Benefits Glossary

Two ways to be rated 100% disabled by the VA — one based on the rating schedule, one marked as permanent.

A type of Medicaid waiver that pays for home and community-based services so people can live outside an institution.

The Social Security rule that bases your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings - zeros are averaged in if you worked fewer than 35 years.

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.

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

Money in an ABLE account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free.

A federal law (signed 2010) that expanded access to health insurance by creating the Health Insurance Marketplace, establishing income-based subsidies.

The ACA Marketplace, found at HealthCare.gov, is where you can compare and buy private health plans, often with subsidies.

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.

BenefitKarma's free tool that helps you build an organized, court-ready evidence pack after a car accident or other personal injury, in one sitting.

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.

A nationwide lawsuit by firefighters, military members, and others harmed by toxic 'forever chemicals' in firefighting foam.

When a child on SSI turns 18, SSA reviews eligibility under stricter adult disability rules. About one-third of recipients lose benefits at this review.

Illnesses the VA presumes were caused by Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War and a few other settings.

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.

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.

A free VA database where veterans can record exposure to burn pits and other airborne hazards during service.

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.

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

A required letter Medicare Advantage and Part D plans mail every September listing how costs, benefits, network, and drug formulary change next year.

A free visual of typical VA appeals timelines — Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and Board appeals — so you know what to expect.

A free BenefitKarma tool that turns your VA appeal details into a clean intake summary you can share with a VSO, attorney, or VA-accredited rep.

The 2019 VA reform (effective February 19, 2019) that replaced the legacy VA appeals system with three distinct lanes: Supplemental Claim.

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.

The retroactive disability benefits owed to an approved SSDI claimant, covering the period from the established onset date.

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.

A Benefit Verification Letter is the official SSA document that confirms your monthly benefit amount, benefit type, and Medicare status. Free online.

Paid or unpaid time off work granted to employees following the death of a family member or close person.

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

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

A 2019 law extending Agent Orange presumptive benefits to U.S. Navy veterans who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam.

An independent body inside the VA that reviews disability claim appeals when a veteran disagrees with a regional office decision.

A calculation that finds the age at which total lifetime Social Security from delaying your claim equals what you would have from claiming early.

A written statement submitted by someone who personally observed a veteran's in-service event, symptoms.

An SSI rule that lets you set aside up to $1,500 per spouse in clearly designated burial funds without that money counting toward the SSI resource limit.

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

A medical examination ordered by the VA to evaluate the nature and severity of a veteran's claimed disability.

A standardized VA form completed by a licensed physician documenting the diagnosis, severity, and functional impact of a veteran's condition.

A 2022 federal law that lets people harmed by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune file a lawsuit for compensation.

A lawsuit filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act for people harmed by toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987.

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.

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

A VA-run health insurance program for the spouses and children of certain disabled or deceased veterans.

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.

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.

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.

A higher VA proof standard used in some appeals — stronger than 'preponderance' but lower than 'beyond a reasonable doubt.'

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.

An annual percentage increase applied to Social Security, SSI, VA disability, and other federal benefit payments to help keep pace with inflation.

The method the VA uses to calculate a veteran's total disability percentage when they have multiple service-connected conditions.

Comparative negligence is a rule that lowers your accident payment by the percentage you were at fault.

A federal program that fast-tracks Social Security disability decisions for people with certain severe conditions, often in weeks instead of months.

The right of military retirees with VA disability ratings to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously.

A medical exam SSA sets up and pays for when your records aren't enough to decide your disability claim. The doctor is hired by SSA, not by you.

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 regular check by Social Security to see if a person on SSDI or SSI is still disabled and qualifies for benefits.

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

A phase in older Medicare Part D plans where members pay more for drugs after hitting an initial spending limit.

CRDP lets eligible military retirees receive both their full retirement pay and their full VA disability pay at the same time.

Health or prescription drug coverage at least as good as Medicare's — letting you delay Medicare enrollment without a Late Enrollment Penalty.

CRSC is a tax-free monthly payment from the Department of Defense for retired service members whose disabilities are tied to combat.

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

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.

The last date a person met the Social Security work credit requirements to be insured for SSDI benefits.

The official document issued to veterans upon separation or discharge from active military service, summarizing their service history.

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.

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.

Type II diabetes is rated by the VA under DC 7913 from 10% to 100% based on insulin needs, activity limits, and hospital visits.

A tax-free monthly benefit paid by the VA to eligible surviving spouses, dependent children.

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 service.

The state agencies that make the medical disability decision for SSA. DDS handles your initial SSDI or SSI application and the reconsideration appeal.

Monthly Social Security benefits for an adult child who became disabled before age 22, based on a parent's Social Security work record.

Social Security benefits you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's work record after a divorce, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years.

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.

A debit-style card issued to recipients of SNAP (food stamps) and in some states cash assistance (TANF).

The date from which a VA disability rating or benefit is effective, determining how far back retroactive payments go.

A refundable federal tax credit for working individuals and families with low-to-moderate income.

A federally-funded HUD program that provides funding to states and localities for emergency shelter, homeless prevention, rapid re-housing.

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.

The date SSA officially decides your disability began. It can differ from the date you claimed and controls how far back your SSDI back pay goes.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

A federal law giving eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for family or medical reasons.

The most a family can get each month from Social Security based on one worker's record.

The fourth and final level of SSA's appeals process: a civil lawsuit in federal court after the Appeals Council denies your disability claim.

An income measure published annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

A federally funded program providing part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.

Emergency financial assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to individuals and families affected by presidentially declared major.

A plain-language guide for the first 48 hours after a personal injury accident - what to document, who to call, and which mistakes to avoid.

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.

Free college and housing money for children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept 10, 2001.

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.

The Adult Function Report (Form SSA-3373) SSA uses to learn how your condition affects your daily life when deciding your disability claim.

A free BenefitKarma tool that walks you through SSA's Adult Function Report (SSA-3373) in plain English so your answers fully describe your limits.

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

A rule that used to reduce Social Security spouse or survivor benefits for people who got a government pension from non-covered work.

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

A group of unexplained chronic symptoms — like fatigue, joint pain, and memory issues — affecting many Gulf War veterans.

A federal multidistrict litigation by women who developed uterine and ovarian cancers after long-term use of chemical hair relaxers.

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.

The VA rates service-connected hearing loss under DC 6100 from 0% to 100% based on an audiologist's pure-tone and Maryland CNC speech tests.

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.

The largest federal block grant program dedicated to creating affordable housing for low-income households.

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).

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

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.

Hypertension is rated by the VA under DC 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. Daily blood pressure medication alone qualifies for 10%.

A federal law ensuring that children with disabilities (ages 3-21) receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.

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.

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.

IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is an extra Medicare Part B and Part D premium for higher-income beneficiaries above set income thresholds.

A request asking SSA to lower your IRMAA Medicare surcharge after a life event like retirement or losing a spouse cuts your income below the year SSA used.

Out-of-pocket costs you pay because of your disability that are needed to work. SSA subtracts these from your earnings before comparing to the SGA limit.

A federal FCC program that provides discounts on monthly phone and broadband internet service for eligible low-income consumers.

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.

A federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs, energy crisis assistance.

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

The SSA Blue Book listing for depressive, bipolar, and related disorders that can lead to a finding of disability.

Insurance — typically employer-sponsored — that replaces a portion of your income (usually 50%–70%) if you become unable to work for an extended 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.

The VA rates lower back conditions under DC 5237 and 5243 from 10% to 100% based on forward bending range of motion and incapacitating episodes.

A one-time Social Security payment of $255 made to an eligible surviving spouse or dependent child when a worker who paid into Social Security passes away.

The Medicaid eligibility rules used for most adults under 65, kids, pregnant people, and parents — based on tax income.

A type of large-scale lawsuit where many people harmed by the same product, drug, or event sue together but keep their own individual claims.

