Glossary · Programs & credentials
Categorical eligibility
Also called: categorically eligible · automatic eligibility
Qualifying for an assistance or rebate program automatically because your household already receives certain benefits, such as SNAP, SSI or TANF.
What it means
Instead of checking your income, a program accepts proof that someone in the household gets another means-tested benefit. Federal law does this for LIHEAP with TANF, SSI, SNAP and certain veterans' benefits, and DOE's weatherization rules count households where someone received TANF or SSI cash assistance in the past 12 months. Many utility and state rebate programs publish their own lists of qualifying benefits.
Why it matters in an audit
It can save you from gathering income paperwork and often gets you into free weatherization or larger rebates faster.
Typical numbers
Reference values with their sources. Your auditor’s report gives the figure for your own house.
| What | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP (federal law) | Households receiving TANF, SSI, SNAP or certain veterans' benefits | law.cornell.edu ↗ |
| DOE Weatherization Assistance Program | A household member received cash assistance under Social Security Act Title IV or XVI (TANF or SSI) in the 12 months before applying | ecfr.gov ↗ |