The inventory offers a systematic compilation of the cantonal means-tested social benefits for poverty reduction which form part of social assistance in a broader sense. It defines for which benefits recipient and financial data are recorded as part of the Swiss Social Assistance Statistics. In total, over 100 social benefits are shown in detail in the inventory. It contains information on eligibility criteria, calculation, maximum benefit amounts and much more.
Since 2007, the inventory has been updated annually. The inventory contents refer to the corresponding cantonal legal bases updated on the first of January.
Every canton has at least the following three benefits: economic social assistance, supplementary benefits and maintenance advances. In 2022, ten cantons (BE, LU, SZ, OW, NW, BL, AR, AI, TG, NE) had three benefits. By contrast, the cantons of Vaud, Zug, Geneva and Ticino offer the greatest number of means-tested social benefits for poverty reduction, with 8 (VD), and 6 (ZG, GE, TI) benefits respectively.
Criteria to be fulfilled and benefit categories in the inventory
For a benefit to be included in the inventory, it must be a ...
- means-tested,
- personal,
- cantonal law regulated
- cash benefit in the form of a general maintenance payment,
- which is targeted at combating poverty,
- to which access is ensured if the personal eligibility criteria are fulfilled.
The six criteria must be met cumulatively.
The inventory classifies the benefits into seven categories:
- financial social assistance
- maintenance advances
- supplementary benefits to OASI/IV
- old-age and disability support
- family support
- unemployment support
- housing benefits
Further information
Related topics
Basics and Surveys
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Social WelfareEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
- Tel.
- +41 58 461 44 44