The problem is that means testing programs often have a cliff where you go from qualifying to not qualifying instead of being a gradual ramp-off. In other words, earning $1 more can remove $100 in support from the government instead of something more reasonable like only removing 10c at the beginning and up to $0.9 if you’re already on your way out.

The common criticism of means testing is that more money is spent on the bureaucracy implementing the testing than if you just took the money you otherwise spent on bureaucracy and gave it directly without means testing.