Local governments pay both state and local social benefits. The conditions for applying for and receiving state-regulated benefits are laid down by law and apply equally to all local governments. Each local government decides the conditions for local benefits, so the organisation of social benefits may differ between local governments.


Every local government must establish a procedure for providing assistance, which must include at least the following:

  • a description of the social services and social benefits provided by the local government;
  • a description of the process of applying for and deciding on social services and benefits.