Subsistence Level

/ˈsʌbsɪstəns ˈlɛvəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The minimum level of income or resources necessary for an individual or family to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
    The court considered whether the defendant's income fell below the subsistence level when deciding welfare eligibility.

Forms

  • subsistence level
  • subsistence levels

Commentary

The term is commonly used in legal contexts involving poverty law, welfare benefits, and economic rights to determine eligibility or adequacy of support.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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