Relief Program Glossary
Definitions of common terms, acronyms, and concepts used in relief programs.
Relief programs use specialized terminology that can be confusing. This glossary defines common terms, acronyms, and concepts you'll encounter when applying for assistance. Understanding these terms will help you navigate applications more confidently.
Also known as "Obamacare," the federal law that created the Health Insurance Marketplace, expanded Medicaid in many states, and established protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
Your total gross income minus specific deductions (like student loan interest or IRA contributions). Found on line 11 of Form 1040. Used by many programs to determine eligibility.
The midpoint income for a geographic area, where half of households earn more and half earn less. Housing programs often express income limits as a percentage of AMI (e.g., 80% AMI).
A formal request to review a decision when you've been denied benefits or disagree with the amount awarded. Most programs have specific appeal procedures and deadlines.
The maximum value of resources (savings, property, vehicles) you can own and still qualify for a program. Different programs count different assets.
The time frame during which you're approved to receive benefits, typically 6-12 months before recertification is required.
Federal funding given to states with broad guidelines on how to spend it. TANF is a block grant, which is why benefits vary significantly by state.
Automatic qualification for one program based on participation in another. For example, SNAP recipients may automatically qualify for free school meals.
A state-federal program providing health coverage for children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but who can't afford private insurance.
The federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The total estimated cost of attending college for one year, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal expenses. Used to calculate financial aid.
Annual increase to benefits (like Social Security) based on inflation, ensuring purchasing power is maintained.
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service after you've paid your deductible.
A USDA program providing monthly food packages to low-income seniors age 60 and older.
The amount you must pay for healthcare services before your insurance begins to pay. For example, a $500 deductible means you pay the first $500 of covered services.
A person who relies on another for financial support, typically a child or qualifying relative. Tax and benefit definitions of "dependent" may differ.
Income that makes you ineligible for a program because you exceed the income limit, or income that doesn't count toward work requirements.
State or local agency that administers public assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. May also be called DHS, DHHS, or similar names depending on the state.
A person who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid. These individuals may receive additional benefits and reduced costs.
A plastic card, similar to a debit card, used to receive and spend SNAP benefits and sometimes cash assistance.
Now called SAI (Student Aid Index). The number calculated from FAFSA that determines how much financial aid a student can receive.
A refundable tax credit for low-to-moderate income workers, especially those with children. Can result in a refund even if you owe no taxes.
A program where everyone who meets eligibility requirements receives benefits. Social Security and Medicare are entitlements; SNAP is also considered one.
The form students complete to apply for federal financial aid including Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans. Also used by many states and colleges.
Federal agency that coordinates disaster relief. Provides grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.
Part of HUD that insures mortgages, allowing lenders to offer loans with lower down payments and credit requirements.
Federal law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons.
Income thresholds set annually by HHS, used to determine eligibility for many programs. In 2026, the FPL for a single person is approximately $15,060; for a family of four, approximately $31,200.
A federal grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Awarded by colleges from limited funds.
Time after graduation or leaving school before student loan payments begin (typically 6 months for most federal loans).
Total income before taxes and deductions. Some programs use gross income; others use net income for eligibility.
A tax filing status for unmarried individuals who provide a home for a qualifying person. Also used in benefit calculations.
Federal agency responsible for housing programs including Section 8, public housing, and FHA loans.
The number of people living together who share food and resources. Different programs define this differently.
Student loan repayment plans that set monthly payments based on your income and family size. Includes SAVE, PAYE, IBR, and ICR plans.
The maximum income allowed to qualify for a program, usually expressed as a percentage of FPL or as a dollar amount based on household size.
Federal program providing assistance with home heating and cooling costs. Administered by states with varying benefit levels.
Also called "Extra Help." Medicare program that helps pay for prescription drug costs for those with limited income and resources.
A calculation used by the ACA Marketplace and Medicaid to determine eligibility. It's your AGI plus certain additions like tax-exempt interest.
A program that considers your income and/or assets to determine eligibility. SNAP and Medicaid are means-tested; Social Security retirement is not.
Joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. Eligibility and benefits vary by state.
Federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities. Has four parts: A (hospital), B (medical), C (Advantage), D (prescription drugs).
Medicaid programs that help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for low-income beneficiaries.
Gross income minus allowed deductions. SNAP uses net income (after deductions for shelter, childcare, etc.) to determine benefit amounts.
The annual period when you can enroll in or change health insurance plans. For the ACA Marketplace, typically November 1 - January 15.
Local agency that administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing in a community.
The monthly payment for health insurance coverage, separate from deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Program that forgives remaining federal student loans after 120 qualifying payments while working for a qualifying public service employer.
Tax credit that reduces the cost of health insurance purchased through the ACA Marketplace. Can be taken in advance to lower monthly premiums.
A Medicare Savings Program for those with income up to 100% FPL that pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and copays.
The periodic process of verifying continued eligibility for benefits. Most programs require annual recertification.
Assets that may be counted when determining eligibility, including savings accounts, investments, and property (excluding primary residence in most programs).
Replaced EFC in 2024. The number calculated from FAFSA that represents a family's financial strength and determines financial aid eligibility.
Federal agency that supports small businesses through loans, grants, and business development programs.
Federal program providing grants to small businesses for research and development with commercialization potential.
Common name for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which subsidizes rent for low-income families in private housing.
Formerly called "food stamps." Federal program providing monthly benefits on an EBT card to purchase food for low-income households.
Federal agency that administers Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Monthly benefits for workers who become disabled and have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
Monthly cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
A time outside open enrollment when you can sign up for health insurance due to qualifying life events (marriage, birth, job loss, moving).
Government payment that reduces the cost of a service, like the premium tax credit for health insurance or housing subsidies.
Federal block grant to states providing cash assistance to low-income families with children. Includes work requirements and time limits.
Income not from employment, such as Social Security, pensions, interest, dividends, unemployment benefits, or child support.
Federal agency providing healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, and home loans to veterans and their families.
The process of confirming information on an application by providing documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, or ID.
A list of approved applicants waiting for benefits when demand exceeds available resources. Common in housing programs like Section 8.
Federal permission for states to operate programs differently than federal rules require. Many states have Medicaid waivers.
Federal nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5, providing food vouchers, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
Credits earned toward Social Security benefits by working and paying Social Security taxes. You can earn up to 4 credits per year.
Rules requiring beneficiaries to work, look for work, or participate in activities like job training to maintain benefits. Applies to TANF, SNAP (for some), and Medicaid (in some states).
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and refer back to it when reviewing program requirements. Understanding these terms will help you complete applications accurately and avoid common mistakes.