In 2023, Swiss social assistance rates reached their lowest in years, with 11 out of 14 cities reporting figures below those from a decade ago.

This decline is attributed to a robust job market, where employment opportunities are abundant across various sectors, leading to a drop in unemployment rates.

However, cities are increasingly encountering social assistance recipients with mental health issues.

A survey revealed that 13 out of 14 cities have seen a rise in clients with severe psychological problems over the past five years.

Nicolas Galladé, President of the Cities Initiative for Social Policy, noted that about half of the social assistance clients are affected by mental health issues, with a quarter experiencing significant daily life impairments.

Despite the positive trend in social assistance rates, challenges remain in providing adequate mental health support, especially for complex cases involving children and youth.

The social services continue to play a crucial role in helping individuals regain economic independence through various support programs, although single-parent households, particularly women in part-time work with young children, remain heavily reliant on assistance.