What is the Social Information Office (BIS)?
It is a free, no-appointment assistance service which helps people who are in a difficult financial, social or psychological situation.
It offers direct access to professionals (social workers and housing and healthcare specialists) who provide information, identify the forms of help that people are entitled to, and direct them to useful services, all in complete confidence.
It provides information and advice about a range of everyday issues: financial and debt problems, housing problems, health problems, and so on.
Its website complements the in-person service by providing up-to-date information about services and organisations.
Examples of the kinds of support available at the Social Information Office.
Rapid intervention stops a situation getting worse or continuing. If you are in difficulty, go to the Social Information Office without delay so that you can get the support you need.
Who is the BIS for?
It is for anyone who is in a difficult situation, whether or not they are directly affected by the current crisis.
It is available to all inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva, regardless of residence status or place of residence within the canton.
When is the Social Information Office open?
Every Thursday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Entry is free of charge and no appointment is necessary.
Where is the BIS?
To reach out to as many people as possible, the BIS will travel around the canton.
What services are available at the BIS?
Here are some examples:
- Quick assessment of your personal situation
- Identifying the kinds of social benefits that could be given
- Directing people to government departments that provide welfare benefits
- Giving information about existing forms of community assistance
- Preliminary analysis with a view to making an application
- Providing legal advice and information about tenants’ rights
- Support, listening and counselling
Only if they agree, people can allow access to their personal data for the purposes of following up their personal situation more effectively and establishing whether a benefit can be applied for.