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• means test
  means test

  noun

  an investigation into the financial position of a person applying for aid from public funds.
• means-test
  means-test

  verb (used with object)

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

means test

¹ American  

noun

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

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means-test ² American  

[meenz-test] / ˈminzˌtɛst /

verb (used with object)

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

   The government proposes to means-test Medicare.

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verb (used without object)

1. to perform a means test.

   fair and responsible means-testing.

means test British  

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

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Other Word Forms

• means-tested
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of means test¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Origin of means-test²

1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

means test means-test

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 ● May 21, 2025

No 10 has previously said it was not legally obliged to produce a full impact assessment on the decision to means test the benefit.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2024

"The upper limit must rise with inflation and the means test must be updated."

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2024

Officials say it is unlikely those in receipt of basic income payments would qualify for legal aid under the "means" test, should they need legal representation.

From BBC ● Apr. 19, 2023

A more ambitious bill approaching the idea of UBI introduced by Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Mondaire Jones, would eliminate the means test, thereby creating a universal child allowance.

From Scientific American ● Jan. 6, 2023

Changes designed to help people cover their personal care costs are due to come into effect in October with moves including a more generous means-test and a lifetime cap on care costs of £86,000.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2023

A universal basic income, or UBI, is defined as “a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement,” according to the Basic Income Earth Network.

From Scientific American ● Jan. 6, 2023

It would also means-test these pauses and make them subject to the Congressional Review Act, an esoteric law that allows the legislature to overturn actions taken by federal agencies, like the Department of Education.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2022

“If you means-test and delay implementation and put a lot of complicated requirements in, the program will not work for anyone,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2021

One way for moderates and progressives to bridge their divides is to means-test new social spending, directing it only to those who need it.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 24, 2021