What do I do if I need social assistance?
What do I do if I need social assistance?
I'm unemployed and can't find a new job. My entitlement to unemployment benefit is about to expire and, as I have no assets, I don't know how I'm going to support myself after that. I've been advised to apply for social assistance. Who should I apply to?
Jean, Geneva
Under Article 115 of the Federal Constitution, people in need are assisted by their canton of residence. In Geneva, social assistance is governed by the Law on Integration and Individual Social Assistance (LIASI) and its implementing regulations.
The aim of this law is to prevent social exclusion and help people suffering from it to reintegrate into a social and professional environment, by supporting their efforts to return to the labour market and not become disconnected from social life in general. It also aims to guarantee those in material and moral distress living conditions in keeping with human dignity. The aim of financial assistance is to help people reintegrate into society and the economy.
It is important to remember that social assistance is the last safety net in the social security system. It only comes into play if the person applying for it is unable to meet their own needs and all other available sources of assistance have been exhausted or are insufficient, in particular family assistance or the various social insurances and benefits such as AVS, AI and unemployment.
Social assistance benefits include a monthly lump sum of CHF 977 for a single person, which is intended to cover food, clothing, transport and routine household maintenance. Social assistance may also cover basic health insurance premiums and rent, up to a maximum of CHF 1,100 per month for a single person.
Hospice général allocates this financial assistance on written application. If you decide to apply, you should be aware that you will be obliged to provide truthful information about your personal situation in terms of your income, assets and family, in order to establish your entitlement and determine the amount of benefits you may receive. You must also undertake to report any new developments in your personal and financial situation that could lead to a change in the amount of benefits allocated.
