Objective : he aim of this study is to describe on the definition of the welfare state and scope of the social welfare and to analyze the development of the social welfare policy for the disabled in South Korea. Methods : We described on the definition of the welfare state and scope of the social welfare and analyzed the social welfare policy and welfare policy for the disabled among Korean Government through literature review. Finally, We also analyzed the welfare policy for the disabled in the Roh Moo-hyun Administration. Results : Welfare policy or welfare policy for the disabled was developed as economic growth from 'selective welfare' to 'universal welfare'. Scope of the social welfare was expanded from 'minimum guarantee' of the Lee seong-man administration to 'participatory welfare' of the Roh moo-hyun administration and that was similar to the welfare policy of administration for the disabled. Conclusion : We suggest that occupational therapist based community should find unmet health need and provide home-based rehabilitation services to the disabled and the elderly.