Hi All,

I was reading through of the stuff about RAV and things but haven't heard anything about Bern in specific, nor really my situation.

I have been in Switzerland since September, 2007. I was here on an L until about two weeks ago when my guy and I tied the knot. After getting married, I went by our RAV office here in Bern and asked (actually he asked) whether or not I could get some assistance. They said no because I was American. I talked with my friend who is also from US and she moved here 3 years ago. She said she was on assistance for the first month or so and it didn't matter that she was American. Have rules changed or did I just talk with someone who doesn't really know?? Also, I have worked in Switzerland before as an English teacher but stopped that back in April. Has it been too long to claim any assistance? I mean, I did pay into it while I was working...why can't I get it? I wanted to ask and see if anyone has info before I go back and talk to someone else.

Any help is great. Thanks!!

I think you have to have worked for one full year before you can claim unemployement. If you have worked one full year, even on an L, you can claim unemployment as an American. Hope this helps.

American or not, you need to have worked locally to contribute to the insurance pool for 12 months before you get paid at approximately 70% of your last pay check. You are still entitled to other forms of support though in the mean time like German lessons and other courses to boost your skills to get you into the workforce.

A small detail of major importance - you have to have worked 1 year out of 2 years. Meaning, if in the past 2 years, you have managed to have 12 contributions, you will be eligible for RAV.

You can find more information here:
http://www.jobarea.ch/

RAV and benefit payable are also discussed on this thread:
RAV registration and benefit payable.

What happens if you work in one Kanton and live in another? Which one covers you?

Good question! One that I ought to have asked when I attended the RAV information Seminar held in English ( with lunch / lunch check provided ) just before one's German proficiency is assessed. The seminar explains the legislation on your rights as it applies to unemployed persons in Switzerland. I guess asking your RAV officer on your visit might be a good option.

I worked in Baselland, but am receiving unemployment from Basel Stadt, where I live.

Thanks everyone for the advice!! Helps a lot!

Still doesn't explain how my friend was able to get assistance. She moved here and the next day or week she went to RAV and they gave her assistance. no 12 months of work or anything. What gives?

Could it have been assistance in the form of useful addresses of employment agencies and websites with vacancies, rather than financial assistance?

Nope, it was definitely financial help.

Some favorable treatment is available to returning Swiss citizens. Also unemployment premiums paid in certain EU countries are recognized in Switzerland. Those qualify for unemployment benefits here, under the bilateral treaties for free movement of EU citizens.

All non-Swiss and non-EU must qualify with 12 months contributions to Swiss unemployment insurance. (Known in German as ALV = ArbeitsLosen Versicherung).

All social security benefits and contributions are national. That applies to unemployment insurance, too. You always apply to your local RAV. They have access to the national database of contributions. It is irrelevant where you worked in Switzerland to qualify.