Summer time, travel time – even if you are registered with the RAV, you have the right to holidays and relaxation. However, many job seekers do not know exactly how the system of "control-free days" works, when they are entitled to them, and how to take them correctly.
Constant availability for the job market and fulfilling job search efforts can be mentally draining. That's why it's important to schedule breaks. In this post, we answer the most important questions regarding your holidays during unemployment in Switzerland.
What are control-free days at the RAV?
Control-free days are legally regulated days on which you are exempt from your obligations towards the RAV and the unemployment fund. Specifically, this means:
- No obligation to apply: You do not have to make any job search efforts on these days.
- No availability required: You do not need to be reachable for the RAV, the unemployment fund, or potential employers. You are allowed to travel abroad or simply unwind.
- Daily allowance remains: You will continue to receive your regular unemployment daily allowance for these days, even though you do not have to be available for placement.
A control-free day does not necessarily correspond to a holiday in the traditional sense of an employment relationship, but in practice, it is used in exactly that way.
How many holiday days are you entitled to?
The entitlement to control-free days is clearly regulated in the Unemployment Insurance Act (AVIG). The calculation is relatively simple, but there is an important waiting period:
1. The waiting period (60 days) You are only entitled to control-free days after you have been registered as unemployed and controlled for 60 consecutive days (approx. 2 months). In the first two months of your unemployment, you cannot officially take paid holidays.
2. Entitlement after the waiting period After the 60-day waiting period has expired, you have earned 5 control-free days. For each additional completed month (20 controlled days each) of unemployment, an additional 2.5 days are added.
In total, this gives you 20 control-free days per year, which corresponds to 4 weeks of holiday.
Important rules for taking your days off
The RAV and the unemployment fund (ALK) have strict guidelines on how and when you can take your control-free days:
- Taking days in blocks: In principle, control-free days should be taken in full weeks (1 week = 5 control-free days). Individual days are possible in consultation with your employment advisor, but are not the norm.
- Notice period: You must report your holidays to your RAV advisor at least 2 weeks in advance. If you fail to do so on time, the RAV may refuse the request or impose suspension days.
- No carry-over to the next year: You should take your accumulated days while you are registered with the RAV. They cannot be paid out if you deregister (e.g. when starting a new job).
- Illness during holidays: If you fall ill during your control-free days, you must report this immediately (with a doctor's certificate); in this case, these days may be credited back to you.
PARAT: Stay organized, even before your holidays
To ensure you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind, it is important that your job search efforts for the rest of the month are correctly documented. With PARAT RAV-Tracking, you always keep an overview.
You can record your applications clearly and immediately see whether you have already met your monthly target. At the end of the month, you can generate the finished ZIP export for the RAV with a single click. This way, you enter your control-free days with a clear conscience and no pending tasks.
Conclusion: Rest is also important when looking for a job
Searching for a job is often a full-time job that demands energy and resilience. Control-free days are your right and essential for recharging your batteries. Plan them early, discuss them transparently with your RAV advisor, and use the time to clear your mind – so that you can restart the application process with full vigor afterwards.
