Social services for Swiss citizens abroad (SSA)

Are you unable to cover your living expenses from your own resources, private contributions or assistance from the country of residence? Then you have the possibility of submitting an application for financial support to the competent Swiss representation.
Application for financial support

The Swiss representations work closely with the SSA. The SSA examines the applications, makes clarifications and decides on the support according to the Swiss Abroad Act SR 195.1.
Swiss Abroad Act SR 195.1.

Swiss citizens abroad with multiple nationalities are not usually granted social assistance if the foreign nationality predominates (Art. 25 SAA). The SSA decides which nationality takes precedence (Art. 16 SAO).
Art. 16 SAO

• Recurring benefits (monthly budget)
  
• One-time benefits (e.g. for medical expenses, hospital costs in public hospitals)
• Definitive return to Switzerland
  SSA information sheet - Return to Switzerland (PDF, 1 Page, 254.5 kB, German)

  Other languages

  • Rentrer en Suisse - Que puis-je attendre des pouvoirs publics? (PDF, 1 Page, 251.4 kB, French)
  • Rientro in Svizzera - Cosa posso aspettarmi? (PDF, 1 Page, 249.6 kB, Italian)

Social assistance is intended to help you lead a simple life in dignity. Your financial and personal situation will be clarified by the representative with you on the basis of a budget. The calculation criteria for assistance correspond to those of Swiss social assistance, adapted to the conditions in your host country.

Debts are not covered by social assistance.

Social assistance benefits must be refunded in full or in part if a person formerly receiving assistance finds himself in financially favorable circumstances. 

If Swiss abroad have returned to Switzerland or are staying in Switzerland temporarily, the social services at the place of residence or stay are responsible for social assistance benefits.