income is taxable only in Switzerland and who exercised the legal right to choose health insurance; and (c) dependants of those two categories. Paragraph 238 sets a progressive 3–6% share of net Swiss salary, with a €30 minimum and an ordinary €200 maximum for each month worked from 2024. The cap may be doubled in cases of omitted payment or omitted communication specified in Article 1(100) of Law No. 207/2024. The Region of residence sets the rates and procedure each year.