People are dependent on personal and/or economic social assistance for various reasons: Unemployment, family situation (divorce, separation, single parent), illness, disability, personal crises, addiction problems, lack of or insufficient income.

With the Social Assistance Act, the legislator ensures the right to a decent existence. The term "decent existence" is broadly defined. It is not only understood to mean the ability to live economically, but also "getting by" in personal, family or social matters.

The aim of economic social assistance is to enable those who are unable to do so on their own or are dependent on assistance to lead a dignified existence. There is a legal entitlement to this assistance. Economic social assistance is supplementary aid. It comes into play where your own efforts, personal or financial support from family and friends are not enough.

The Office for Social Services is a state institution. It has the legal mandate to provide personal and economic assistance.

The following principles are followed:

Assistance is provided on an individual basis, i.e. each person receives support appropriate to their specific situation. Where possible, the aim is also to prevent an emergency situation. Individual assistance should ultimately lead to the person being able to take control of their own life again and adapt to their changed living conditions.

The employees of the Office for Social Services are subject to a duty of confidentiality (Art. 30 of the Social Assistance Act, see also Data Protection Office).