public assistance

[ puhb-lik uh-sis-tuhns ]

noun

1. government aid to poor, disabled, or aged people or to dependent children, as financial assistance or food stamps.

public assistance

noun

1. payment given to individuals by government agencies on the basis of need

Other Words From

• pub·lic-as·sis·tance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of public assistance¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

That includes individual assistance — direct payments and services to homeowners and renters whose properties were damaged — and public assistance, which pays for things such as search-and-rescue teams, debris removal and infrastructure repair.

From Los Angeles Times

This leaves a gap in coverage through Medicaid and other public assistance programs.

From Salon

Eligibility is based on income and whether you or someone in the household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, the “Divergent Series” alum noted again that Naomi Judd was a “survivor of childhood and adult male sexual violence” and became a nurse who sometimes relied on public assistance.

From Los Angeles Times

Specifically in the state of California before the passage of this law, one-third of the fast food workers relied on public assistance, either Medicare or food stamps.

From Salon