public assistance

noun

: government aid to needy, aged, or disabled persons and to dependent children

Examples of public assistance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Lee’s storied career in political activism is defined by her working-class background—a former single mother on public assistance with a keen understanding of the issues that plague working-class Black communities, from housing to healthcare. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office is asking for public assistance in identifying a woman who died in January. —

Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024 The Post reported inaction from Congress could deplete funding for FEMA’s public assistance program, which provides reimbursements for debris cleanup costs and first responders. —

Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Beginning Monday, the agency will add Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits to the types of public assistance listed in the policy. —

Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public assistance

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of public assistance was in 1884

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Public assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20assistance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation