Benefits Glossary

A mandatory waiting period imposed by the SSA before SSDI benefits begin. Benefits do not start until the 6th full month after the established onset date of disability.

A tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities that allows them to save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits.

Money in an ABLE account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. Some states give a tax deduction for contributions.

A federal law (signed 2010) that expanded access to health insurance by creating the Health Insurance Marketplace, establishing income-based subsidies, and requiring insurers to cover pre-existing conditions.

The ACA Marketplace, found at HealthCare.gov, is where you can compare and buy private health plans, often with subsidies, if you don't have job or government coverage.

ACA Open Enrollment is the yearly window when anyone can sign up for or change a Marketplace health plan, usually from November 1 through January 15.

An ACA Special Enrollment Period lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan outside Open Enrollment after life events like losing a job or having a baby.

A federal tax credit that lowers what you pay for health insurance purchased through the ACA Marketplace. The credit is calculated based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level.

Accrued benefits are VA payments owed to a veteran but not paid before they died. A surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent may be able to collect them.

The process by which a veteran with a disability rating of 30%+ adds a spouse, children, or dependent parents to their VA file to receive increased monthly compensation.

A VA pension benefit that provides an additional monthly payment to veterans and surviving spouses who require the help of another person to perform daily activities or who are housebound.

AIME is a monthly average of your highest earning years, adjusted for wage growth. Social Security uses it to figure out your SSDI or retirement payment.

The third level of the SSDI/SSI appeals process, in which an independent judge reviews your disability claim and holds an in-person or video hearing where you can present testimony and new evidence.

Your Alleged Onset Date is the date you say your disability started. It affects when back pay begins if you are approved.

The 2019 VA reform (effective February 19, 2019) that replaced the legacy VA appeals system with three distinct lanes: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) appeal.

An Area Agency on Aging is a local nonprofit or government office that helps adults 60+ find services like meals, rides, in-home care, and benefit help.

The retroactive disability benefits owed to an approved SSDI claimant, covering the period from the established onset date (minus the 5-month waiting period) through the month of approval.

The retroactive disability benefits owed to an approved SSDI claimant, covering the period from the established onset date (minus the 5-month waiting period) through the month of approval.

Retroactive SSI payments owed to an approved claimant from the date of their application (or protective filing date) through the month of approval.

A bellwether trial is one of a few sample lawsuits picked from a mass tort or MDL. The result helps both sides predict how a future settlement might look.

Bend Points are the dollar thresholds SSA uses to turn your AIME into a benefit amount. They give a higher percentage of benefits to lower lifetime earnings.

Paid or unpaid time off work granted to employees following the death of a family member or close person. The amount of time and whether it is paid varies by employer policy and state law.

The Social Security Administration's official reference guide that lists medical conditions automatically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if specific criteria are met.

The Social Security Administration's official reference guide that lists medical conditions automatically considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if specific criteria are met.

An independent body within the Department of Veterans Affairs that reviews VA disability claim appeals when a veteran disagrees with a regional office decision.

A written statement submitted by someone who personally observed a veteran's in-service event, symptoms, or daily functional limitations -- used as lay evidence to support a VA disability claim.

The complete official record of a veteran's VA disability claims history, including medical records, rating decisions, service records, and all correspondence with the VA.

A medical examination ordered by the VA to evaluate the nature and severity of a veteran's claimed disability, used to establish or deny service connection and assign a disability rating.

A standardized VA form completed by a licensed physician documenting the diagnosis, severity, and functional impact of a veteran's condition — used to support a VA disability claim or appeal.

An independent federal court that reviews final Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions when a veteran believes the BVA made a legal error in their VA disability case.

A federal program that provides subsidies to help low- and moderate-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in training.

CHAMPVA for survivors is a VA health insurance program for the spouse and children of veterans who died from a service-connected condition or were rated permanently and totally disabled.

Chapter 35 DEA pays for school or job training for the spouse and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died from a service-connected condition.

The Child Tax Credit lowers your federal income tax for each qualifying child under 17. Some lower-income families can also get part of it as a refund.

