Lazy boozer claims state benefit over time (8)
I believe the answer is:
indolent
'lazy' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'boozer claims state benefit over time' is the wordplay.
'boozer' becomes 'inn'.
'claims' indicates putting letters inside.
'state benefit' becomes 'dole'.
'over' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'inn' enclosing 'dole' is 'indolen'.
'indolen'+'t'='INDOLENT'
(Other definitions for indolent that I've seen before include "Disinclined to exertion or work" , "Disinclined to exert oneself" , "Work-shy" , "Lethargic" , "Lazy, disinclined to work" .)