(US, idiomatic) The case of a person or group receiving public benefits, although the benefits are not actually needed by the recipient or are obtained by fraud.

The protection of animals' health with appropriate accommodation, nutrition and care.

plural of welfare Cadillac

plural of welfare state

A hotel where people receiving welfare can stay until permanent housing is found for them.

(US, derogatory) A woman collecting welfare, seen as doing so out of laziness, rather than genuine need.

plural of welfare queen

(chiefly US) A situation where the welfare system discourages people who receive government public assistance payments from entering low-paid work because such work does not produce a significant income increase.

(derogatory) Somebody deemed too reliant on welfare.

A young welfare queen.