A person is considered materially and socially deprived if he or she faces a lack, for financial reasons, in at least 5 of 13 areas of daily life that most people in Europe consider desirable or even necessary to lead a decent life. Severe material and social deprivation is defined as a lack in at least 7 of the 13 areas considered.
The areas considered at household level are
- To have no arrears (rent or mortgage interest for the main residence, utility bills for water, electricity, gas and heating, and credit repayments)
- Capacity to face unexpected financial expenses of 2500 CHF within a month
- Capacity to afford a one week annual holiday away from home
- Capacity to afford a meal with meat, fish or vegetarian equivalent every second day
- Ability to keep home adequately warm
- Having access to a car for personal use
- Replacing worn-out furniture
The areas considered at the individual level are
- Having an internet connection at home (including smartphone, tablet etc.)
- Replacing worn out clothes with some new ones
- Having two pairs of properly fitting shoes (including a pair of all-weather shoes)
- Spending a small amount of money each week on him/herself, without having to consult anyone
- Having regular leisure activities that cost money
- Getting together with friends or family for a drink or a meal at least once a month
