What support does the municipality provide if your own income or assets are not sufficient to cover living costs?
Welche Unterstützung gibt die Gemeinde, wenn das eigene Einkommen oder Vermögen für den Lebensunterhalt nicht ausreicht?
Correct answer: C
- A Money for meals (Kostgeld)Geld für Mahlzeiten (Kostgeld)
- B a municipal contribution (Gemeinderappen)einen Gemeindebeitrag (Gemeinderappen)
- C Social assistanceSozialhilfe
- D Cantonal moneyKantonsgeld
Why
Anyone who does not have enough money to live on can apply to the municipality for social assistance.
Common mistakes
- B: a municipal contribution (Gemeinderappen)
- «Gemeinderappen» is not a term for state support.
- D: Cantonal money
- «Cantonal money» does not exist. The support is called social assistance.
Topic
Social assistance, financial equalisation, neighbourhood association
If someone can no longer live on their own income and assets, the municipality helps with social assistance. It covers the bare necessities: housing, food, health insurance. Social assistance is intended for emergencies and is paid for by the municipalities, with a contribution from the canton. The old-age pension (AHV), on the other hand, is an insurance of the Confederation.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Offices, school and social services
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 202 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.