English Means Test MEENZ test A financial assessment used to determine eligibility for government benefits or legal aid. The test typically considers income, assets, and household size. The court applied a means test to determine whether the defendant qualified for a court-appointed attorney. Shapiro v. Thompson (1969) - This case involved a challenge to a federal statute that denied welfare benefits to families with more than one child born out of wedlock. The Supreme Court struck down the statute, finding that the means test was irrational and violated the Equal Protection Clause. ← Back to BrowseNext Term →