A federal-state partnership that provides low-cost health insurance to children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

A federal law that allows workers and their families to continue employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a limited period after losing a job or experiencing another qualifying event.

An annual percentage increase applied to Social Security, SSI, VA disability, and other federal benefit payments to help keep pace with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

The method the VA uses to calculate a veteran's total disability percentage when they have multiple service-connected conditions, using the 'whole person' method rather than simple addition.

Comparative negligence is a rule that lowers your accident payment by the percentage you were at fault. Some states bar recovery if you were more than 50% at fault.

The right of military retirees with VA disability ratings to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously, eliminating the historic offset that reduced retirement pay dollar-for-dollar.

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. The fee is a percentage of the money you recover.

A Cost-Sharing Reduction lowers the deductible, copays, and coinsurance on a Silver ACA Marketplace plan for people with lower income.

CRDP lets eligible military retirees receive both their full retirement pay and their full VA disability pay at the same time. You qualify if you have 20+ years of service and a VA rating of 50% or higher.

CRSC is a tax-free monthly payment from the Department of Defense for retired service members whose disabilities are tied to combat. It restores retirement pay that was offset by VA disability compensation.

A USDA program that provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors age 60 and older, supplementing their diets with shelf-stable commodity foods including canned goods, cereals, and dry milk.

A specific type of VA claim that challenges an old, final VA rating decision by arguing it contained an undebatable legal or factual error that — if corrected — would have changed the outcome, with no new evidence required.

The last date a person met the Social Security work credit requirements to be insured for SSDI benefits. Your disability must have begun on or before this date to qualify for SSDI.

The official document issued to veterans upon separation or discharge from active military service, summarizing their service history, character of discharge, awards, and training.

An official form issued by the Department of Defense to correct errors or add missing information to a veteran's DD-214 discharge document.

Deeming is when SSA counts part of a spouse's or parent's income and resources as if they belong to you when deciding SSI eligibility.

Delayed Retirement Credits raise your Social Security retirement benefit by about 8% per year for each year you wait past Full Retirement Age, up to age 70.

A demand letter is a formal written request for money or action sent before filing a lawsuit. It explains the claim and what you want.

A Dependent Care Assistance Program is the formal name for an employer-funded benefit, including a Dependent Care FSA, that helps pay for care for kids or adult dependents.

A Dependent Care FSA is a job-based account that lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay for child care or care for an adult dependent.

A tax-free monthly benefit paid by the VA to eligible surviving spouses, dependent children, and parents of service members who died on active duty or veterans who died from a service-connected condition.

DIC for parents is a tax-free monthly VA payment to a low-income parent of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected condition.

A dual eligible is a person enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. The two programs work together to lower out-of-pocket costs.

The VA's online platform (being migrated to VA.gov) that allows veterans to manage disability claims, view payment history, access service records, and use self-service VA tools.

A debit-style card issued to recipients of SNAP (food stamps) and in some states cash assistance (TANF), allowing them to purchase eligible food and goods at authorized retailers.

The date from which a VA disability rating or benefit is effective, determining how far back retroactive payments go. Generally, this is the date the VA received the original claim.

A refundable federal tax credit for working individuals and families with low-to-moderate income, with credit amounts that increase with earned income up to a maximum then phase out — designed to incentivize and reward work.

A federally-funded HUD program that provides funding to states and localities for emergency shelter, homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, and related services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

An individual who lives with an SSI recipient and provides essential care that the recipient would otherwise need to pay for from a care facility. Their presence can affect the recipient's SSI payment.

Expedited Reinstatement lets you restart SSDI or SSI quickly if your benefits stopped because of work but the same condition keeps you from working again, all within 5 years.

The Extended Period of Eligibility is a 36-month window after your Trial Work Period when SSDI checks your earnings each month and pays you in months you stay below the SGA limit.

Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy, is a Medicare program that lowers Part D drug plan costs for people with limited income and resources.

A VA disability rating granted outside the normal rating schedule when a veteran's service-connected condition causes exceptional disability not adequately captured by the standard VASRD criteria.

The form students must complete each year to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and many institutional scholarships.

Fair Housing rules ban housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status. HUD enforces them.

An income measure published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), used to determine eligibility for dozens of federal benefit programs.

