Benefits Glossary
Plain-language definitions of acronyms and terms used in government benefit programs. Understanding these helps you read eligibility requirements and official communications with confidence.
A
ACA (Affordable Care Act)
The Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, is a federal law that expanded access to health insurance. It created the Health Insurance Marketplace where individuals and families can buy subsidized coverage, expanded Medicaid eligibility in most states, and required insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions.
Related: Medicaid, Premium Tax Credit, CHIP
AMI (Area Median Income)
Area Median Income is the midpoint of a region's income distribution — half of households earn more and half earn less. Many housing programs (Section 8, public housing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) set eligibility thresholds as a percentage of AMI. AMI is set by HUD for each metropolitan area and updates annually.
Related: HUD, Section 8
B
Benefit Period
The period of time during which an approved benefit is active. At the end of a benefit period, recipients must complete a redetermination (renewal) to continue receiving benefits. For SNAP it is typically 6 to 12 months; for Medicaid it is usually 12 months.
Related: Redetermination
C
Categorical Eligibility
A rule that allows households receiving certain other benefits (typically TANF or SSI) to be automatically eligible for SNAP without a separate income or asset test. Broad-based categorical eligibility, which most states use, extends this to households that receive just a TANF-funded service (like a brochure), effectively eliminating the SNAP asset limit.
Related: SNAP, TANF, SSI
CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund)
The federal block grant that funds state childcare assistance programs (often called CCAP). It helps low-income families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. States have significant flexibility in setting income limits and subsidy amounts.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
A joint federal-state program providing low-cost or free health coverage to children up to age 19 in households that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Income limits vary by state, generally up to 200–300% of FPL. In some states CHIP also covers pregnant women.
Related: Medicaid, FPL
E
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)
A system that delivers government benefits electronically through a card that works like a debit card. SNAP (food stamps) and cash benefits from TANF are loaded onto EBT cards. Recipients can use them at authorized retailers. EBT replaced paper food stamp coupons nationwide.
Related: SNAP, TANF
F
FPL (Federal Poverty Level)
An income threshold published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Most benefit programs set eligibility as a percentage of FPL — for example, "at or below 130% FPL" for SNAP. The FPL increases with household size and adjusts slightly each year. In 2024, 100% FPL is $15,060 for an individual and $31,200 for a family of four.
Related: SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP
H
HCV (Housing Choice Voucher)
The formal name for the Section 8 program. Vouchers help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford private-market housing. Participants pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest up to the fair market rent for the area.
Related: Section 8, HUD, AMI
HHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
The U.S. cabinet department responsible for protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services. HHS oversees major programs including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, SNAP (jointly with USDA), Head Start, and the ACA marketplaces.
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
The federal agency responsible for national housing policy. HUD oversees the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, public housing, FHA mortgage insurance, and programs to prevent homelessness. HUD also sets Area Median Income (AMI) figures used by housing assistance programs.
Related: Section 8, AMI
L
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
A federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. Funds are distributed to states as block grants, so eligibility, benefit amounts, and application periods vary. Benefits are typically paid directly to utility companies. Funding is limited — apply early in the heating or cooling season.
M
Medicaid
A joint federal-state health insurance program covering low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Under the ACA, most states expanded Medicaid to cover adults up to 138% FPL. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health, long-term care, and more — with little or no cost to recipients.
Related: FPL, ACA, CHIP, Medicare
Medicare
A federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, and for people under 65 with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare eligibility is based on age or disability — not income. Medicare has four parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drugs). Low-income Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for programs that help pay premiums and cost-sharing.
Related: Medicaid, SSDI
P
Premium Tax Credit
A refundable federal tax credit that reduces the cost of health insurance purchased through the ACA marketplace. The credit amount is based on household income and the cost of benchmark plans in your area. Eligible households generally earn between 100% and 400% FPL, though enhanced subsidies under the Inflation Reduction Act extend eligibility further through 2025.
Related: ACA, FPL
R
Redetermination
The process of renewing eligibility for a benefit program at the end of a benefit period. Recipients must reapply or complete a renewal form to confirm they still meet eligibility requirements. Missing a redetermination deadline can result in loss of benefits. After the COVID-19 continuous enrollment rules ended in 2023, states conducted large-scale Medicaid redeterminations.
Related: Benefit Period
S
Section 8
The common name for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, named after Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937. See Housing Choice Voucher.
Related: HCV, HUD
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Formerly called food stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income households buy food. Eligibility is based on household size and income (gross income at or below 130% FPL for most households). Benefits range from $23/month for a single person to over $1,700 for a large household. SNAP is administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.
Related: EBT, FPL, USDA, Categorical Eligibility
SSA (Social Security Administration)
The independent federal agency that administers Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits, as well as the SSI program. You can apply for SSI and SSDI through the SSA website or at your local SSA office.
Related: SSI, SSDI
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
Monthly cash benefits for workers who have a qualifying disability and sufficient work history (generally 5 out of the last 10 years of work credits). Benefit amounts are based on your average lifetime earnings. After 24 months of SSDI, you automatically become eligible for Medicare. SSDI is not based on income or assets.
Related: SSI, Medicare, SSA
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
A needs-based federal program paying monthly cash to people who are 65+, blind, or disabled and have limited income and assets. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require work history — it is available to qualifying individuals regardless of employment history. The maximum federal benefit is $967/month in 2024. Some states supplement federal SSI with additional payments.
Related: SSDI, SSA, Medicaid
T
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
A federal block grant that provides states with funding for cash assistance and support services for low-income families with children. Replaces the former AFDC program. TANF imposes work requirements and a 60-month federal lifetime limit on cash assistance. States have wide latitude to design their own programs, so benefits and rules vary significantly.
Related: EBT, SNAP
U
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
The federal department that oversees SNAP (food stamps), WIC, school meal programs, and other nutrition assistance. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers nutrition programs, while its Rural Development office handles rural housing and economic programs.
Related: SNAP, WIC
V
VA (Department of Veterans Affairs)
The federal department that provides benefits, healthcare, and services to U.S. military veterans. VA benefits include healthcare (VA hospitals and clinics), disability compensation, pension, education (GI Bill), home loan guarantees, and burial benefits. Eligibility for specific benefits depends on service history, discharge status, and other factors.
W
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
A federal nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides vouchers for specific healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare. Income limit is generally at or below 185% FPL. WIC is administered by USDA.
Related: SNAP, USDA, FPL
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
Federal legislation funding job training, career counseling, and employment services through a network of American Job Centers. WIOA prioritizes adults with low incomes, dislocated workers, and youth. Services include skills assessments, resume help, occupational training subsidies, and job placement assistance — all free.