“Black mark” on record for citizenship if unemployed

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hello!

So I was forced to leave a full time role after 3 years and know I have to register with the canton and RAV as I am not unemployed. But my question is if I accept unemployment funds will this go on my record and be considered as a mark against my eligibility to obtain CH citizenship? I have read that it does and that it doesn’t so it’s not very clear.

Thanks in advance!

2
There is a difference between the unemployment benefits you get through the payments you already did during the period you worked, and what is knows as social assistance which is typically for those who have no income. The latter, will count negative for your citizenship application, the former, however, as far as I now does not.

As an example, my ex used unemployment benefits for several months and it didn't affect her citizenship application which happened a few years later.

3
Unemployment insurance is not the same as state-funded social welfare benefits. Only social welfare benefits counts against you.

4
Thank you.

I had raised the same question in another thread basis some conversations a couple of friends had with me recently.

They will be eligible to apply for Citizenship in the next 6-9 months and they may be impacted by potential job cuts.

I have also assumed that being unemployed while applying OR being unemployed while going through the process does not impact the process. But I was hoping to get a confirmation from someone who may have experienced this.

5
Being on RAV when you apply should not be a problem. However, you very likely will not get citizenship while you are unemployed, as the next step might be social security which you can get much easier as a Swiss, while as a foreigner they can kick you out of the country, even if you are an EU person.

6
Thank you. Thats quite helpful. I will let my friends know. Hopefully they escape the job cuts....

7
I'm actually in this exact position right now. I had my employment contract terminated the same day that I received the invoice from SEM for my facilitated naturalization request.

I am not currently taking the unemployment benefits because I received severance pay and have decided I want to take some time between jobs, especially as my wife is pregnant (and is fully employed) and we are expecting our first born in November which I'd like to be more present for, than the statutory paternity leave of 2 weeks...

I guess it might all be on a case by case basis, and I feel like I can demonstrate I have no intention of seeking social benefits (I have no other gaps in my career history, family stuff mentioned above and my tax returns should alleviate any concerns about my need for social benefits), but let's see...

8
Thank you everyone for the great advice. I was thinking the same with regards to the difference between RAV and social assistance. But great to confirm that RAV should not be an issue. Hoping to only be in this situation for a month or two. Still need a few years for my citizenship but worth knowing about this now for the future application.