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Definitions

public assistance

[puhb-lik uh-sis-tuhns] / ˈpʌb lɪk əˈsɪs təns /

NOUN

aid to needy

Synonyms

WEAK

aid to dependent children aid to the blind food stamps government aid meal ticket old-age assistance public welfare relief relief payments social welfare welfare welfare aid welfare payments

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tax revenue has grown steadily in recent years but has failed to keep up with ballooning costs in areas including the city’s rental-voucher program and public assistance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Meanwhile, low-income households that are eligible for public assistance with their home heating bills may not get that help until late December — after cold-weather demand begins.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 10, 2025

According to the National Association of Counties, 40 percent of home health aides live in low-income neighborhoods and rely on some form of public assistance; 30 percent of them are on Medicaid themselves.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2025

Under Newsom's proposal, the largest share of the funds - 42% - would go to public assistance in debris removal and repair work.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025

Sorry for your troubles but you could go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or get the public assistance.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt