means test

¹

noun

1. an investigation into the financial position of a person applying for aid from public funds.

means-test

²

[meenz-test]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject (a person or a specific benefit) to a means test.

   The government proposes to means-test Medicare.

verb (used without object)

1. to perform a means test.

   fair and responsible means-testing.

means test

noun

1. a test involving the checking of a person's income to determine whether he qualifies for financial or social aid from a government Compare needs test

Other Word Forms

• means-tested adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of means test¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Origin of means test²

1960–65

Example Sentences

At primary level in Wales, universal free school meals "saves families around £500 a year per child", Ms Harwood said, but a strict means test still applied for secondary age children.

From BBC

"People should be in no doubt that the means test will increase and more people will get winter fuel payment this winter," Reeves said.

From BBC

Speaking to BBC News NI, Lyons said he knows "how difficult it is to administer benefits. I know how difficult it is to means test benefits as well".

From BBC

The decision to means test the winter fuel allowance was one of the first announcements made by Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves almost a year ago.

From BBC

Care home residents may entirely self-fund their place, or be partially or fully-funded by their local authority depending on the findings of a means test.

From BBC