Under the Elizabethan Poor Law, relief was addressed based on which criterion?

Under the Elizabethan Poor Law, relief was addressed based on which criterion?

• A. Ability to work
• B. Religious affiliation
• C. Family lineage
• D. Age

Answer: (A)

Relief under the Elizabethan Poor Law was determined by whether a person could work. The system divided the poor into those who were unable to work (the impotent poor, like the elderly, disabled, or children) who received parish aid, and those who could work who were expected to seek employment and rely on work for relief. If able-bodied individuals refused to work, relief could be withheld or they could be punished. Religious affiliation, family lineage, or age alone did not decide eligibility, although age could place someone in the unable-to-work category. The emphasis is on capability to work as the determining criterion.

Relief under the Elizabethan Poor Law was determined by whether a person could work. The system divided the poor into those who were unable to work (the impotent poor, like the elderly, disabled, or children) who received parish aid, and those who could work who were expected to seek employment and rely on work for relief. If able-bodied individuals refused to work, relief could be withheld or they could be punished. Religious affiliation, family lineage, or age alone did not decide eligibility, although age could place someone in the unable-to-work category. The emphasis is on capability to work as the determining criterion.