What is indicated by the term "indigency" in social services?

The term "indigency" in social services refers to a situation of extreme need and lack of resources. This concept is crucial within the realm of social services, as it defines individuals or families who do not possess the financial means to secure basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Understanding this term helps social workers and agencies accurately assess the needs of those they aim to assist, ensuring that support and resources are directed to those who are most vulnerable.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that do not align with the meaning of indigency. Self-sufficiency and adequate financial means suggest that individuals are able to meet their own needs without external assistance, which directly opposes the idea of indigency. Likewise, a temporary financial strategy implies a planned approach to managing finances that eventually resolves into stability, rather than a state of ongoing extreme need. Thus, recognizing "indigency" as a condition of extreme need is critical for proper intervention and support in social service contexts.