Unemployment & Maternity 2026: Your Rights During Pregnancy and Job Loss – The Complete Guide
“I am unemployed and have just found out I am pregnant – will I still receive daily allowances?” or “I am pregnant and have been dismissed – is that even allowed?”
We hear these questions very often. Unemployment and pregnancy at the same time are a particularly stressful situation. Fortunately, Swiss law strongly protects expectant mothers. In this guide, we explain clearly and concisely what your rights are in 2026.
👉 Important: Maternity allowance (EO) and unemployment benefits are not social welfare. They have no impact on your residency status (C permit) and do not have to be repaid.
1. Protection Against Dismissal During Pregnancy
As soon as you are pregnant and the probation period is over, a strict protection against dismissal applies. The employer may not dismiss you during the entire pregnancy and until 16 weeks after the birth (Art. 336c CO).
Important: Even if the dismissal was notified to you before the pregnancy and you only discover later that you are pregnant, the dismissal is generally invalid.
2. Pregnant and Unemployed: What Happens to Unemployment Benefits?
You can continue to receive unemployment benefits during pregnancy – as long as you are capable of work and available for the labor market. The RAV checks this individually.
⚠️ Important: If you are on sick leave due to pregnancy-related complaints, unemployment insurance usually only pays benefits for a limited period (30 days). In this case, the maternity allowance (EO) will take over later.
3. Maternity Allowance (EO) – Who Pays During the 14 Weeks?
If you are registered as a job seeker at the time of birth, the maternity allowance (EO) is not paid by unemployment insurance, but by the Loss of Earnings Compensation (EO).
You generally receive up to CHF 220 per day (80% of your previous insured earnings) for 14 weeks (98 days). The waiting period of unemployment insurance is automatically suspended during this time – your unemployment benefit days are therefore not used up.
4. After Maternity Leave – What Comes Next?
After the 14 weeks of maternity leave, you must re-register as a job seeker with the RAV. You must prove that you have arranged childcare so that the RAV considers you available for the labor market.
Tip: Prepare your re-registration early so that there is no interruption in benefits.
📢 Complicated situation? Don't let it unsettle you.
Our WelfareCalc shows you in just a few minutes which benefits (unemployment, maternity allowance, premium reduction, supplementary benefits, etc.) you are currently entitled to – canton-specific and 100% anonymous.
Check All Your Benefits Now →Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice. In specific cases, please contact your Regional Employment Center (RAV) or a social counseling service. Status: March 2026.
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