Cross-border family allowances, worked out

Last updated 4 October 2026AdminLanding Editorial

Which country pays, how much, and whether you are owed a differential supplement — computed on the 2026 26-canton table and EU Regulation 883/2004. Free, no account.

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CAF differential calculator — free

Your Swiss family-allowance entitlement and the CAF differential, on 2026 official rates.

Canton of employment

The amount depends only on the employer's canton.

Children

Child 1 — age

In post-compulsory training (from 15), or still at school after 16Unable to work (16–20)

The training allowance replaces the child allowance once a post-compulsory training starts (from 15 at the earliest), until 25 at the latest; the child allowance runs until 16 (20 if unable to work) — LAFam art. 3.

Does the other parent have an activity in France (employed or self-employed), or receive French unemployment, sickness or maternity benefits there, or is on parental leave treated as activity?

How cross-border family allowances actually work

Priority rules decide who pays first

Under art. 68 of EU Regulation 883/2004, when a family has rights in two countries, one country pays as a priority and the other tops up. The priority order is: rights based on employment first (including the situations assimilated to it — paid unemployment, sickness or maternity benefits, paid leave, parental leave treated as activity: Decision F1), then rights based on residence. In a mixed FR/CH household where one parent works in France and the other in Switzerland, both derive rights from employment — the tie-break makes the country of the children's residence (France) the priority payer, so the CAF pays first and Switzerland pays the difference.

The canton, not your address, sets the amount

Swiss family allowances are cantonal. The rate that applies is the one of the canton where you are employed, regardless of the French département you live in. That is why the calculator asks for your canton of employment and not your home commune. Rates range from the federal floor (215 CHF/child) to 311 CHF in Geneva, 322 in Vaud and 327 in Valais — a gap that materially changes the differential.

Different cadences, one comparison

The CAF pays monthly; Swiss allowances are paid monthly too, with the salary — and the differential by the Swiss caisse under its own arrangements. To compare like with like, the differential is computed on annualised amounts and converted at the CLEISS reference rate used for 883/2004 family-benefit coordination — deliberately not the DGFiP fiscal rate, because the two serve different legal purposes.

Quick answer

A France-Switzerland frontalier's family allowances are governed by art. 68 of EU Regulation 883/2004. If the other parent works in France or is in an assimilated situation there (mixed household), France pays first through the CAF and Switzerland pays a differential supplement equal to the amount by which the Swiss entitlement exceeds the French one — usually positive, because Swiss allowances (215 CHF federal minimum, 311/322/327 CHF in Geneva/Vaud/Valais, per the 2026 26-canton table) are generally higher than the CAF. If the other parent has no activity (nor assimilated situation, such as paid unemployment or sickness benefits) in France, Switzerland pays the full Swiss amount and a French top-up is rare. Swiss allowances are set by the canton of employment and paid every month with the salary; the CAF is paid monthly, and reduced by half or a quarter above its resources ceilings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Priority rules, the differential, canton amounts, payment cadence, 2026 age reform.

Can I claim French family allowances (CAF) as a frontalier?

It depends on who works where, under art. 68 of EU Regulation 883/2004. If the other parent has an activity in France — or an assimilated situation there, such as paid unemployment, sickness or maternity benefits (Decision F1) — France pays first through the CAF and Switzerland pays a differential supplement when the Swiss entitlement is higher for your family — which it usually is. If the other parent has no activity (nor assimilated situation) in France, Switzerland pays the full Swiss allowances and a French top-up exists only where the French amounts are higher. The calculator above computes your split.

What is the complément différentiel and who pays it?

The differential supplement (complément différentiel) tops up the lower country's allowance to match the higher one, so a cross-border family never receives less than the more generous of the two systems. In a mixed FR/CH household the priority country is France (both parents' rights come from an activity, and the tie-break is the children's residence — art. 68 § 1 b) i)), and Switzerland — as the country with usually higher family allowances — pays the difference. You apply for it with proof of the benefits already received.

How much are Swiss family allowances in 2026?

The federal minimum is 215 CHF/month per child and 268 CHF/month per child in training, but each canton sets its own — and can pay more. Geneva, Vaud and Valais are among the most generous (Geneva 311, Vaud 322, Valais 327 CHF/child); most German-speaking cantons sit at or near the federal floor. The amount depends only on the employer's canton, not on where you live. The calculator uses the authoritative 26-canton 2026 table.

Are Swiss allowances really paid once a year?

No. Swiss family allowances are paid every month, with the salary, by the employer (LAFam art. 15 al. 2). When France pays first, the differential supplement is paid by the Swiss caisse under its own arrangements, on the basis of the CAF's statement of the amounts paid — ask your caisse. The calculator shows a Swiss annual total next to the French monthly amount so the two can be compared over a full year.

What changed for the CAF age supplement in 2026?

Décret n° 2026-138 (in force 01/03/2026) moves the trigger age for the majoration pour âge from 14 to 18 — but only for children whose 14th birthday falls on or after that date (born on or after 01/03/2012). Children already benefiting keep the old 14-year regime (droits acquis). The amount is unchanged at 76.13 €/month. The décret is under challenge before the Conseil d'État, so treat the current-cohort rule as provisional.

Important: AdminLanding is a technology platform, not a family-benefits office or regulated adviser. This calculator applies the published 2026 cantonal allowance table (BSV/OFAS), the CAF tabled amounts and EU Regulation 883/2004 coordination rules to the figures you enter, for information purposes only — it is not legal, tax or benefits advice, and it does not decide your entitlement. Your CAF and your Swiss caisse d'allocations familiales make the binding determination. Verify with them before relying on any figure.

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Cross-border tools — in the membership

EU-hosted • 26-canton 2026 table • EU 883/2004 art. 68

Cross-border family allowances, worked out

CAF differential calculator — free

How cross-border family allowances actually work

Priority rules decide who pays first

The canton, not your address, sets the amount

Different cadences, one comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Secure Vault — included with every pack

The estimate is free. The figured report is in the pack.

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