Dear readers,
I've been on RAV since last summer 2021 due to a company restructuring and have completed by my own initiative a Weiterbildung during that time (ended in March 2022). My RAV counselor was aware from the beginning and had suggested that I submit a "Kursgesuch" which could mean that the tuition fees are covered by the unemployment insurance. In the end, this was not accepted by the ALK but I was free to pay the course myself, which I did.
Unfortunately, the Arbeitslosenkasse (ALK) suddenly decided to stop payments around January 2022, saying that due to the "Weiterbildung", things needed to be clarified from their side.
After 2 months of no news despite trying to get answers, I received a letter saying that since my B permit will expire end of June, no payments will take place until I submit a renewed permit...!
Apart from the financial pressure and related stress, I am wondering if: (1) This is normal and I have any recourse? (2) Regarding the permit renewal, should I apply for a B renewal or C permit?
For information, I am an EU citizen. My wife is non-EU but is working full-time. Her permit is linked to mine but expires a month later.
Thank you all for your precious help and support. This is much appreciated!
I've heard of non-EUs not being allowed to continue to receive payments until they have a renewed permit. It doesn't sound normal to me for an EU citizen though.
I think renewing the B might be faster and easier than trying for a C at this moment. You can always apply for C later once you have a new job and have the time to gather all the paperwork.
Sounds like they’re taking you for a ride.
Write them a registered letter requesting a formal, written appealable decision of refusal of payments with their reasoning. Contest it if you believe they have no grounds to do so.
This should wake them up a bit as ALKs have been stung by courts in the past for being slow to react.
That is the outcome, but what was the reason given?
Thank you all for your answers! It is reassuring to find so much support here.
I'm assuming, after my calls to the ALK, that the initial reason for suspension is related to the Weiterbildung, basically they had to "check my case" and they would get back to me. It wasn't really clear what they were assessing/deciding. My RAV counselor was always supportive during this time but mentioned that he wasn't able to do much and recommended that I keep pressing the ALK.
However, nothing transpired and instead, I received a letter from the ALK stating that given my permit expires end of June, they need a renewed permit before paying out anything else.
Thanks a lot Limegrass. Does this mean I should get a lawyer? Not sure who to turn to... YLEX, Angestellte.ch? Also, wouldn't it be risky to engage in this during a permit renewal?
I'm concerned that going the legal route could interfere with the permit renewal as well as the relationship with the ALK...?
You don’t need a lawyer it’s a simple letter, if your language skills are not sufficient write it in your native tongue and use deepl to translate.
You are simply asking for a definite reason why they are not paying out, which they haven’t provided from what you’re saying. It’s a lame excuse they’re giving as they could perfectly pay you until the expiration of the permit.
They are clearly taking advantage of them thinking you do not know your rights or how to defend them in a foreign country.
I don’t see why this would interfere with the already limited ‘relationship’ you have with the ALK, just write the letter in non agressive but assertive language.
I don’t see how a request for a formal decision could interfere with a permit renewal either. If anything worst case it could help you as your right to stay could be extended until you get a definite decision (be it from the ALK or the court if you appeal) on payout eligibility.
Best of luck