What is the fund for loss of earned income?
The fund for loss of earned income (EO) for those serving in the army, or carrying out civilian service and protection service, provides compensation for loss of earnings to cover the period in which the person is carrying out such service. This insurance was introduced during the Second World War, but at that time it was called "soldier protection".
Who is covered?
Anyone working for the Swiss army - including women's military service, the Red Cross and the emergency services - or carrying out civilian or protection service, or taking part in national or cantonal "Youth and Sport" leadership courses or junior marksman leadership courses, is entitled to compensation.
EO benefits are also payable to people who were not previously employed and even to those who were living abroad.
Special groups of insured persons
Students are normally classed as not being employed. As such they must - depending on the circumstances - expect to start at a lower rate than employed persons.
A person who is unemployed or working short hours will be paid according to his or her last income. When EO benefits are lower than benefits paid by unemployment insurance, the person doing military service can claim the difference from his or her unemployment office. This option is not available to those attending basic training centres or carrying out promotion service.
