Assistance abroad
Swiss citizens abroad who are unable to cover their living expenses from their personal resources, private contributions or assistance in their country of residence may submit a request for financial support via their Swiss representation (embassy or consulate) to the Social Aid Scheme for Swiss Citizens Abroad (SSA).
Information on the forms of assistance available can be found on the website of the SSA section of the consular directorate of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). This is based on Section 4 (Art. 22 – 37) of the Swiss Abroad Act (SAA).
Help with returning to Switzerland
In certain emergency situations, a request can be made for help with returning to Switzerland. Further information is available on the website of the FDFA.
Swiss benevolent societies
Swiss benevolent societies exist in a number of countries to assist compatriots who find themselves in financial difficulties. Some addresses are provided in the list of Swiss associations abroad. SwissCommunity, formerly the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, also keeps a list of additional addresses.
You will find here an overview of foundations and funds which provide support to Swiss citizens abroad in German or French and for which the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA), SwissCommunity, carries out administrative work.
E.O. Kilcher Fund
The E.O. Kilcher Fund, which is affiliated to the "Foundation for the Swiss Abroad" (SAS), basically pursues three different purposes. For each of the purposes pursued, there is a different type of fund and the requirements for claiming are different.
You can find further information in the Kilcher Fund leaflet in German or French.
Heinrich Huber Fund
Aid for Swiss citizens and their dependents overseas (especially in Malaya, East Asia and other overseas countries).
This fund grants individual financial bridging of emergencies, support to needy repatriates or educational contributions for the initial education of descendants of overseas nationals, mostly in the form of scholarships. It is a subsidiary to public assistance and other private sources of aid. The support is usually one-time.
Fund for Swiss Abroad affected by disasters
This fund supports Swiss citizens abroad who have been affected by a natural disaster and need immediate assistance in their adopted country.