dole

To be or begin receiving assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (usually run by the government) due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to be on the dole these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have been on the dole for extended periods of time.

To begin receiving assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (usually run by the government) due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to go on the dole these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have gone on the dole for extended periods of time.

(to someone ) to distribute something to someone. The cook doled the oatmeal out to each camper who held out a bowl. Please dole out the candy bars, one to a customer. She doled it out fairly.

receiving welfare money. I spent six months on the dole, and believe me, it's no picnic.

Also, on welfare; on the dole. Receiving public financial assistance, as in Half the people in this town are on relief, or Don hated the idea of going on welfare. The first two terms originated in the United States in the 1930s, when government assistance of this kind was first instituted. On the dole, used mainly in Britain but occasionally in America, dates from the 1920s, although the use of dole for a charitable gift dates from about 1200.

Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government.

Receiving public assistance because of need or poverty.