Poverty is multidimensional; but to put it simply, it is one's inability to meet their basic needs and wants. So, food, shelter, clothing, primary education and sanitation—are collectively referred to as welfare. When an individual cannot afford these needs, the person is considered poor. The lack of access to these needs and wants can be monetary or non-monetary. It's monetary when the person does not have the money to afford these things and non-monetary when non-financial barriers prevent you from accessing these needs, like geographical limitations, culture and more.