The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 4 letter word MEANS TEST
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
E
A
N
S
T
E
S
T
More clues leading to the result MEANS TEST
- Scot cleaned out in tightest financial investigation
- Sort to be disheartened during most skilful financial investigation
- Satisfied about answer, Parisian is providing justification for payment
- Financial investigation involves tax
- Statesmen arranged financial enquiry
- Good people conserving energy, following cruel benefits assessment
- Financial assessment that’s most malicious, restricting good man
- Way to check an official inquiry
- Statesmen arranged financial review
- Statesmen ordered resources check
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "justification for payment" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case justification for payment = means test.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MEANS TEST mean?
MEANS TEST verb- To subject a person to a means test, or to require a means test in order to receive a benefit