Crossword Genius

Slum street estimated to indicate a degree of affluence (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

means test

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'degree of affluence' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'slum street estimated to indicate a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'street' could be 'st' and 'st' is found within the answer.
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for means test that I've seen before include "financial investigation" , "Inquiry into the financial state of a person applying for aid" , "enquiry into funding" , "Check to see if one qualifies for assistance" , "resources check" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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