A free BenefitKarma tool that explains the main factors lawyers use to estimate what a mass tort claim may be worth, in plain English.

A free BenefitKarma tool that helps you build the evidence list a mass tort attorney is likely to need to evaluate your potential claim.

A free screener that checks whether your situation may fit one of the major active mass torts and connects you with a vetted law firm.

A free visual that walks you through the typical stages of a mass tort case - from intake and discovery to bellwether trials and settlements.

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 is a joint federal-state health program that helps people with limited income pay for doctor visits, hospital care, medicine, and long-term care.

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.

When you apply for nursing home Medicaid, the state reviews 60 months of financial transfers. Gifts or below-market transfers can trigger a coverage penalty.

A way states deliver Medicaid services through private health plans paid a set rate per member each month.

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.

A medical lien is a provider's legal claim to be paid from your personal injury settlement before you receive your share. Liens are usually negotiable.

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).

A January 1 to March 31 window when Medicare Advantage members can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.

The yearly window from October 15 to December 7 when Medicare beneficiaries can change their coverage for the next year.

Federal rules deciding when Medicare pays second after another insurance pays first. Common with employer coverage at 65+, workers' comp, or auto claims.

The amount you must pay out of pocket each year before Medicare Part A, Part B, or Part D begins paying its share — set annually by CMS.

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.

Medicare's Hospice Benefit covers comfort care for people with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of 6 months or less, at very low out-of-pocket cost.

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.

Medicare MOOP is the yearly out-of-pocket spending cap on Medicare Advantage plans. In 2026 the in-network cap is $9,250.

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

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

A Medicare Advantage feature that reimburses part or all of your Part B premium, reducing the amount taken from your Social Security check.

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is a private plan that bundles Part A, Part B.

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

The list of prescription drugs that a Medicare Part D plan covers, organized into cost tiers.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare caps insulin at $35 per month per covered product across Part D and Medicare Advantage drug plans.

A rule used by Medicare Advantage and some Part D plans that requires plan approval before certain services, drugs, or equipment are covered.

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

Federal programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI) that help pay Medicare premiums and other costs for people with limited income and resources.

Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility after a 3-day inpatient hospital stay. Days 21–100 cost $217/day in 2026.

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

A Medicare Advantage plan built for people with specific conditions, most often a D-SNP for people enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

A 1-to-5 star quality score Medicare gives to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans each year.

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

Two top Medigap plans for new enrollees since 2020. Plan G covers nearly all gaps except the Part B deductible; Plan N has copays for a lower premium.

SSA's evaluation of how much you can mentally do at work despite a mental health condition.

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

The VA rates migraines under DC 8100 from 0% to 50% based on how often you have prostrating attacks that stop you from functioning.

Federal tax benefits available to active duty service members, veterans, and their families, including combat pay exclusions, moving expense deductions.

The VA's term for sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service.

my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount is the free SSA portal to view earnings, estimate benefits, manage payments, and download official letters.

The NEC baby formula MDL alleges cow's-milk hospital formulas like Similac and Enfamil increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.

A written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider that establishes a link ('nexus') between a veteran's current medical condition and their.

Work in a job that does not withhold Social Security taxes, usually some state, local, or federal roles. Builds no SS credits and once triggered WEP/GPO.

A Notice of Disagreement was the old way to start a VA appeal for claims decided before February 19, 2019.

A favorable SSDI or SSI decision issued by a judge based on your written file alone — no hearing needed — when the evidence clearly supports approval.

The traditional fee-for-service Medicare made up of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage.

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.

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.

A list of more than 20 illnesses the VA now presumes are linked to toxic exposure 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 multidistrict litigation by farmers and others who developed Parkinson's disease after exposure to the herbicide paraquat.

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 federally required screening to make sure nursing home residents with mental illness or developmental disabilities get the right care.

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.

