For the fictional British Department of Social Affairs, see
The Thick of It.
A ministry of social affairs or department of social affairs is the common name for a government department found in
states where the
government is divided into
ministries or departments. While there is some variation in the responsibilities of such ministries, the common thread between them is their responsibility for assisting members of
society who are in a vulnerable position for example due to age, dependence on government aid, or being the employee in an employee/employer relationship. Ministries of this type cover matters such as
social work,
social protection and assistance,
pensions,
welfare,
health and
social security, and
workplace standards for employees