Coronavirus: Short-time work allowance: Extension of the reference period to 18 months

Bern, July 1, 2020 - On July 1, 2020, the Federal Council extended the maximum period for receiving short-time work compensation from twelve to eighteen months. There is also a grace period of one day. This amendment to the ordinance will come into force on September 1, 2020 and will apply until December 31, 2021.

By extending this maximum benefit period to eighteen months as of September 1, 2020, the companies concerned have the opportunity to continue to benefit from the support of KAE for their employees.

The Federal Council has also set a one-day waiting period to be borne by the employer. In addition, he reintroduced the consideration of overtime before the KAE. These changes will also take effect on September 1, 2020. At this point in time, the normal procedure for purchasing KAE will largely come into force again, as had been done until March 1, 2020.

Until the end of August 2020, companies can claim short-time work compensation (KAE) within two years within a maximum of twelve months. In order to counteract a further rise in unemployment, the Federal Council has decided to extend the maximum period for which short-time work benefits are paid.