A federally funded program providing part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while enrolled.

Emergency financial assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to individuals and families affected by presidentially declared major disasters, including housing grants, home repair assistance, and personal property replacement.

Form 1095-A is the tax form sent by the ACA Marketplace that shows what you paid for coverage and any Premium Tax Credits you received during the year.

A range of state and federal education benefits for current and former foster youth, including tuition waivers at public colleges, Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs), Chafee grants, and special FAFSA protections.

Full Retirement Age is the age you can claim 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit. It is 67 for people born in 1960 or later.

A Fully Developed Claim, or FDC, is a faster way to file a VA claim. You submit all your evidence up front so the VA does not need to gather records, which usually means a quicker decision.

A series of VA education benefit programs that help veterans, service members, and in some cases dependents pay for college, vocational/technical training, licensing, and other approved education programs.

Compensation owed to an employee for wages lost due to an employer's violation of a labor agreement, workplace policy, or employment law, often resulting from a formal grievance process.

HCBS are Medicaid-paid services delivered at home or in the community, like personal care, day programs, and respite, instead of in a nursing facility.

Federally funded early childhood programs that provide comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income children from birth through age 5 and their families.

One of three VA appeals lanes introduced by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) in 2019, in which a more senior VA claims processor reviews the original decision for clear errors — no new evidence is submitted.

The largest federal block grant program dedicated to creating affordable housing for low-income households, providing funds to states and localities to build, buy, or rehabilitate rental housing and assist first-time homebuyers.

An employer-funded account that reimburses employees for out-of-pocket medical expenses and individual health insurance premiums on a tax-free basis.

A tax-advantaged savings account available to individuals enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), used to pay for qualified medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

A federal HUD program that funds the development and operation of affordable, accessible rental housing specifically for very low-income seniors age 62 and older.

HUD-VASH is a joint program between HUD and the VA that gives homeless veterans a Section 8 voucher plus VA case management and clinical support.

A federal law ensuring that children with disabilities (ages 3-21) receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment, along with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

A formal written opinion from a private physician (not the VA) providing an expert medical assessment of the nature, cause, or severity of a disability — used to support VA disability claims and appeals.

In-Kind Support and Maintenance is free food or shelter you get from someone else. It can lower your SSI payment because SSA treats it as income.

A formal notice submitted to the VA indicating that a veteran intends to file a disability claim, which preserves an earlier effective date and potential retroactive payments while the veteran gathers evidence.

An additional premium surcharge added to Medicare Part B and Part D premiums for beneficiaries whose income exceeds certain thresholds, based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) from two years prior.

A federal FCC program that provides discounts on monthly phone and broadband internet service for eligible low-income consumers, reducing costs by up to $30/month ($75/month on qualifying Tribal lands).

A federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax return (20% of up to $10,000 in qualified education expenses) for taxpayers who pay tuition and fees for higher education — with no limit on the number of years it can be claimed.

A federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization referrals through grants paid directly to energy providers.

A federal tax incentive program that encourages private investment in the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low-income households.

Insurance — typically employer-sponsored — that replaces a portion of your income (usually 50%–70%) if you become unable to work for an extended period, beginning after a 90- to 180-day elimination period.

LTSS are services that help people with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking, paid for by Medicaid in homes, communities, or nursing homes.

Multidistrict Litigation is when many similar lawsuits across the country are sent to one federal judge for early steps. It speeds up large mass tort cases.

Medicaid Estate Recovery is when a state collects what it spent on long-term care for a person from their estate after death, usually from a home.

A Medicaid spend-down lets people with too much income or assets qualify for Medicaid by using the excess on medical costs first.

A Medicaid waiver lets a state pay for home and community services for people who would otherwise need a nursing home or institution.

The Medical-Vocational Grids are SSA tables that combine your age, education, work history, and physical limits to decide if you should be approved for SSDI.

A private health plan that combines Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and often includes Part D (prescription drugs), sold by insurance companies approved by Medicare, offering an alternative to Original Medicare.

The General Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 each year. People who missed earlier Medicare windows can enroll then, but late penalties may apply.

