| Quote: | |  | |
| Kinderzulage is not for everyone and is means tested. I get it because I am self employed and I have to pay 3.3% of my annual income to get it. As soon as my income drops below about 5000 chf a year, the Kinderzulage ceases. My friend in also English and self employed but paying 3.3% of her income would be a little more expensive than the Kinderzulage is worth. So, whilst she contributes to the economy she receives no Kinderzulage back, whilst someone who earns far more but is employed (or whose spouse is), gets it regardless.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Also, I don't think receipt of Kinderzulage means deregistering from Child Beneift. For me, it is the equivalent of the Child Tax Credit. It's that that one would need to deregister from. Child Benefit is for everyone in the UK under 18 whilst that is not the same for Kinderzulage in CH. | |
| | |
Yes, you're right, the rules are a bit different for self-employed people. It also depends on the canton - in Vaud, for example, the tax deduction rate is 1.3% for 2010 rather than the 3.3% you're paying (sorry...).
I think the Kinderzulage 'ceases' below a certain income level because an individual child can only be named once for receipt of Kinderzulage, or as part of unemployment benefit, etc - I guess those on lower incomes are still receiving a sum of money towards children but it just has a different name/ code.
I can see why you'd consider it a bit like UK Child Tax Credit in your self-employed situation, but just to clarify for others - assuming you are salaried with kids, you will be eligible for Kinderzulage here at a set amount per canton, and you cannot claim UK Child Benefit at the same time.