Support for parents of children with disabilities in Switzerland

Raising and caring for a child with a disability presents parents with numerous challenges that can be physically, emotionally and financially demanding. In addition to everyday tasks, affected families often have to deal with bureaucratic hurdles in order to access the help they need. Fortunately, Switzerland offers a wide range of support options aimed at relieving families with disabled children and making their everyday lives easier. These range from financial help and educational and care services to medical and psychological support. This article provides an overview of the most important services and benefits offered by the Swiss healthcare system and other institutions for affected families.

The current situation in Switzerland

Around 1.7 million people in Switzerland live with a disability, including more than 50,000 children. According to estimates, almost 10,000 children are affected by severe disabilities, while a further 44,000 have milder chronic impairments.

Whether the disability is physical, intellectual or psychological – it presents an enormous challenge for the families concerned. Everyday tasks can become obstacles, social contacts suffer, and the child’s career and educational opportunities are often limited. This is where the support options in Switzerland come in, to provide relief.

Financial help to relieve families

Disability insurance (IV)

One of the central points of contact for parents is the Swiss disability insurance (IV). It offers various benefits tailored to the needs of families with disabled children. The most important forms of support include funding for medical treatment, aids and specialised therapies. Organisations such as Pro Infirmis and Procap complement these services with additional advice and assistance.

Early detection and early intervention

Parents can obtain support as early as infancy. Early detection helps to identify disabilities at an early stage so that targeted therapeutic measures such as speech therapy, physiotherapy or occupational therapy can be initiated to improve the child’s development. The earlier support begins, the greater the chances that the child can develop their individual abilities to the full.

Helplessness allowance (HE)

Parents whose children depend on regular help because of their disability can also apply for a helplessness allowance. This covers additional costs arising from care.

Intensive care supplement (IPZ)

For children who need particularly time-consuming nursing and care, there is the intensive care supplement. However, it ends when the child turns 18.

Assistance contribution

If parents cannot manage the care of their child alone, they can apply for an assistance contribution to finance professional support.

Disability pension and supplementary benefits (EL)

From the age of 18, there is an entitlement to a disability pension if the degree of disability is at least 40%. In addition, supplementary benefits can be applied for if income does not cover expenses.

Salary paid via Spitex

Parents who care for their child themselves can make up for lost earnings by being employed by a Spitex (home care) organisation such as pflegehero. These services offer not only professional but also emotional support.

Educational opportunities for children with disabilities

Access to education is a fundamental right – including for children with disabilities. That is why Switzerland offers a wide range of support options:

• Special needs education: children are entitled to special support, whether in inclusive school settings or specialised institutions.

• Compensation for disadvantages: to ensure equal opportunities, parents can apply for compensation for disadvantages.

Respite services: time to catch your breath

In addition to financial and educational support, there are special respite services that make everyday life easier for families. These include care services in which trained professionals take over the care of the child so that parents can have a much-needed break. Or special holiday programmes that give both children and parents a restful break from everyday life. Last but not least, self-help groups and advice centres offer valuable guidance.

Medical and therapeutic measures

Health insurers generally cover the costs of necessary medical treatment, including therapies or the provision of aids. In the case of recognised congenital disorders, the IV takes on the role of the health insurer until the age of 20.

Depending on the type of disability, various therapeutic measures may be required, for example physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or psychological support. These promote individual abilities and make everyday life easier. Specialised Spitex services are also available for intensive medical care and support at home.

Legal advice: knowledge is power

Parents should find out about their rights and entitlements so that they can assert them when necessary. Various organisations offer legal advice that helps parents to apply for and enforce support benefits.

Checklist for parents of children with disabilities

Use a care guide to plan the next steps in a targeted way – from vocational integration to applying for an IV pension.

• From age 13: plan vocational integration early; apply for IV measures in good time.

• From age 16: check whether child allowances can be received beyond the age of 16; assess whether existing aids need to be adapted or replaced.

• From age 17: prepare the IV pension application, ideally six months before the 18th birthday; clarify a possible deputyship together with the Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) before the child comes of age.

Make use of the support available

The fact is: Switzerland offers a wide range of support options for parents of children with disabilities. From financial help and therapeutic measures to respite services – the services are designed to make everyday life easier for the families concerned. It is advisable to visit advice centres early on or to contact the IV directly in order to ensure the best possible support for the child.