Social assistance helps people in emergency situations secure their livelihood. If you are facing particular social difficulties, you can first seek counseling to determine your eligibility for assistance.

During this consultation, the eligibility requirements for receiving assistance can be clarified. Assistance to overcome specific social difficulties is considered a secondary benefit. Therefore, during the consultation, you will also be informed about other, primary benefits that must be applied for first.

You can apply for assistance to overcome specific social difficulties if the following conditions are met:

• Special living circumstances:
  • no housing or insufficient housing
  • an insecure economic livelihood
  • Living conditions marked by violence
  • Release from a secure facility
  • comparable adverse circumstances
• Social difficulties:
  • Securing or finding housing
  • Finding a job
  • Retaining a job
  • Family or other social relationships
  • Criminal activity

If all requirements are met, you may be eligible for the following services, for example:

• Counseling and personal support, including for family members
• Measures to help you find and keep housing
• Assistance with finding and securing employment
• Assistance with schooling or vocational training
• Cash and in-kind benefits are available, such as health insurance premiums, clothing allowances, or a stipend during inpatient care

Counseling can also be provided anonymously.