The subject of the analysis are methods of coping with difficult life situations, seen by the respondents who take part in the RESCuE project. The main purpose of the article is to show how they perceive the role of various institutions of the welfare state in remedial strategies adopted by various people or families, including themselves, in crisis situations. It was also presented how respondents evaluate the effects of actions taken by social welfare and other welfare state agencies. The social welfare system is an important element of remedial practice in the studied areas. It is based primarily on public institutions. However, these institutions are perceived as ineffective and inefficient, and their actions as leading often to various undesirable phenomena, including passivity and dependence on state aid.