Based on the passage, create a definition for the word eligible:

“I don’t blame Dad,” I said. And, I didn’t. But Dad seemed hell-bent on destroying himself, and I was afraid he was going to pull us all down with him. “We’ve got to get away.” “But I can’t leave your father!” she said. I told Mom that if she left Dad, she’d be eligible for government aid, which she couldn’t get now because she had an able-bodied husband. Some people at school - not to mention half the people on Little Hobart Street - were on welfare, and it wasn’t so bad. I knew Mom was opposed to welfare, but those kids got food stamps and clothing allowances.