Economic safety is significant for a woman’s possibility to leave a violent partner. The aim is to understand the social service's handling of these women applying for social assistance. The study starts from a citizenship perspective and is based on 13 semi structured interviews in three municipalities with women survivors of domestic violence. We conclude that the survivor’s basic needs are depending on means tests, that they are put in a subordinated position and that the local economy has an impact on the decision. Social assistance doesn’t become a right even for this category of women that are highly prioritized in the political rhetoric.