Dear all

I was wondering if anyone can help. From August 2008 - Feb 2011 I worked as a primary teacher in an international school in Geneva. I had to leave for 2 reasons; firstly my husband changed jobs and was relocated to Zurich and I discovered I was pregnant. My pregnancy is very complicated and I am on a lot of medication to keep the baby healthy. However I could and would like to still work if I can find anything.

However I am nearly 17 weeks pregnant and I am not sure at this stage any school will look to employ me given my situation and the fact that I will need to attend regular hospital appointments and then go on maternity leave.

As I have paid into the system for 2.5 years do you think I would be able to try and claim any benefits? I don't even know where to start with this process especially as this is not a straight forward situation.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Laura

when are you prepared to start work/looking for work? You may find that this is tied to when your benefits can begin or end.

given your complicated pregnancy, I'd say you're not covered.

Did you pay anything into visana or other insurance policy while working? Did you continue this cover after you left your job?

You might be entitled to some state maternity benefits since you've worked more than 12 months here. I have a vague recollection of someone I knew getting something from the state (not just the child benefit) - or maybe it was from a thread on this forum.

Either way, you might be best going down to your local unemployment office (RAV) and explaining the full situation and see what they lay on the table.

Maybe nothing but then at least you would know.

You should qualify for unemployment benefits. Or at least some social supports. Also, it owuld be important to see what you can access to support your health costs, and generally your pregnancy stuff should be covered by the normal health insurance.

I think because you moved away, you won't get anything more from your employer (they were probably relieved to see you go as it got them out of having to pay for your health/relief/work/maternity leave...

My advice as a mum would be to take it easy, embrace the whirlwind of emotions, and there is a good biblical principle that says "Do not worry about tomorrow...each day has enough worries of it's own" ... or something like that.

Much easier said than done, but you feel like there's a lot of uncertainty with pregnancy/childbirth/parenting, you are definitely not alone! - I had to basically re-invent my career after each of my three children, and I find it a big challenge, but we survived!

I agree with Sandgrounder - given the complexity of your particular situation you are unlikely to get a definitive response here, so it will be best to make an appointment to see someone at your nearest RAV as soon as possible and see what they say. In my personal opinion, it wouldn't surprise me if you were eligible for something.

And above all good luck with the pregnancy!

From my own experience, I think unemployment benefits might be off the table because they are paid out on the basis you are actively looking for employment and would be willing to take anything (within reason) as soon as it comes up.

Dear all

Thanks for your feedback. I think I will go down to the RAV office tomorrow although I am still waiting for my new B permit. I will see if I am entitled to anything. Many thanks for your help.

Laura