The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday when you can first sign up for Medicare without a late penalty.

Medicare's Late Enrollment Penalty is an extra monthly cost added to your Part B or Part D premium for life if you sign up late without other valid coverage.

The component of Original Medicare that covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care (following a hospital stay), hospice care, and limited home health services.

The component of Original Medicare that covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment.

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a private plan that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D into one plan with extra benefits like dental or vision.

The component of Medicare that provides prescription drug coverage through private plans approved by Medicare.

Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that help pay Medicare premiums and sometimes deductibles and copays for people with limited income.

A Medicare Special Enrollment Period lets you sign up for Medicare outside the usual windows because of life events like losing job-based coverage.

Private insurance policies that fill the 'gaps' in Original Medicare coverage — paying for Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and in some plans, foreign travel emergencies.

MGIB-AD is the older active duty Montgomery GI Bill that pays a monthly education benefit to veterans who paid into it during their first year of service.

MGIB-SR is a Montgomery GI Bill for Reserve and Guard members who commit to a 6-year service term. It pays a smaller monthly stipend than active duty programs.

Federal tax benefits available to active duty service members, veterans, and their families, including combat pay exclusions, moving expense deductions, and the tax-free status of VA disability compensation.

The VA's term for sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service, recognized as a basis for VA disability compensation and for free VA mental health care regardless of whether a formal military report was filed.

A written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider that establishes a link ('nexus') between a veteran's current medical condition and their military service, used to support a VA disability claim.

A Notice of Disagreement was the old way to start a VA appeal for claims decided before February 19, 2019. Newer claims use the modernized appeals system instead.

A VA designation assigned when a veteran is rated at 100% disabled (or TDIU-equivalent) and the condition is considered static with no likelihood of improvement — unlocking additional benefits and protections.

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that lets seniors get medical and personal care at home or in a day center instead of a nursing home.

A landmark 2022 federal law that dramatically expanded VA health care and disability benefits eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic substances during military service.

Paid Family Leave is wage replacement from a state or employer for time off to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.

A federal Direct PLUS Loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for college costs not covered by other financial aid.

A PASS Plan lets SSI recipients set aside income or resources to reach a work goal, like school or starting a business, without losing their SSI.

A federal need-based educational grant available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, providing funds that do not need to be repaid.

PIA is the base monthly Social Security benefit you would get at full retirement age. SSDI payments are also based on the PIA.

Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability lets eligible service members give some or all of their unused GI Bill education benefits to a spouse or child.

The Premium Tax Credit lowers monthly health insurance premiums on the ACA Marketplace. You can take it in advance or claim it at tax time.

A medical condition the VA automatically assumes was caused by military service for veterans who meet specific criteria, waiving the normal requirement to prove a direct service connection.

A HUD program in which rental subsidies are attached to specific housing units rather than to a tenant via a voucher, allowing very low-income households to pay 30% of income for rent in participating properties.

A mental health condition resulting from traumatic military service events -- among the most commonly service-connected VA disabilities -- rated under Diagnostic Code 9411 based on severity of social and occupational impairment.

Federally funded rental housing managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), providing safe and affordable housing to low-income families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

QMB, SLMB, and QI are three types of Medicare Savings Programs. Each one helps pay different Medicare costs based on your income level.

Quarters of Coverage are the work credits Social Security uses to decide if you have worked enough to qualify for SSDI or retirement benefits. You can earn up to 4 per year.

Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path. A common VA disability claim arising from conditions like herniated discs or combat injury.

Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path. A common VA disability claim arising from conditions like herniated discs or combat injury.

The first level of appeal for denied SSDI or SSI claims, in which a different SSA examiner reviews all evidence from the original decision plus any new evidence you submit.

Benefit payments covering a past period during which you were eligible but not yet receiving benefits. Common in VA disability claims, SSDI, and SSI approvals.

SSA's assessment of the maximum amount of work-related physical and mental activity a person can do consistently over a full workday despite their impairments, used when a claimant does not meet a Blue Book listing.

A VA grant program for veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities that funds modifications to their home or help purchasing/building an adapted home.

The Saver's Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) for low- and moderate-income workers who save for retirement.

