Municipal social benefits

Eligible applicants include individuals who:

1. have a shortfall in the residual disposable income as defined by the "Regolamento sulle prestazioni comunali in ambito sociale" (Municipal Regulations on Social Assistance). For each request, a calculation table is used to determine potential eligibility
    
2. have had domicile or residence (permit B) in the municipality for at least 3 consecutive years, with interruptions of less than 6 months
   
    

Municipal benefits are not granted to:

• individuals who have improperly received social benefits provided by the State, the Municipality, or other public or private entities
   
• individuals already receiving federal or cantonal subsidies (asylum seekers, refugees, detainees, etc.)
   
• individuals who have already received or could receive similar benefits through Cantonal or Federal laws, covering their needs entirely
   
• individuals in arrears with municipal tax payments in the last three years
   
• foreign nationals whose residence in Switzerland was authorized based on a third-party guarantee for their support (excluding family reunifications)
   
• individuals requesting a subsidy amounting to less than 30% of their total assets

The Reference Unit (UR) is understood as a group of individuals and members, and includes:

• the applicant
   
• the spouse
   
• the cohabiting partner
   
• minor children (who share the same household as the applicant)
   
• adult children under 30 years of age who are still in education (for the purpose of obtaining a diploma that enables them to enter the job market). However, adult children must not themselves have dependent children, nor be married, separated, divorced, or widowed.
   

If other family members or individuals who are not part of the Reference Unit live in the household, they are still required to contribute to the household expenses and will, therefore, be considered in the benefit calculation (partial share).

• primary residence and security deposit for primary residence rental
   
• energy costs for the primary residence
   
• medical care, including dental care
   
• education and professional training
   
• school and extracurricular activities
   
• participation of minors in camps, summer courses, and after-school programs
   
• funeral and burial services
   
• extraordinary events and other occasional needs (unexpected expenses with significant impact)
   

Expenses for which benefits cannot be requested
Excluded are all types of expenses related to reminders, enforcement, contributions, legal fees, fines, taxes and/or levies, credit cards, private loans or those obtained through financial institutions, expense reimbursements, and all expenses for invoices that have already been covered.
Furthermore, all expenses for goods or services from suppliers located or headquartered abroad are not considered. Excluded are all expenses already included in the respective maintenance allowance defined by cantonal regulations and, therefore, already considered within the income limits established by this regulation.

If the benefit is granted, the actual amount of expenses to be covered (invoice) is paid. Alternatively, a maximum global amount calculated per calendar year is provided, regulated as follows:

• CHF 3,000 for a single person
   
• CHF 4,000 for two people
   
• CHF 500 for each additional person

Each benefit request is evaluated individually and on a case-by-case basis; the provision of benefits is therefore never automatic or guaranteed.

If the person needs multiple financial aids, they must submit the required documentation each time to verify the actual need, as well as supporting documents for their monthly income and expenses.

The provision of benefits, as it must be unique and conclusive, is considered only if it does not become a recurring request (weekly, monthly, or annual basis).

The amount is generally paid directly to the creditor.

For this reason, when submitting the application, it is important to attach all expense receipts (original invoice with payment slip).

Estimates are not considered, as the amount may change at the time of actual invoicing (see the next chapter).

The documentation listed below is required for each member of the Unità di riferimento (Reference Unit, UR). You can download a checklist document of all the required documentation:

• Explanation letter indicating the personal and financial situation and the type of expense for which the benefit is requested. It is important to attach the detailed invoice with the payment slip, as estimates are not considered.
   
• Release declaration signed by all adult members of the Reference Unit
   
• Most recent tax decision
   
• Confirmation of regular payment of municipal taxes over the last three years or self-declaration
   
• Health insurance costs (insurance policies)
   
• Housing costs (rental contract, rent increase notices, mortgage interest, adjustments, additional costs, etc.)
   
• Documentation proving other current fixed expenses
   
• Documentation proving all income (salary certificates, pensions, allowances, alimony, cantonal benefits, family allowances, etc.)
   
• Documentation proving all assets (securities, capital, life insurance, property, etc.)
   
• Bank statement with transactions for the last six months and respective balances
   
• Any other document confirming the economic and personal situation
   
• For foreign citizens: copy of residence permit or self-declaration confirming that the permit was not issued based on a statement signed by third parties guaranteeing the applicant's support

• Detailed copy of the requested deposit, with the corresponding payment slip or bank/postal coordinates for making the payment
   
• The new and old rental contracts (signed) indicating the amounts of the respective security deposits
   
• Decision of funding denial by private insurers (for example Go-Caution, SwissCaution, Firstcaution, Zürich, Axa, Helvetia, etc.)

• Detailed copy of the invoice (not the estimate)
   
• Statement from the dentist certifying the functional, non-aesthetic purpose of the procedure
   
• Statement from the health insurance regarding their contribution towards the cost
   
• If the beneficiary receives social assistance or supplementary benefits, a non-entry decision from the competent Cantonal Office (issued by the respective dental commission)

• Detailed copy of invoices related to the funeral, including tax invoices
   
• Latest tax decision of the applicant or the heirs requesting it (or alternatively, documentation proving the current economic situation)
   
• Documentation showing all income of the heirs
   
• Documentation showing all current expenses of the heirs
   
• Bank statement of the deceased at the time of death, with transactions from the last six months and the corresponding balances, in addition to those of the heirs
   
• Inheritance certificate or statement of renunciation of inheritance (issued by the competent District Court)
   
• Any other document proving the economic situation of the deceased

The request must be sent in paper form by mail or delivered to the counters of the Ufficio intervento sociale.

Documents sent by email are not accepted.