Swiss social assistance for Ukrainian refugees

The Swiss federal government has considered amending the Asylum Ordinance to allow cantons to determine the level of social assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees. Currently, individuals with protection status S receive social assistance rates comparable to Swiss nationals, which are higher than those for standard asylum seekers. Mathias Reynard, President of the Conference of Cantonal Social Directors, noted that maintaining current rates could lead to significant cost increases for cantons following the abolition of certain federal lump-sum payments.

While municipalities have supported the amendment to manage financial burdens, organizations such as Caritas and the Swiss Refugee Council have warned that reducing assistance could increase poverty and hinder social integration.

In the Canton of Bern, authorities plan to maintain lower asylum-level social assistance for Ukrainian refugees even after they transition to B residence permits. Although B permits typically entitle residents to regular social assistance, Swiss Parliament has allowed cantons to continue providing lower rates. The Synodal Council of the Reformed Churches of Bern-Jura-Solothurn has criticized this decision, stating it threatens integration and disproportionately affects women and children. Discussions regarding integration also highlight that only 36 percent of working-age refugees have secured employment after more than four years.