What is a welfare State? assumes responsibility for the well-being of its ch It can be defined as 'a state with a government w citizens throughout life, through a range of interventions in the market economy'. The welfare state would aim to offer its citizens a life with certain specified standards of living which it considers reasonable and possible for all, and protection against the unexpected hazards of life(for example, losing a job, becoming sick, having an accident) These days resources for welfare are raised through National Insurances contributions(which are paic by all people in work) and general taxation(which is paid by all people in work above a certain level of income). There is also a value Added Tax (VAT) which is included in the price of many goods and servicesWhat is a ‘Welfare State’?  It can be defined as ‘a state with a government which assumes responsibility for the well-being of its citizens throughout life, through a range of interventions in the market economy’. The welfare state would aim to offer its citizens  a life with certain specified standards of living which it considers reasonable and possible for all, and  protection against the unexpected hazards of life (for example, losing a job, becoming sick, having an accident).  These days resources for welfare are raised through National Insurance contributions (which are paid by all people in work) and general taxation (which is paid by all people in work above a certain level of income). There is also a Value Added Tax (VAT) which is included in the price of many goods and services