Social assistance is designed to support anyone who finds themselves in a situation of distress and is unable to meet their basic needs.

You are generally entitled to social assistance if you are in a difficult situation and live in Switzerland.

If you are a foreign national, specific conditions may apply depending on your residency status. Each canton defines in its legal provisions the social assistance benefits as well as the rights and duties related to them.

In social assistance, two types of benefits are distinguished: personal assistance and material assistance.

Firstly, personal assistance includes advice, guidance, support, and listening. Various types of socio-professional programs and activities aimed at reintegration into the labor market can be offered to beneficiaries.

Secondly, material assistance refers to financial benefits. These are calculated individually to ensure a simple yet dignified standard of living. Everyone is entitled to a free analysis of their situation
by a professional to determine if they can receive assistance.

If you have questions, contact the social service of your region.

Social assistance comes into play only if you cannot meet your needs yourself and if all other sources of assistance, such as salary, help from relatives, wealth, or financial benefits from other social insurances, are insufficient.

However, it is possible to receive an advance while waiting for a decision from a social insurance, for example, during a disability insurance procedure.

If your wealth exceeds a certain amount, you are not entitled to social assistance. The limit is generally set at 4,000 Swiss francs for a single person, 8,000 francs for a couple, and 10,000 francs for a family.

Wealth includes the money you have in your bank accounts, real estate in Switzerland and abroad, motor vehicles, or other valuables.

Specific conditions may apply depending on the type of wealth. Do not hesitate to contact the competent social service for help in determining if you are eligible for assistance.

As soon as you provide all the requested documents, the social service calculates your entitlement to material assistance.

It establishes a personal budget based on your financial resources and recognized expenses.

The expenses recognized by the social service include: A maintenance package determined according to your personal situation and the number of members in your family.

This includes expenses for food, clothing, or public transport close to home. Basic medical expenses (including dental care) and housing costs.

The recognized housing expenses in your situation depend on your municipality of residence.

If you live in an apartment considered too expensive, you will be asked to find cheaper housing, or the difference will be at your expense.

Social services may grant one-time aids depending on your individual situation and specific needs.

It happens that social assistance must be repaid, but each canton has its own provisions in this regard.

To know the obligations to repay social assistance, contact the competent social service.

Social assistance is provided for your current situation and not for the past. It does not cover debts. Therefore, do not wait before applying for assistance!

You retain your civil rights. This means you can continue to sign contracts, change your place of residence, or accept employment.

You can request at any time that a decision from the social service be communicated to you in writing.

If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to object or appeal.

The protection of your data is guaranteed. They are treated in a strictly confidential manner.

You can request to consult your file at the social service at any time.

Applying for social assistance also entails a number of obligations:

Obligation to cooperate: If you are financially supported by social assistance, you are required to cooperate. For example, you are obligated to make all reasonable efforts to overcome your situation of distress.

Obligation to inform: You must participate in interviews and provide information about your personal and financial situation.

You are required to inform the social service quickly and spontaneously of any changes.

For example: if your income or wealth changes; if you find a new job; if someone moves in with you; or if you receive a financial loan.

Failing to fulfill your obligations to the social assistance authority can lead to a reduction or withdrawal of assistance, or even to the filing of a criminal complaint if false statements are made.

In case of questions, contact the social service of your region. It is there to analyze your situation and provide you with confidential and free advice.

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