SCSEP is a federal job training program that places low-income adults 55+ into part-time community service jobs to build skills for paid work.

Federal small business certifications that give service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOSBs) and veteran-owned businesses (VOSBs) priority access to federal contracting set-asides and sole-source awards.

Section 1619(b) lets people on SSI keep their Medicaid coverage when they start earning too much for an SSI cash payment, as long as their income stays under a state limit.

The federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, elderly, and disabled persons to afford safe, decent housing in the private market through rental subsidy vouchers.

The legal finding that a veteran's disability was incurred or aggravated during military service, which is required for a veteran to receive VA disability compensation.

A settlement matrix is a chart used in mass torts that lists payment amounts based on the type and severity of the plaintiff's injury.

The earnings threshold used by the SSA to determine whether a person is engaging in work that disqualifies them from SSDI or SSI benefits.

SHIP is a free counseling program in every state that helps people with Medicare understand their coverage choices, costs, and rights.

Additional tax-free VA compensation paid on top of regular disability compensation to veterans with specific severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities that cause unusually high need for care.

SMC-K is an extra monthly VA payment added on top of your regular disability pay when you have lost the use of certain body parts, like a hand, foot, or reproductive organ. You can stack multiple SMC-K awards.

SMC-L is a higher VA monthly payment for veterans who need regular help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating because of service-connected conditions.

SMC-M is a higher VA monthly payment above SMC-L for veterans with very serious disabilities, like loss of use of both hands or being permanently bedridden.

SMC-N is a higher VA payment above SMC-M for veterans with extreme disabilities, such as loss of use of both arms at or above the elbow.

SMC-O is one of the highest VA monthly payment levels, paid to veterans with multiple severe disabilities, such as being both blind and missing both legs.

SMC-P is an intermediate VA payment level between two other SMC tiers, used when a veteran has a combination of disabilities that fall between standard categories.

SMC-R is the highest level of VA disability pay, given to veterans who need full-time aid and attendance from another person, often for the most severe injuries.

SMC-S is an extra VA monthly payment for veterans who are housebound or have one 100% disability plus other ratings totaling at least 60%.

SMC-T is a VA payment for veterans with severe traumatic brain injury who need regular aid and attendance and would otherwise need to be hospitalized.

The nation's largest food assistance program (formerly known as Food Stamps) that provides monthly benefits via EBT card to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries.

A federal insurance program that provides monthly income to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity, funded through payroll taxes (FICA).

The earnings test reduces your Social Security retirement benefit if you collect early and earn over a yearly limit. The reduction stops at Full Retirement Age.

Monthly cash benefits paid by the SSA to workers who have earned sufficient work credits and choose to begin collecting retirement benefits, available as early as age 62 (reduced) or as late as age 70 (maximum).

Social Security survivor benefits pay a monthly amount to a widow, widower, child, or some parents after a worker dies.

A window of time outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period during which individuals can enroll in or change ACA Marketplace health insurance coverage following a qualifying life event.

A spousal benefit is up to half of your spouse's Social Security retirement amount, paid to you if it is more than your own benefit.

Form SSA-1099 reports the Social Security benefits you received during the year. You use it when filing your federal tax return.

A federal needs-based program administered by the SSA that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and to adults 65+, who have limited income and resources.

The SSI resource limit is the most you can have in countable assets, like cash or a second car, and still get SSI. It is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

Supplemental Security Income payments are not taxable. You do not list SSI as income on your federal tax return.

SSVF gives short-term help, like rent, utility, or moving costs, to very low-income veteran families who are homeless or about to lose housing.

A Statement of the Case is a VA document that explains the evidence, laws, and reasons used to deny a claim. It is part of the legacy appeals process.

A statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you wait too long, the court will not hear your case.

Substantial Gainful Activity is the monthly earnings limit SSA uses to decide if you are working too much to qualify for SSDI. The dollar limit changes each year.

One of three VA appeals lanes under the AMA in which a veteran submits new and relevant evidence to support a previously denied claim -- allowing the VA to reconsider its decision in light of the new evidence.

A range of VA benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died in service or as a result of a service-connected condition, including DIC, VA Survivors Pension, and burial benefits.

