1. the health, happiness, and fortune of a person or group
The government is concerned about the welfare of its citizens.
O governo está preocupado com o bem-estar de seus cidadãos.
2. statutory procedure or social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need
She receives welfare benefits from the state.
Ela recebe benefícios de assistência social do estado.
3. organized efforts by the public or private agencies to promote the welfare of the socially or economically disadvantaged
Welfare programs help families in poverty.
Programas de assistência social ajudam famílias na pobreza.