Means tests are designed to determine whether a potential recipient meets the income or asset limits for a particular program. This helps to ensure that benefits are targeted to those who need them the most. While means tests may be controversial and criticized for being stigmatizing, they are a common tool used by governments to allocate resources and manage social welfare programs.

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Means Tests

Question 13

Multiple Choice

Means tests:

A) judge whether a potential recipient is among the 'worthy' poor
B) determine whether someone meets the income and asset limits for a particular program
C) only measure income levels
D) are always stigmatizing and should, therefore, be eliminated

Correct Answer: