211
A free, 24/7 helpline (dial 2-1-1) and website that connects you to local social services — food pantries, housing, utility assistance, healthcare, crisis support. Run by United Way. Available in most U.S. states.
211.orgReference Glossary
The words you'll hear.
Plain-language definitions for the acronyms you'll encounter when applying for federal and state programs. Each term is color-coded by what kind of help it relates to.
21 term
general
A2 terms
ACA
Affordable Care Act
The 2010 federal law that created the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov), expanded Medicaid in many states, and introduced premium subsidies based on income.
Read our ACA guideAMI
Area Median Income
The midpoint of household incomes in your local area, set annually by HUD. Section 8 and other housing programs use AMI thresholds (often 30%, 50%, or 80% of AMI) rather than the Federal Poverty Level.
B1 term
Benefits.gov
The official U.S. government portal for finding federal and state benefit programs. Enter your state and situation to see what may apply to you.
Benefits.govC2 terms
CAA
Community Action Agency
Local nonprofits funded by the federal Community Services Block Grant. They provide emergency assistance, utility help, and housing support in nearly every U.S. county.
Find your local CAACHIP
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Federal-state insurance for kids whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private coverage. Income limits run higher than Medicaid in most states.
Read our CHIP guideE2 terms
EBT
Electronic Benefits Transfer
The card used to access SNAP and other food benefit funds. Works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and some farmers markets.
ERA
Emergency Rental Assistance
Federal rental assistance funds created during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributed to state and local governments. Many local programs are still active.
Read our ERA guideF4 terms
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The federal form that determines your eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and most state and college aid. Filed annually.
Read our FAFSA guideFCC
Federal Communications Commission
The U.S. agency that administers the Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone and broadband service to eligible low-income households.
FNS
Food and Nutrition Service
The USDA agency that runs SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other federal food assistance programs.
FNS.USDA.govFPL
Federal Poverty Level
An income measure set annually by HHS. Many assistance programs use multiples of FPL as eligibility benchmarks — SNAP at 130%, LIHEAP at 150%, Lifeline at 135%, WIC at 185%.
See FPL tables on our Eligibility pageH2 terms
HCV
Housing Choice Voucher
The official name for the Section 8 rental subsidy program. A voucher that helps income-eligible households pay rent in private-market housing.
Read our Section 8 guideHUD
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The federal agency responsible for housing policy. HUD funds public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and free housing counseling. Call 1-800-569-4287 to find a HUD counselor.
HUD.govL2 terms
LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Federal program that helps income-eligible households pay heating, cooling, and weatherization bills. Administered through state and local agencies.
Read our LIHEAP guideLifeline
An FCC program providing discounted monthly phone and broadband service to low-income households. Eligibility is income-based (135% FPL) or via enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or similar.
Read our Lifeline guideM2 terms
Medicaid
Federal-state health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Administered by states under federal guidelines — income thresholds vary widely by state.
Read our Medicaid guideMedicare
Federal health insurance for people 65+ and certain younger people with disabilities. Different from Medicaid, which is income-based.
Read our Medicare guideP1 term
PHA
Public Housing Authority
A local or regional agency that administers HUD public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in your area.
Find your PHAS2 terms
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The largest federal food assistance program (formerly food stamps). Monthly benefits on an EBT card for grocery purchases. Apply through your state SNAP agency or Benefits.gov.
Read our SNAP guideSSI
Supplemental Security Income
A Social Security Administration program providing monthly payments to low-income adults and children with disabilities, and to people 65+ with limited income. Enrollment in SSI often automatically qualifies you for SNAP and Lifeline.
T1 term
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Federal block grant program providing time-limited cash assistance to low-income families with children. Administered by states. Contact your state social services office to apply.
U1 term
USDA
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Federal agency that runs the major food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, National School Lunch Program) through its Food and Nutrition Service.
V1 term
VITA
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
IRS-sponsored free tax prep program for people earning under ~$64,000, persons with disabilities, and limited-English speakers. Run by trained volunteers at community sites nationwide.
Read our VITA guideW3 terms
WAP
Weatherization Assistance Program
Department of Energy program that helps low-income households reduce energy costs through insulation, window sealing, furnace repair, and other efficiency upgrades.
Read our WAP guideWIC
Women, Infants, and Children
USDA program providing nutrition support, food benefits, breastfeeding help, and healthcare referrals to eligible pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.
Read our WIC guideWIOA
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Federal law funding free job training, career counseling, and re-employment services through American Job Centers nationwide. Often the most overlooked program for adults wanting to switch careers.
Read our WIOA guideConfused by an acronym you saw somewhere? We'll explain it.
Glossaries can only do so much. If you're looking at a program and not sure what applies, call us — a team member will walk you through the actual program in plain language.
Call free(844) 572-3682