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.

But, the plan says, California must find ways to help those without college degrees thrive — many of whom may want to pursue college but can’t afford it given the state’s high cost of living and complexities of accessing public assistance. —

Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Police asked for public assistance in identifying the three suspects. —

Alex Stone, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2024 His wife, Clara, and their children barely survived on the pittance of aid provided to those who signed up for public assistance, while Elijah fruitlessly begged at factory doors for any kind of job. —

Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024 The administrator said the figure includes $3 billion for individual assistance and $1.7 billion for public assistance. —

Aris Folley, The Hill, 20 Nov. 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 31 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation