means test

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Method of assessing the amount to be paid in social security benefits (for example, the income support and housing benefits), which takes into account all sources of personal or family income.

In 1931 an act was passed in the UK Parliament that restricted the use of the employment insurance fund to the payment of limited, short-term benefits. The longer-term unemployed and those not covered by the scheme were to receive assistance only after a ‘means test’ had been applied and the amount of unemployment benefit assessed. The Unemployment Act 1934 retained the means test as a method of administering unemployment benefit.

In the USA, means testing is done to assess national eligibility requirements for welfare payments, food stamps, low-cost housing, Supplemental Security Income, and other programmes.

The bird of paradise represents liberty. The Southern Cross recalls the country's links with Australia. Effective date: 16 September 1975. >>