The Survivors Pension is a tax-free monthly VA payment to low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime veterans.

A federal block grant program that provides states with funding for cash assistance, childcare, job training, and other supports for low-income families with children.

A VA benefit that allows a veteran to be compensated at the 100% disability rate even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%, when their service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

State-run insurance programs that provide partial wage replacement to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.

The USDA's estimate of the cost of a nutritious, budget-conscious diet for a reference family of four, used as the basis for calculating SNAP benefit amounts.

Ticket to Work is a free SSA program that helps SSDI and SSI recipients try working, get job training, or find a job without instantly losing their benefits.

A 9-month window during which SSDI recipients can test their ability to work and earn any amount without affecting their SSDI eligibility.

A DoD education benefit that funds up to 100% of tuition costs (up to $250/credit hour; $4,500/year) for active duty service members taking college courses during off-duty hours.

USDA Rural Housing Loans are zero-down-payment home loans for low- and moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and small-town areas.

VA Burial Benefits help pay for burial, funeral, and headstone costs for eligible veterans. They can include a partial allowance and a free grave marker.

VA programs providing financial stipends, health insurance, respite care, mental health services, and other support to family caregivers of eligible veterans with serious service-related injuries or illnesses.

A VA compensation add-on that provides additional monthly disability compensation to veterans who financially support a parent -- separate from adding a spouse or children to a VA award.

Tax-free monthly payments made by the VA to veterans who have a service-connected disability . a physical or mental condition incurred or aggravated during active military service.

A percentage assigned by the VA that represents the severity of a veteran's service-connected condition, ranging from 0% to 100% in increments of 10%, used to determine the amount of disability compensation.

A comprehensive national health care system operated by the VA providing medical, surgical, mental health, dental, and other health services to eligible veterans through VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and community clinics.

A VA benefit allowing eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses to purchase a home with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates, backed by a VA guaranty to the lender.

Free or low-cost mental health services available to eligible veterans through the VA health care system, including treatment for PTSD, MST, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention.

When the VA pays a veteran more than they are entitled to receive (often due to rating reductions, dependent changes, or administrative errors), the VA issues a debt notice -- veterans have rights to dispute, waive, or repay the debt.

The monthly payment schedule on which the VA distributes disability compensation, pension, and other recurring benefit payments -- typically the first business day of each month for the prior month's benefit.

A needs-based, tax-free benefit for wartime veterans and their surviving families with limited income and assets who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65+, NOT based on service connection.

MAPR is the most VA Pension you can receive in a year. The VA subtracts your countable income from the MAPR, then divides by 12 to set your monthly pension check.

VA disability compensation and most other VA benefits are excluded from federal gross income and are not reportable as taxable income, providing significant tax advantages for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

VA programs that reimburse eligible veterans for the cost of travel to and from VA medical appointments, including mileage reimbursement, common carrier transportation, and special mode transportation.

VEAP is an older voluntary GI Bill program for service members who served between 1977 and 1985. The VA matches contributions $2 for every $1.

A Vocational Expert is a job market specialist who testifies at SSDI hearings about whether you can do your past work or any other work given your limits.

VR&E helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a good job. It can pay for training, schooling, equipment, and a monthly housing allowance.

A nonprofit organization that advocates for veterans' rights and provides free assistance with VA disability claims, appeals, and other benefits . often staffed by accredited Claims Agents.

A U.S. Department of Energy program that provides no-cost home energy efficiency improvements (insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs, etc.) to low-income households, reducing energy bills and improving safety.

WEP and GPO are old rules that reduced Social Security for some workers with public pensions. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed both starting in 2024.

A federal nutrition assistance program providing supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children up to age 5.

Units of credit earned through taxable employment or self-employment, used to determine eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits.

State-mandated insurance that provides wage replacement, medical benefits, and rehabilitation to employees injured on the job or who develop occupational illnesses, regardless of fault.

A VA-approved agreement between the VA and participating private colleges and universities that supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover tuition costs that exceed the program's public in-state school cap.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit where schools and the VA share the cost of tuition that goes above the GI Bill cap.