Summary
The BASS study for the Charter for Social Assistance Switzerland examines whether social assistance adequately secures a social minimum standard of living for children and adolescents. It combines social science and legal perspectives, focusing on ordinary social assistance, education and social participation, with an additional discussion of asylum social assistance.
Children face an above-average risk of poverty: the study reports that 17.2 percent of under-18s in Switzerland were at risk in 2022. This means an income below 60 percent of median equivalised disposable income; it is distinct from receiving social assistance.
Key findings
The study identifies risks of structural shortfalls for families. Under the SKOS scale examined, additions to the basic living allowance become smaller with each further household member, with no distinction by children’s age. This may insufficiently reflect older children’s higher costs and the limited economies available to low-income households.
Situation-specific benefits can support leisure activities or additional educational support. The study finds considerable differences in how municipalities award them. The researchers describe the position of children receiving asylum social assistance as particularly precarious, with allowances often substantially below ordinary social assistance.
Recommendations and context
The researchers recommend age-related allowances, larger additions for further household members and regular updates to the calculation basis. More precise guidance on child-related benefits, trained staff and age-appropriate participation by children should give their needs greater weight. Other proposals include nationwide standards for asylum social assistance and more affordable childcare.
This summary draws on the French executive summary dated 30 September 2024. It reflects the findings and recommendations at the time of the study.
Source and original publication
Dominic Höglinger, Caroline Heusser & Patrice Sager (BASS), avec la collaboration de Pascal Coullery (BFH), Gülcan Akkaya et Peter Mösch (HSLU) (2024). La situation matérielle des enfants et des adolescents à l’aide sociale. Résumé. Charta / Charte Aide sociale suisse, 30.09.2024, v 1.4.1.
Open the French executive summary (PDF)
Editorial summary by Lua. The linked original publication is authoritative.