A daycare place is essential for many families, but it also comes with regular costs. In the canton of Bern, childcare vouchers (Betreuungsgutscheine) can help reduce part of these expenses. Since August 1, 2026, new rules for childcare vouchers apply. Among other things, the income limit for receiving a voucher has been raised and the maximum subsidy amount has been adjusted.
How much a childcare voucher in Bern amounts to depends on your family's personal and financial situation. Your childcare needs also play a role. We'll show you what has changed since August 2026, what requirements apply, and how to apply.
Childcare vouchers in the canton of Bern explained simply
In the canton of Bern, childcare vouchers reduce the cost of external childcare at participating daycares and daycare family organizations. The prerequisite is that your home municipality takes part in the voucher system. As a result, families pay a lower share of the childcare costs.
The voucher isn't paid out directly to parents. Instead, the subsidy is settled through the childcare provider and deducted from the childcare fees.
Each voucher period runs from August 1 to July 31 of the following year. The current voucher period runs from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. If you want to keep benefiting from the subsidy, you'll need to reapply for the next period.
You can find the participating municipalities in the official directory of the canton of Bern
Who receives a childcare voucher in the canton of Bern?
Whether a family in the canton of Bern receives a childcare voucher depends on their childcare needs and financial situation.
A childcare need can arise, for example, from employment, a state-recognized education program, job searching, or health reasons. For employment, a minimum workload of 105 percent generally applies for couples and 5 percent for single parents. Under certain conditions, a child's social or linguistic integration can also be taken into account.
Since August 1, 2026, new cantonal income limits apply. If your relevant family income is below CHF 170'000, you may generally be eligible. At the same time, the threshold for the maximum subsidy was raised from CHF 43'000 to CHF 49'000. You can find more information on eligibility requirements from the canton of Bern.
You'll also need a confirmed place at a daycare or daycare family organization that participates in the cantonal voucher system.
How much is the childcare voucher in the canton of Bern since August 2026?
How much support a family receives depends on their personal and financial situation. Factors taken into account include the relevant income, family size, the child's age, and the eligible childcare workload.
Since August 1, 2026, higher maximum cantonal subsidies apply. For children under 18 months, the maximum subsidy is CHF 157.50 per childcare day. Previously, this higher amount only applied to babies up to twelve months old. For toddlers aged 18 months up to the start of kindergarten, the maximum subsidy is CHF 105 per childcare day.
The maximum cantonal subsidies for daycare families have also been increased. For children under 18 months, the maximum subsidy is CHF 13.40 per hour of care. From 18 months up to the start of kindergarten, up to CHF 8.90 per hour is possible.
For families living in the city of Bern, the city's voucher calculator offers a first estimate. It allows you to estimate the expected cantonal voucher amount and any additional subsidies from the city of Bern. However, the final amount is only confirmed once your complete application has been reviewed.
What additional support does the city of Bern offer?
Families living in the city of Bern can receive an additional income-based municipal supplement on top of the cantonal childcare voucher. The prerequisite is that the childcare provider is located within the city of Bern. This supplement doesn't apply to families from other municipalities in the canton.
For a relevant income of up to CHF 43'000, the municipal supplement is a maximum of CHF 31 per childcare day. As income increases, the amount decreases gradually. From a relevant income of CHF 140'000, the supplement no longer applies.
For babies up to twelve months old, the city of Bern can also grant an additional baby supplement of up to CHF 20 per childcare day.
In addition, the city of Bern offers an income-based meal subsidy for families with a subsidized childcare place. Unlike the municipal supplement, the childcare provider doesn't need to be located within the city of Bern to qualify.
For a relevant income of up to CHF 51'000, the subsidy is up to CHF 6 per meal. For income between CHF 51'001 and CHF 70'000, up to CHF 3 is possible. Parents pay a minimum contribution of CHF 2 per meal. Families receiving social assistance don't receive an additional meal subsidy, as these costs are already covered by social assistance.
Applying for a childcare voucher in the canton of Bern via kiBon
Families can apply for their childcare voucher online via kiBon. This involves entering the required information and uploading the necessary documents. Alternatively, a paper application is also possible.
Submit your complete application at the latest the month before childcare is due to start. If you apply online, the signed release confirmation and all required documents must also be submitted to the relevant office in your home municipality in good time.
You can find more information on applying and the relevant contact points on the family portal of the canton of Bern.
Which daycares in the canton of Bern accept childcare vouchers?
Whether a daycare or daycare family organization accepts childcare vouchers should be clarified directly with the provider before signing a contract.
A childcare voucher can also be used at an approved provider outside your own home municipality. More information is available on the family portal of the canton of Bern.
Find the right daycare in Bern with Awina
Besides financing, it's also important that the daycare fits your child's needs and your family's daily routine. Opening hours, childcare offerings, and location can all play a role in your decision.
At Awina, we help families find the right childcare. With our daycare search in Bern, you can discover providers in Bern and the surrounding area and learn more about what they offer. Our daycare comparison helps you compare selected daycares side by side.
Do you have questions about your daycare search or need support? Contact us. We're happy to help.