Calculation Explained Simply

How much am I entitled to in basic income support?

Basic income support is intended to ensure your livelihood. It is a form of basic income support consisting of various components:

Standard benefits:

The standard benefit covers the necessities of daily life and is provided to you as a monthly lump sum. The amount is set by the federal government and is adjusted annually on January 1. The amount of the standard benefit depends on your family situation and, in the case of children, on their age.

The following values apply for 2025:

Additional Requirements

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be eligible for a monthly supplemental benefit. You receive this in addition to the standard benefit. You are eligible for a supplemental benefit if you

• are pregnant
• are single parents
• have a disability
• have a medical condition and, for this reason, have a verifiable need for a special diet (there is no additional allowance for diabetes or a lactose-free diet)
• have specific, ongoing, or one-time needs
• must pay a copayment for the purchase or rental of textbooks at the beginning of the school year
• Heating your hot water with a boiler or instantaneous water heater

Housing Costs

Living expenses also include monthly housing costs. These are reimbursed at their actual amount, provided they are reasonable.

For more information on housing costs, see the “All About Housing” tab.

As of January 1, 2023, the new regulations on basic income support for job seekers have taken effect. During the first 12 months (waiting period), the actual housing costs for your apartment will be covered if you are already living there. If you receive benefits for more than one year, your housing costs will be reviewed for reasonableness after the 12-month waiting period has expired. If your costs are unreasonably high, you will be asked to reduce them.

Your individual needs will be assessed. Subsequently, it will be determined whether you can cover your monthly needs from your own income and assets.