What is interim aid?

Help in financial distress

• Get short-term support.
• Cover living costs.
• Prevent immediate hardship.
• Stabilise one’s own situation.
• Guidance in the crisis.

Who is the interim aid for?

For migrants

• For people in dire financial straits or in a crisis.
• People who have been living in Bern for at least two years or whose centre of life is in the city.
• Foreign nationals with a valid residence status B, C, F or L.
• People with no right of residence, so-called Sans-Papiers.

Why is interim aid available?

Advice without being reported to the authorities

• Many people are afraid of the social welfare office or the immigration authorities. They avoid any contact with the authorities despite their financial distress.
• Social assistance benefits are not drawn due to the risk of losing the right of residence.
• The social welfare office and immigration authorities are not informed about the interim aid.
• Counselling is provided by independent church agencies and recognised partner organisations.

What is the interim aid for?

For accommodation, clothes, food, health

• Bills or expenses are paid.
• Temporary financial relief for a maximum of six months.
• Working together to sort out one's own situation and find possible solutions.

Where can I get interim aid?

This is where help is available in times of need

• The Social Work Office of the Catholic Church in the Bern Region (Fachstelle Sozialarbeit der Katholischen Kirche Region Bern ) is responsible for this.
• The initial contact is made by phone or email – see our address.
• Talks are held at the church social counselling centres or partner organisations in the neighbourhoods of the city of Bern.