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.

Not all municipalities are equally rich. Some have many good taxpayers; others have little income or high social costs. Financial equalisation balances this out: rich municipalities and the canton pay money, poorer municipalities receive contributions. This way all municipalities can fulfil their tasks, for example schools and old people's homes.

A neighbourhood association (Quartierverein) represents the interests of the people in a part of the city vis-à-vis the authorities. It also organises festivals and meetings. Membership is voluntary. Information about the municipality's services and regulations can be found on the municipality's website and in the local newspaper, often in the official section.