What term refers to an individual who depends on taxpayers for financial support?

The term used to refer to an individual who relies on taxpayers for financial support is "dependent." This designation typically applies to individuals who are not financially self-sufficient, such as those who receive government assistance, welfare benefits, or social services funded by tax revenues. Being labeled as dependent indicates that the person's financial well-being is supported by government programs, which are funded by the contributions and taxes of the working population.

In contrast, the other terms reflect different states of financial status. An "independent" individual supports themselves without relying on public funds. Someone who is "financially secure" has sufficient resources to meet their needs without assistance. "Self-sufficient" indicates that a person can provide for their own basic needs and does not require financial aid from others or public resources. These distinctions underscore the unique situation of dependents in relation to financial support from the taxpayer base.