My experience with RAV in Canton Zurich
I was unemployed for a few months and wanted to share what I learned. I’m in Canton Zurich, so some details may vary depending on where you live.
1. Register asap
When you lose your job in Switzerland, you can register with RAV, which manages unemployment benefits. If you quit voluntarily without a new job lined up, expect a penalty period before payments start.
Register as soon as possible, you can do everything online via work.swiss. You must register before your last contract day. I had a 3‑month notice period and registered 2 months before the end date. After registering, they called me (in German) to confirm my details and schedule the first meeting.
2. Choose an unemployment fund (ALK)
You must pick an Arbeitslosenkasse (unemployment fund). There are cantonal and private options. RAV won’t advise you. I didn’t know the difference and simply chose the Zurich cantonal fund.
3. Prepare before your first meeting
Update your CV before uploading anything. Everything is submitted digitally via Job‑Room. Your advisor may request changes, but it helps to arrive prepared. Also gather all required documents in advance.
4. The first meeting is serious
They usually contact you within the first 15 days. Your advisor will ask about your job‑search strategy, what you’ve already done, and your goals. It’s not small talk, be ready. Meetings are held in the official language of your canton (German in Zurich). If you’re not comfortable, you can bring a friend to interpret — no need for a professional.
5. Document everything
Track every application and every reply. Each month you must submit proof of your job‑search efforts via Job‑Room eService.
6. Payments and duration
There’s a maximum insured salary of CHF 148k/year. Depending on your contribution period, you can receive benefits for up to 2 years. In addition, there are waiting days before you get paid, minimum 10, maximum 20 depending on your salary (assuming you did not quit yourself).
In my case:
I worked 1 year and 9 months and was eligible for 2 years 400 daily allowances
No children = 70% payout (with children it’s 80%)
Payments are calculated per working day, so monthly totals vary
Roughly every 3 months you accumulate 5 days of holiday
- My actual numbers (Canton Zurich, 70%, no dependents, permit B)
Insured salary: CHF 12,350/month (max cap)
Daily rate: CHF 398.40
Gross monthly (22 working days): CHF 8,764.80
Deductions: AHV/IV/EO, accident insurance, BVG, withholding tax → –CHF 2,029.58
Net received: CHF 6,735.22
Useful links
Register with RAV → work.swiss
Monthly reports & document upload → job-room.ch
Find your RAV office in Zurich → zh.ch/rav
Zurich unemployment fund (ALK) → zh.ch/alk
Official unemployment FAQ → arbeit.swiss/faq
If anyone has questions, happy to help based on what I learned.