A contributory program is one where the recipient has paid some amount of money (usually through taxes) which determines the amount of benefit they receive from the program. A non-contributory program means anyone receives the benefit as long as they meet qualifications; it does not require payments. 

Contributory vs Non-Contributory Programs in the United States 

Non-means tested programs do not consider one's income or assets to determine eligibility for the program. 

Michigan State University

- Means Tested Benefits 
- Non-Means Tested Benefits 


Types of Benefits 

What Public Benefits Are Available for Me and How do I Plan to Qualify for Them? (2020, November 13). Retrieved from https://wbblawyers.com/what-public-benefits-are-available-for-me-and-how-do-i-plan-to-qualify-for-them/

Non-Means Tested Programs

A means tested program is a program that limits eligibility by only allowing an individual or household to be qualified if their income and assets are below a certain threshold. Not all United States entitlements are means-tested.

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