How do LAFam family allowances work for cross-border workers? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Family, allowances and maternity
Updated 11 August 2026
Answer
LAFam (RS 836.2) provides family allowances for every AVS-subject worker source: Fedlex LAFam RS 836.2. In Ticino 2026: CHF 200/month per child up to 16 (or 25 if in training) and CHF 250 per child in training age 16-25. Under EU Reg. 883/2004 art. 67, a cross-border worker with children resident in Italy receives the differential if the Italian allowance (ANF or INPS Universal Allowance) is lower than the Swiss one. Practice: INPS computes and pays the Italian Universal Allowance; the Swiss employer tops up the difference through the cantonal Family Allowance Compensation Office (CCAF). The worker must provide the employer and the CH office with an up-to-date family certificate + INPS statement of the allowance amount.
Official sources
Read more
Other questions on this topic
- How do I apply for the Italian Universal Child Allowance as a cross-border worker?
The Universal Child Allowance (AUU) was created by dlgs 230/2021, replacing ANF, child tax credits and birth premium. Apply on inps.it with SPID/CIE by 30 June of the year (retroactive to March-May if filed by 30 June).
- Can children of cross-border workers receive Swiss study grants?
Cantonal study grants are reserved for Swiss residents (Ticino cantonal grants law, art. 3). Children of G permit cross-border workers residing in Italy cannot apply.
- Can I care for my elderly parents in Italy as a cross-border worker?
Yes. An Italian-resident cross-border worker can use Italian L. 104/1992 leaves (3 days/month) for disabled parents while working in Switzerland. The daily pay is covered by INPS through the Swiss employer in compensation with the AVS office (EU Reg. 883/2004 art. 21).
- Can I enrol my child in a Swiss daycare?
Swiss daycare («Nidi»/Kita) take children 3 months-3 years for a fee. Residents pay income-based rates (cantonal ordinance LAsi 2019). Cross-border workers pay the full fee (CHF 100-160/day, CHF 1,800-2,800/month full-time) because municipalities only subsidise residents.
- How does maternity leave work for a cross-border worker?
In Switzerland APG (LAPG RS 834.1) provides 14 weeks of paid leave at 80% of salary, max CHF 220/day (2025), via the AVS compensation office. A cross-border worker employed in Switzerland has full rights like residents.
- Is there a paternity leave in Switzerland for cross-border workers?
Yes. Since 1 January 2021 LAPG (art. 16i-16j) provides 2 weeks (10 working days) of paternity leave paid at 80% max CHF 220/day, to be used within 6 months of birth. Apply on form 318.750 with the AVS compensation office.
- Can my non-EU spouse live with me in Italy as a cross-border worker?
Yes. A cross-border worker who is EU/EFTA or Italian citizen has the right to reunite a non-EU spouse in Italy under dlgs 30/2007 (transposing EU dir. 2004/38/EC).
- In case of separation, where is child custody decided?
Jurisdiction lies with the court of the child's habitual residence (EU Reg. 2019/1111 «Brussels II-ter»). If the family lives in Italy and the worker commutes to Switzerland, the Italian ordinary court (juvenile tribunal or specialised section) decides.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace personal advice from an accountant, lawyer or union office. Tax, social-security and permit rules change frequently: always verify with the official sources linked in each answer.