FAQ

There are two different situations:

Overtime

This refers to hours worked in excess of the hours agreed in the contract.

Must be compensated in accordance with the agreement with the employee.

According to the Contrat-type de l'économie domestique (CTT), Article 7, paragraph 2, Work on Sundays and public holidays.

The employee can choose between:

A 50% wage increase or paid leave with a 50% increase.

Important:

The employee's agreement is required for Sunday work.

The choice of compensation is up to the employee.

The conditions must be set out in writing.

Yes, all employment relationships must be declared from the beginning. Your employer will need to contact us to sign up for Chèque service or for more information.

Important: this is a legal requirement that ensures you have more coverage for retirement.

Social insurance is essential to protect both you and your employee. 

• Accident coverage: your employee is covered if an accident occurs during work or while commuting. Medical care and lost wages are covered.
• Long-term security: AVS/AI contributions allow your employee to build up their pension and be protected in the event of disability.
• Unemployment coverage: if you have to reduce their hours or terminate their contract, your employee benefits from financial protection.
• Legal obligation: you must comply with the law and are therefore required to declare every employee you hire.

Chèque service takes care of all the administrative procedures related to these insurances for you.

Chèque service is only for individuals who hire domestic staff in Geneva.

Types of jobs covered (non-exhaustive list, see the CTT for more details)

• Domestic workers
• Care workers (children, elderly people)
• Gardeners

Important: not available to companies and associations, which should contact Office cantonal des assurances sociales.

It is important to distinguish between intentional damage or damage caused by misuse (to be proven) and damage caused by normal use or a lack of information given to the employee on how to use the equipment.

The employer is responsible for economic risks, which includes the proper use of the right tools. 

In the event of damage, there is a procedure to follow:

For the employee

• Must report the damage immediately.
• Inform the employer of the circumstances of the incident.

For the employer

• Has 30 days to claim compensation, if compensation is warranted. (i.e., if the damage was caused intentionally or through negligence)
• Must inform the employee of their intention
• After 30 days, loses the right to claim

Important:

• The 30-day period begins when the damage is discovered
• If no claim is made within this period, the employer waives all claims
• It is advisable to deal with the situation in writing

Yes, if you are subject to withholding tax, your employer is required to deduct it from your salary.

Important: your employer is simply applying tax law.

The registration constitutes a management mandate, in which the employer entrusts Chèque service with declaring their employees' salaries. It is an authorization granted by the employer for the management of social insurance, occupational pension plans (LPP), and withholding tax (additional mandate).

What you need to know

• The registration form must be signed by both the employer and the employee.
• Chèque service is not the employer but only manages the administrative aspects.
• Chèque service is not responsible for the working relationship or potential conflicts between employer and employee, see our terms and conditions.

It is not mandatory but strongly recommended. A resignation must be made explicitly and leave no room for doubt.

Advantages of the letter

• Confirms the end date of the contract
• Specifies the legal notice period
• Serves as proof in the event of a dispute

How to send it

• In person: have your employer sign a copy
• By mail: preferably send it by registered mail

Important:

• Keep a copy of your letter
• Keep proof of delivery or your signed copy
• Inform Chèque service of your resignation

You can grant power of attorney to a third party who will be able to manage your Chèque Service account.

Important:

• Power of attorney allows you to clearly define who can act on your behalf.
• You remain legally responsible for your account.
• Power of attorney can be revoked at any time.

Advance payment is necessary because social security contributions must be covered before the declaration. This is how the Swiss system works: contributions must be paid before the period in question.

Important: this system guarantees the payment of social security contributions and protects your employee.

Your employer must provide you with this document. Chèque service cannot evaluate your work.

Between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., different rates apply to the minimum wage:

This depends on the number of interruption :

• 60% of the wage for an uninterrupted shift
• 80% if an intervention is necessary
• 125% if several interventions are necessary

If the employee is required to work during this time, the salary must be increased up to 125%.

Important :

• These increases apply to the legal minimum wage.
• The rates vary depending on the interventions.
• These conditions must be specified in the contract.

If your employee lives and/or eats at your home, this constitutes “salary in kind” which must be declared. Here are the details:

What counts as salary in kind?

• Accommodation only: $345/month
• Accommodation + food: $990/month

If your employee does not stay with you for the entire month, the calculation is made on a daily basis:

• Accommodation only: 11.50 CHF/day
• Meals (if provided):
• Breakfast: 3.50 CHF
• Lunch: 10.00 CHF
• Dinner: 8.00 CHF
• All three meals: CHF 21.50
• Accommodation + all meals: CHF 33.00/day

Important :

• They are subject to social security contributions.
• This salary in kind is part of the total gross salary.
• They appear on the pay slip.
• These amounts are set by law and must be complied with.
• If your employee is unable to benefit from them (due to vacation, illness, etc.), you must pay these amounts in cash.

No, if you are subject to withholding tax, it is a legal obligation of your employer.

Important: if you are subject to withholding tax, you have the option to request a tax adjustment. The final tax return is based on all income that Chèque service is not aware of. You may contact our partner within PRO, entreprise humaine. 

Yes, it is strongly recommended that you draw up a written employment contract; you can request this from your employer, and this document must be signed by both parties.

Why choose a written agreement?

• Ensures better understanding between the parties
• Allows for written exceptions to certain articles of the Contrat-type de l'économie domestique
• Provides protection in the event of a dispute
• Clarifies working conditions

Important :

• A contract template is available on our website.
• The worker may request written confirmation of the employment contract.
• The registration form does not replace an employment contract, but it does include the essential elements thereof.