Welfare

Welfare, social security programmes that provide at least a minimum amount of economic security to people whose incomes are insufficient to maintain an adequate standard of living. These programmes generally include such benefits as direct financial aid to individuals, subsidized medical care (as in Great Britain's National Health Service or the American Medicare system), and stamps that are used to purchase food. Potential recipients must apply and qualify for assistance. In most countries the principal beneficiaries of welfare are those enduring poverty, especially low-income families with dependent children, as well as certain disabled and elderly people. Welfare programmes are financed from state and local government revenues.