Anyone registered as unemployed in Switzerland and receiving daily allowances from unemployment insurance (ALV) will sooner or later stumble upon the term "interim earnings" (Zwischenverdienst). Many job seekers are unsure: Is it even worth taking on a temporary job or part-time position while unemployed? Will the income simply be deducted from my daily allowance?
The good news first: Interim earnings in Switzerland are almost always worth it — both financially and for your CV. In this article from PARAT Magazine, we take a look at how the system works and what you need to keep in mind.
What exactly are interim earnings?
Any income from employed or self-employed work earned while registered as unemployed is considered interim earnings. This can be a temporary assignment, a part-time job, a paid internship, or even an occasional casual job.
Important: The earnings must be customary for the location and industry. You are not allowed to work for dumping wages just to stay busy. Your RAV advisor will check this in advance.
Why interim earnings are worth it for you
Many mistakenly believe that taking a side job leaves them with the same or even less money in the end because the ALV reduces their daily allowances. The opposite is true:
- More money in your pocket: At the end of the month, you always have a higher total income (interim earnings + compensation payment from the ALV) than if you were relying solely on unemployment benefits.
- New contribution period: While earning interim income, you continue to contribute to the ALV. This allows you to build up new daily allowance entitlements for the future.
- CV boost: Interim earnings prevent gaps in your CV and show future employers that you are active and taking initiative. Often, temporary assignments turn into permanent employment.
How interim earnings are settled
The ALV system is designed to reward you when you work. The calculation roughly works like this:
The unemployment fund deducts your interim earnings from your insured earnings. The difference is called the "loss of earnings". You then receive your regular daily allowance rate (usually 70% or 80%) on this loss.
Important in practice: You must correctly settle your interim earnings.
- Fill out the "Bescheinigung über Zwischenverdienst" (Certificate of Interim Earnings) form and have it signed by your (temporary) employer.
- Submit the form together with your monthly job search efforts on time to your unemployment fund.
PARAT helps you with RAV documentation
If you continue your job search alongside your interim earnings, you must prove your efforts to the RAV as usual. With PARAT RAV Tracking, you can keep track of everything. You can record all your applications centrally, generate the official SECO form with one click, and save yourself tedious paperwork. This gives you more time to focus on your interim job and real job opportunities.
Conclusion: Don't be afraid of interim earnings
Interim earnings are an excellent way to boost your finances, build valuable contacts, and remain active in the job market. Discuss your plans early on with your RAV caseworker so that formalities go smoothly.
