The childcare voucher is an example of «demand-side» funding: instead of the daycare centre receiving a fixed grant, the family receives a discount it can redeem at an accredited childcare provider. The idea is to give parents more freedom of choice and make it easier to combine work and family life.\n\nHow it works: parents submit an application to their municipality of residence and document their income, assets and their employment or study workload. The municipality calculates the voucher and usually settles it directly with the daycare centre, so parents only pay the remaining balance. How large the contribution is depends heavily on your financial situation, your workload and where you live – the rules vary from one municipality to another.\n\nA voucher is typically needed when both parents (or a single parent) work or are in training and require regular external childcare. Planning early pays off, because daycare places are scarce and deadlines matter.\n\nWhat to watch for: check whether your municipality offers vouchers at all and whether your preferred daycare centre is on the list of accredited providers. Submit your application in good time, keep your documents up to date, and report any changes in income or workload. A common mistake is looking for a place only after the municipality has confirmed the voucher.
Childcare subsidy voucher
A childcare subsidy voucher (Betreuungsgutschein) is an income-based contribution from your municipality of residence that goes directly to parents and lowers the cost of external childcare (daycare centre, childminder, after-school care). Instead of funding individual facilities, the municipality funds the family – so the voucher «follows» the child.
Example
A family in Winterthur with two young children works a combined workload of around 150 percent and needs a daycare place three days a week. The parents submit an application for a childcare voucher to the city and attach their salary statements and proof of workload. The city approves an income-based voucher and settles it directly with the chosen accredited daycare centre – so the family only pays the reduced monthly balance.
Frequently asked
Who is eligible for a childcare voucher?
Eligibility usually applies to families whose municipality of residence offers a voucher system and who need external childcare because of employment or training. The main factors are typically income, assets, workload and the number of children. Because each municipality sets its own criteria, it is worth asking your municipality directly.
How much is a childcare voucher worth?
There is no single fixed amount. The value depends on your taxable income, assets, your work or study workload and your municipality's local rules. As a rule, the lower the income and the higher the workload, the larger the contribution tends to be. Many municipalities provide online calculators that let you estimate the approximate amount.
How do I apply for a childcare voucher?
You submit an application to your municipality of residence, usually to the office responsible for childcare or social affairs. You will generally need proof of income, assets and workload, plus a childcare contract with an accredited daycare centre. Apply early and check in advance whether your preferred daycare centre is approved.