A free BenefitKarma tool that breaks down the parts of a personal injury claim - medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

PFAS are man-made forever chemicals linked to cancer and other illnesses. Active MDLs include AFFF firefighting foam with over 15,000 pending cases.

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.

A HUD program in which rental subsidies are attached to specific housing units rather than to a tenant via a voucher.

The earliest date SSA will use to start your SSDI or SSI benefits, set when you first tell SSA you intend to file, before turning in the full application.

A measure of your income that the IRS uses to decide whether - and how much of - your Social Security benefits are taxable each year.

A mental health condition resulting from traumatic military service events -- among the most commonly service-connected VA disabilities -- rated under.

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

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.

Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path.

Damage or irritation to a nerve root, typically causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve's path.

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.

A person or organization the SSA appoints to receive and manage Social Security or SSI payments for a beneficiary who cannot manage their own benefits.

Benefit payments covering a past period when you were eligible but not yet receiving benefits. Common in VA disability, 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.

Roundup lawsuits allege the glyphosate weedkiller made by Monsanto (now Bayer) causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A proposed $7.25B settlement is under review.

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

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.

An SSI work incentive that lets you keep a smaller SSI payment even when earnings go above SGA, as long as you still meet SSI's disability and income rules.

Section 1619(b) lets people on SSI keep their Medicaid coverage when they start earning too much for an SSI cash payment.

The federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, elderly, and disabled persons to afford safe.

The five-step test SSA uses to decide whether someone is disabled under the Social Security Act. Steps are evaluated in order; any step can end review.

The legal finding that a veteran's disability was incurred or aggravated during military service.

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.

A free BenefitKarma tool that helps you track work activity against SSA's Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits while on SSDI.

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

Sleep apnea is rated by the VA under DC 6847. A prescribed CPAP machine usually means a 50% rating worth $1,132.90 a month in 2026.

Additional tax-free VA compensation paid on top of regular disability compensation to veterans with specific severe disabilities or combinations of.

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.

SMC-L is a higher VA monthly payment for veterans who need regular help with daily activities like bathing, dressing.

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.

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

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.

SNAP (food stamps or EBT) is the largest U.S. food assistance program, providing monthly EBT card benefits so low-income households can buy groceries.

Up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable at the federal level, based on provisional income thresholds of $25K/$34K single and $32K/$44K joint.

A federal insurance program that provides monthly income to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity.

Fixing missing or wrong earnings in your Social Security record. Uncorrected errors can permanently lower your retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits.

The earnings test reduces Social Security retirement benefits if you claim early and earn over a yearly limit. The reduction ends at Full Retirement Age.

A 2025 federal law that repealed WEP and GPO, raising Social Security checks for millions of public workers and their families.

Self-employed workers pay both the employee and employer share of Social Security and Medicare tax (15.3% on net earnings) and earn full benefit credits.

Monthly cash benefits paid by the SSA to workers who have earned sufficient work credits and choose to begin collecting retirement benefits.

A personalized SSA record showing your lifetime earnings, projected retirement and disability benefits, and survivor benefits. Free at ssa.gov/myaccount.

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.

A legal trust that holds assets for a person with disabilities without disqualifying them from SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits.

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.

Federal Medicaid rules let the at-home spouse keep up to $162,660 in assets and at least $2,555/month in income when the other spouse needs nursing home care.

The third level of SSA's appeals process, after a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

When SSA pays more benefits than a recipient was due, triggering a written notice and repayment demand the beneficiary can appeal or seek a waiver for.

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

A free BenefitKarma tool that maps your situation to the right SSDI appeal step - Reconsideration, ALJ hearing, Appeals Council, or federal court.

A free BenefitKarma tool that estimates your monthly SSDI payment based on your Social Security earnings history.

A free BenefitKarma tool that builds a tailored evidence checklist for your SSDI claim based on your condition and work history.

A free BenefitKarma tool that scores how strong your SSDI claim looks before you file - and shows the gaps to fix first.

SSI is a needs-based monthly Social Security payment for adults and children with disabilities and very limited income or resources. Separate from SSDI.

