welfare state

'Benefits changes mean my son could lose out on £200 a month'

2026-04-06 23:30:00 UTC

Next week’s disability cuts will make people destitute – and you might not understand how bad they are until it’s too late | Frances Ryan

2026-04-06 23:30:00 UTC

If new claimants don’t meet strict criteria, they’ll lose half of the health element of universal credit. Don’t ignore that: in life’s lottery, that could easily be you, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan

Thousands to be supported into work as government reforms welfare system

2026-04-06 23:30:00 UTC

Hundreds’of thousands of sick or disabled people will be offered voluntary help towards employment as part of a package of measures coming into force today’(6 April)’that will encourage work and save taxpayers around £1 billion.

welfare_state

A welfare state is a form of government in which the state (or a well-established network of social institutions) protects and promotes the economic and social well-being of its citizens, based upon the principles of equal opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for citizens unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life.

There is substantial variability in the form and trajectory of the welfare state across countries and regions. All welfare states entail some degree of private–public partnerships wherein the administration and delivery of at least some welfare programs occur through private entities. Welfare state services are also provided at varying territorial levels of government.