Income assessment embarrassed statesmen (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
means test
'income assessment' is the definition.
(test measuring someone's income)
'embarrassed statesmen' is the wordplay.
'embarrassed' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'statesmen' is an anagram of 'MEANS TEST'.
(Other definitions for means test that I've seen before include "Check on financial status" , "resources check" , "examination of available funds" , "Check to see if one qualifies for assistance" , "Inquiry into the financial state of a person applying for aid" .)