subsistence pay
nounUK /səbˈsɪstəns peɪ/
US /səbˈsɪstəns peɪ/
Money that is just enough to buy the basic things you need to live.
The workers were given subsistence pay that barely covered food and rent.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small daily allowance given to cover meals and basic costs while working away from home.
The company paid a subsistence allowance for meals during the training trip.
3. Income that only covers necessities and leaves nothing extra for savings or fun.
Many seasonal farm workers live on subsistence pay during the harvest.
4. Payment meant to keep a person or family at the level of bare survival.
The charity criticized the factory for offering subsistence pay instead of a fair wage.