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. See needs test
   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

Derived Forms

• ˈmeans-tested, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of means test¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Origin of means test²

1960–65