IV / Finances

Help in the jungle, so that development and support don't fail for lack of money

The field of social insurance in Switzerland is complex. Many benefits are subject to what is known as an application obligation: they are not paid out automatically but must be actively applied for!

Navigation help

Who helps with filling in the forms?

Before submitting applications, make use of free specialist advice – but only after you have received the official diagnosis.

Pro Infirmis: The central point of contact for social counselling and cantonal assistance. Helps with filling in the IV forms. Since Pro Infirmis often does not know all local micro-level offerings (e.g. in the city of Bern), it is also worth doing your own research: proinfirmis.ch
Cap-Contact (French-speaking Switzerland/Fribourg): Specialised agency for assistance counselling and social insurance: cap-contact.ch
ZSL (Centre for Independent Living): Experts on the assistance contribution and employing care staff in German-speaking Switzerland: zsl-schweiz.ch

The 3 national pillars of the IV

Statutory entitlement

These benefits are based on federal law and are a legal entitlement across Switzerland where the corresponding diagnosis applies.

Pillar 1: Medical measures & assistive devices

Coverage of therapies (occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy) as well as specialised equipment.Registration for minors

Pillar 2: Helplessness allowance (HE) & intensive care supplement (IPZ)

Monthly cash benefits for the additional time required for care and supervision compared to healthy children.HE/IPZ questionnaire

Pillar 3: Assistance contribution

A budget that lets you employ your own care staff, to relieve everyday family life.

Cantonal and local supplementary benefits

These benefits vary strongly by place of residence and supplement the federal benefits.

Canton of Fribourg: flat-rate compensation

Direct financial compensation for relatives caring for a dependent person at home. Applies throughout the canton of Fribourg.Information

German-speaking cantons (excl. Solothurn): employment and relief

In these cantons, financial recognition is usually achieved by employing the parents through a Spitex (home care) organisation (wages for care work), or in the canton of Bern also through subsidised relief services. In the canton of Solothurn it is in principle also possible, though harder, to find a Spitex organisation that offers this. The same applies in the canton of Valais.

City of Bern: fund assistance

The city of Bern has its own funds for residents in financial hardship.

When the IV does not pay

The safety net (foundations)

For cost gaps in special therapies, holiday camps, or special assistive devices.

Pro Infirmis – Individual Financial Aid (FLB): Covers remaining costs once all other insurance options have been exhausted.
Stiftung Cerebral: Despite its name, this foundation often also assists with autism/NDD, provided specialised assistive devices for mobility or safety are needed. cerebral.ch
Stiftung Denk an mich: Contributions towards holiday and leisure activities for people with disabilities. denkanmich.ch