The institution has undergone a series of conceptual and structural changes throughout its history, including the benefits offered and the use of finances within the system.

The office describes social welfare as 'characterized by the merging of the Ministry's function of social protection, unique to it, with its role of social and regional redistribution of economic resources,' with a particular focus on improving income distribution.

The ministry also explains that social welfare continues participating in the lives not only of Brazilian workers, but also within the economy of most small municipalities, adding a valuable point of resources and contributing to the social balance at large.