Means testing saves taxpayer dollars when it comes to food stamps, low-income housing and low-cost medical care. Colleges operate the same way with need-based financial aid in addition to grants and merit scholarships, so why not do the same with taxpayer-funded benefits for needy people? It just makes cents (as well as dollars).
No, means testing is not better than universal access to benefits, because if means testing is put in place, people have no reason to work hard to better themselves and their families, knowing that there will always be a benefit no matter what. Instead, benefits should be available to all people who contribute to the government through taxes. This would make taxpayers happier with their government.