Social Security and the Welfare State Explained

Welfare means that people can have a minimum level of education, health, and financial security, even in negative circumstances such as sickness, retirement, disability, or unemployment. In order to maintain this well-being, different types of institutions provide social and economic support, especially in negative circumstances.

The Importance of Social Security

Social Security is the protection that a society provides to all its citizens so that they can develop their personalities through education. It must guarantee that they can live a safe and healthy life through healthcare. It must guarantee that a person can still receive money if they lose their job (income during unemployment) and also receive money during periods of need, such as income during sickness or retirement.

Common Social Benefit Scenarios

"He was a carpenter, so he won’t be able to work anymore. I hope he gets a good disability pension because life is getting more and more expensive."

"I was deeply saddened by the news of your husband’s death. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. If you need some help, for instance, to ask for a widow’s pension, don’t hesitate to contact me."

"So am I! The retirement pension that we are receiving isn’t enough to survive on. Indeed, I have to maintain a disabled son and an unemployed daughter."

"More and more fathers who have just had a baby are asking for paternity/maternity pay to take care of them during their babies’ first four months."

"I never thought that I’d have to ask for unemployment benefit. The company where I worked was one of the most powerful in the machine industry."

"OK! I’ll ask a doctor for that document in order to get sick pay."

Social Benefits in Developed Nations

1. It is true that we may envy a simple life, but in a less developed country, you cannot get any social benefit. In fact, one of the biggest differences between developed and developing countries consists of the fact that the former are provided with social security and the latter are not.
2. Social security is a basic benefit of a developed country. Consequently, immigrants should not only have duties but also the right to receive the same benefits as other citizens.

The Concept of the Welfare State

The welfare state is like a contract between the State or the government and its citizens. The State is committed to providing citizens with social and economic welfare through a range of social security, health, education, and other basic services. The citizens agree to pay taxes to maintain the services managed by the government.