go on public assistance
phrase
US
: to receive money from the government
Our family had to go on public assistance when my parents lost their jobs.
Cite this Entry
“Go on public assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20on%20public%20assistance. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