A federal SSI cash benefit for children under 18 with a qualifying disability and limited household income. SSA decides using six functional domains.

The SSI resource limit is the most you can have in countable assets, like cash or a second car, and still get SSI.

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

Two different Social Security disability programs — SSI is need-based; SSDI is based on your work history.

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.

An SSI rule that lets students under 22 exclude a large share of their earnings from the SSI calculation, so working in school does not cut their check.

Subrogation is the right of your health insurer, Medicare, or Medicaid to be repaid from your personal injury settlement for accident-related medical bills.

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

A summer grocery benefit of about $40 per child per month for kids who get free or reduced-price school meals.

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.

A military retirement option that pays a monthly check to a spouse or child after a service member dies.

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.

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

A nationwide lawsuit alleging that talc-based body powder products like Johnson's Baby Powder caused ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.

A federal block grant program that provides states with funding for cash assistance, childcare, job training.

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%.

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.

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.

Tinnitus is rated by the VA at a flat 10% under DC 6260, worth $180.42 a month in 2026, whether the ringing is in one ear or both.

TBI is rated by the VA under DC 8045 by the most affected area of function, with levels of 0%, 10%, 40%, 70%, and 100%.

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.

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

A free BenefitKarma tool that estimates the back pay and ongoing monthly benefits a winning VA appeal could be worth.

A free BenefitKarma tool that explains the three VA decision-review lanes - Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and Board appeal.

A free BenefitKarma tool that scores how strong the key signals in your VA appeal look - nexus, evidence, and rating criteria.

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.

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

A guided VA disability claim builder that walks you through service connection, conditions, and evidence before you file with VA.

Tax-free monthly payments made by the VA to veterans who have a service-connected disability.

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%.

A discharge upgrade or VA character of discharge determination can open VA benefits to veterans who left service with a less-than-honorable discharge.

The VA Fiduciary Program appoints a trusted person to manage VA payments for veterans who cannot handle their own finances due to injury, illness, or age.

A free BenefitKarma tool that scores how ready your VA disability claim is before you file - and flags what to fix first.

A comprehensive national health care system operated by the VA providing medical, surgical, mental health, dental.

A VA benefit allowing eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses to purchase a home with no down payment.

A free BenefitKarma tool that projects the lifetime value of your VA disability compensation at your current or target rating.

Free or low-cost mental health services available to eligible veterans through the VA health care system, including treatment for PTSD, MST, depression.

When the VA pays a veteran more than they are entitled to receive (often due to rating reductions, dependent changes, or administrative errors).

The monthly payment schedule on which the VA distributes disability compensation, pension, and other recurring benefit payments -- typically the first.

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.

MAPR is the most VA Pension you can receive in a year. The VA subtracts your countable income from the MAPR.

VA Priority Groups (1 to 8) decide how fast you get VA health care and how much you pay in copays. Higher disability ratings move you to a better group.

A way to get a higher VA rating by linking a new health problem to a service-connected condition you already have.

The yearly cost-of-living raise that keeps VA survivor benefits like DIC and Survivors Pension up with inflation.

VA disability compensation and most other VA benefits are excluded from federal gross income and are not reportable as taxable income.

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

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 community-based VA counseling center offering free, confidential mental health and readjustment support to combat veterans and their families.

A federal hiring rule that gives qualifying veterans extra points and priority when applying for federal jobs.

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.

A Social Security option for someone at Full Retirement Age or older to stop monthly benefits so Delayed Retirement Credits keep building 8% a year to age 70.

VR&E helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a good job.

A nonprofit organization that advocates for veterans' rights and provides free assistance with VA disability claims, appeals, and other benefits.

A U.S. Department of Energy program that provides no-cost home energy efficiency improvements (insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs.

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.

Monthly Social Security benefits paid to the surviving spouse of a worker who has died, based on the worker's Social Security record.

A rule that used to lower Social Security benefits for people who also got a pension from work that did not pay into Social Security.

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

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

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.

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.