If you are unable to provide for yourself financially, you may be entitled to social welfare benefits. Your social worker can explain to you how it works.
The amount you will receive depends on your status in Switzerland, and on your canton of residence.
➡️If you are a recognized refugee (B permit) or a temporarily admitted refugee (refugee F permit), you are entitled to the same social welfare benefits as a Swiss citizen.
➡️If you are an asylum seeker (N permit) or a temporarily admitted person (foreigner F permit), your entitlement to social welfare benefits is regulated by the cantonal law of your canton of residence. In general, you will receive a lower amount than Swiss citizens (20 to 60% less depending on the canton).
➡️If you have received a removal order with a set departure deadline, or if you have filed a request for re-examination, you will be excluded from social assistance. However, you will still have the right to emergency aid.
- Gather more information about social welfare benefits provided by the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (available in German and French).
- If you need to contact support services regarding social welfare benefits, please visit this website (only in German and French).
- If you reside in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, you can get useful information about social assistance in 14 languages on the website aide-sociale.ch.