ABSTRACT: Aim: To learn and understand the problem of dependence on social assistance of clients of this institution on the basis of professional experience of social workers. Methods: The research used a qualitative research method - a collective case study. A total of 15 problem-focused and partially guided individual interviews were conducted with social workers, in three selected provinces in Poland. Results: The research shows that the phenomenon of clients' dependence on social welfare benefits is an important professional challenge experienced by social workers. According to the respondents, the social welfare system in Poland only partially activates the wards to take independent action to overcome difficult life situations, which further contributes to the creation and perpetuation of claimant and passive attitudes towards social welfare institutions. Coclusion: The presented results of the research prompt reflection on the role and function of social welfare benefits granted. The activities of social welfare institutions should aim to maximize the independence of their clients through social and professional activation, mobilization of human forces inherent in the environment, and revealing, stimulating and consolidating these forces. Oryginality: The article represents an area of analysis that is not often discussed in the scientific space. There is a lack of studies or research reports on this topic. The text presented here is one of the first to address the issue of research in the field of social welfare addiction of its clients from the perspective of professional social services. Keywords: social assistance, social worker, addiction, helplessness, exclusion, marginalization, passivity, entitlement.