Categorical eligibility is a policy mechanism that allows individuals or households to qualify for certain public assistance programs based on their participation in other specific programs, thereby streamlining the application process and reducing administrative burdens. This approach is used to ensure that those already deemed eligible for one form of assistance can easily access additional support for which they likely qualify.
Benefit Coordination is the process of organizing and managing benefits from multiple sources to ensure that coverage is maximized and expenses are minimized for the beneficiary. It involves understanding the rules of each benefit provider and strategically applying them to avoid duplication and ensure compliance with regulations.