Legal Definitions - subsistence

Subsistence

In legal terms, subsistence refers to the fundamental provisions or resources necessary to sustain life or maintain a basic standard of living. This typically encompasses essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and basic healthcare.

• Example 1: Family Law Context

  After a divorce, a non-custodial parent is legally required to pay child support to ensure their children's subsistence. This financial contribution helps cover the costs of the children's food, housing, clothing, and other basic necessities.

  This example illustrates how child support payments are intended to provide the fundamental means for a child's survival and well-being.

• Example 2: Employment Law Context

  An employee sent on an extended business trip to a remote location might receive a daily subsistence allowance from their employer. This allowance is specifically provided to cover their essential daily living expenses, such as meals and basic accommodation, while they are away from their usual residence.

  Here, the subsistence allowance directly addresses the employee's basic needs for living while performing their work duties in a different location.

• Example 3: Public Assistance Context

  Many government social welfare programs are designed to provide a minimum level of subsistence for individuals and families facing extreme poverty. These programs offer assistance in the form of food stamps, housing aid, or direct financial support to ensure recipients can meet their most basic needs.

  This demonstrates how public assistance aims to ensure that even the most vulnerable members of society have access to the fundamental requirements for survival.