The minimum number of hours per week that an employee is required to work to qualify for and maintain eligibility for benefits.

The person who is receiving a benefit.

A trained expert who can help you understand or apply for benefit programs. Their goal is to help you avoid financial complications while developing a sustainable plan for the future. To find a benefits planner in California, use the DB101 Benefits Planner Directory.

The savings part of a whole life policy, which comes from a portion of the premiums paid by the insured.

The amount of cash accrual and interest that the insured may be able to borrow money from.

The federal government pays benefits planners in communities around the country to help people think ahead about work incentives and benefits issues. CWIC'S are benefits planners who are trained by the Social Security Administration to assist beneficiaries with programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in addition to other related programs.

The date an individual is enrolled in coverage. The effective date is usually not the same as the date of hire.

Coverage offered to an individual through a group, such as employer-sponsored, association-affiliated or professional group coverage.

The maximum amount of group coverage available to an individual during the initial enrollment period that does not require medical underwriting. For example, an individual may obtain guaranteed issue amount coverage of two times his or her annual salary, with higher benefit amounts requiring medical underwriting.

The first time an individual is eligible to enroll in a group’s benefits programs. During this period, the individual’s medical history is not subject to review. Once enrolled, however, pre-existing condition exclusionary periods may apply.

Any medical care received by an individual for a medical condition. Examples of medical treatment include being prescribed medication, physician consultations, and therapy for a mental or physical condition.

The review of an individual’s medical history and/or medical records to determine if the individual is eligible for coverage. Medical underwriting, which may include new medical testing, can be used to deny coverage or determine if a particular pre-existing condition will be covered.

The annual time period when an individual may add or change coverage in an employer-provided or association-affiliated insurance plan. Changes during most of these annual periods will require medical underwriting to add benefits not elected during the initial enrollment period. The federal government calls this period "open season", and other insurers may use different terms.

Any condition for which “medical care” was received within six months prior to the effective date of insurance coverage. Medical care includes the use of prescription drugs and physician consultations and services. During a pre-existing condition exclusionary period, coverage for that condition is either not provided or can be limited.

A regularly scheduled payment to an insurer or health care plan.

The review of an individual’s medical records, or the performance of medical testing, to determine eligibility for coverage. Individuals who elect coverage through a group during the initial enrollment period for the guarantee issue amount are not normally required to furnish proof of good health.

The period of time an individual is required to be employed by a company or be a member of an association before becoming eligible to enroll for the group’s health coverage. Also known as the minimum service requirements.

The penalty assessed when funds are borrowed against the cash value of a whole life policy. The surrender charge decreases the longer the individual is insured.

If you were to cancel a life insurance policy prior to death or maturity, you would likely receive some portion of the full value of that policy. The amount you would receive is known as the “surrender value.” The surrender value of your policy should be written into it. If you do not know the surrender value, contact your policy administrator to find out. Not all policies have a surrender value (i.e. - burial insurance and many term insurance policies).