Affidavit
Court and legal papers
A written or printed statement made under oath.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
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105 words from court papers, insurance letters, bills and bank forms. Each one is explained in the words of an official U.S. government glossary, quoted exactly, with the pages on this site that go with it.
Court and legal papers
A written or printed statement made under oath.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Health insurance
The maximum amount a plan will pay for a covered health care service. May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.”
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When a debt collector calls
Health insurance
A request for your health insurance company or the Health Insurance Marketplace® to review a decision that denies a benefit or payment.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much · When you’re losing health coverage
Court and legal papers
A request challenging the decision of a court by a party that has lost on one or more issues and seeks a higher court (appellate court) review of the decision to determine if it was correct.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
The cost of borrowing money on a yearly basis, expressed as a percentage rate.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Payday loans, title loans, and when the car might be taken · Your credit report: getting it free, reading it, and fixing mistakes
Court and legal papers
A proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you need a lawyer and can’t pay · Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes
Court and legal papers
An injunction that usually comes into force automatically when a bankruptcy case is filed. This stops actions such as lawsuits, foreclosures, garnishments, and most collection activities against the debtor and property of the bankruptcy estate.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start · When a debt collector calls
Court and legal papers
Security (usually in the form of money) given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody to secure their appearance on the day and time set by the court.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you need a lawyer and can’t pay · When someone you love is in jail or prison
Health insurance
When a provider bills you for the difference between the provider’s charge and the allowed amount. For example, if the provider’s charge is $100 and the allowed amount is $70, the provider may bill you for the remaining $30. A preferred provider may not balance bill you for covered services.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for the adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income based on a court-approved plan. (Chapter 13 allows a debtor to keep certain property and pay debts over time, usually three to five years, as dictated by the plan.)
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start
Court and legal papers
The chapter of the Bankruptcy Code providing for "liquidation" (i.e., the sale of a debtor's nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors.)
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start
Health insurance
Insurance program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · Pregnant, or with a new baby
Health insurance
A request for payment that you or your health care provider submits to your health insurer when you get items or services you think are covered.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
An administrative officer appointed by the judges of the court to manage the flow of cases through the court, maintain court records, handle financial matters, and provide other administrative support to the court.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Health insurance
A federal law that may allow you to temporarily keep health coverage after your employment ends, you lose coverage as a dependent of the covered employee, or another qualifying event.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage · When you’ve lost your job
Health insurance
The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you've paid your deductible.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
Property that serves as security for the satisfaction of a debt.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Payday loans, title loans, and when the car might be taken · Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start
Court and legal papers
A civil complaint is a written statement filed by a plaintiff initiating a case, stating the jurisdiction of the court to resolve the legal dispute, the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant, and the requested relief. A criminal complaint is a sworn document filed by the government, alleging a crime has been committed and that there is probable cause to arrest an individual.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When a debt collector calls
Court and legal papers
A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes · Fair chance job kit
Health insurance
A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
An individual who signs a loan, credit account, or promissory note of another person as support for the credit of the primary signer and who becomes responsible for the debt obligation.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask · When a debt collector calls
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A summary of your credit activity and current credit situation such as loan paying history and the status of your credit accounts.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Your credit report: getting it free, reading it, and fixing mistakes · Tenant screening: when a background check stands between you and a home
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A number created from a scoring model that uses information from your credit history.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Your credit report: getting it free, reading it, and fixing mistakes
Court and legal papers
A person to whom or business to which the debtor owes money or that claims to be owed money by the debtor.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When a debt collector calls · Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Consolidation means that your various debts, whether they are credit card bills or loan payments, are rolled into a new loan with one monthly payment. If you have multiple credit card accounts or loans, consolidation may be a way to simplify or lower payments. But a debt consolidation loan does not erase your debt. You might also end up paying more by consolidating debt into another type of loan.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: When a debt collector calls · When the money runs out
Health insurance
The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
A judgment rendered in favor of the plaintiff because of the defendant’s failure to answer or appear to contest the plaintiff’s claim.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When a debt collector calls · When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Court and legal papers
In a civil case, the person or entity against whom the plaintiff brings suit; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Money electronically sent to your bank account, credit union account, or prepaid card.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances
Court and legal papers
A release of a debtor from personal liability for certain dischargeable debts. Some debts, such as certain taxes and student loans cannot be discharged. A discharge also prevents the creditors owed dischargeable debts from taking any action against the debtor or the debtor's property to collect the debts.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start · Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Court and legal papers
Court action that prevents an identical lawsuit or criminal charges from being filed later.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes
Court and legal papers
Court action that allows a later filing.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes
Court and legal papers
A log containing the complete history of each case in the form of brief chronological entries summarizing the court proceedings.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Money, credit, taxes and scams
The illegal or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property, or assets by family members, caregivers, friends, or strangers who gain their trust.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: If an older person is being hurt · Is this a scam?
Health insurance
An illness, injury, symptom or condition so serious that a reasonable person would seek care right away to avoid severe harm.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much · First aid: what do you see?
Health insurance
Health care services that your health insurance or plan doesn’t pay for or cover.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
Property that a debtor is allowed to retain, free from the claims of creditors who do not have liens on the property.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start
Health insurance
A review of a plan's decision to deny coverage for or payment of a service by an independent third-party not related to the plan. If the plan denies an appeal, an external review can be requested.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
These loans are funded by the federal government and have terms and conditions that are set by law. Federal loans also include benefits that private student loans don’t usually offer.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Health insurance
Federally funded nonprofit health centers or clinics that serve medically underserved areas and populations. Federally qualified health centers provide primary care services regardless of your ability to pay. Services are provided on a sliding scale fee based on your ability to pay.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay
Court and legal papers
A serious crime carrying a penalty of more than one year in prison.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes · Coming home from jail or prison
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A law that requires taxes to be deducted from your pay to contribute to Social Security and Medicare; your employer contributes the same amount on your behalf.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay · When something is wrong at work
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Scheme to take your money or your house often by making a false promise of saving you from foreclosure; includes mortgage loan modification scams.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: When you can’t pay the mortgage · Is this a scam?
Health insurance
A list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan offering prescription drug benefits. Also called a drug list.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · My medicines: a list and a daily check
Health insurance
A prescription drug that has the same active-ingredient formula as a brand-name drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rates these drugs to be as safe and effective as brand-name drugs.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · My medicines: a list and a daily check
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A prepaid card used by a government agency to pay certain government benefits, such as unemployment insurance.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances · When you’ve lost your job
Health insurance
A complaint that you communicate to your health insurer or plan.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Total pay before taxes and other deductions are taken out.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay · Money plan: one month of money, on one page
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Using your personal information — such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number — without your permission.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: When someone is using your name
Money, credit, taxes and scams
An attempt to get you to send money by pretending to be someone you know or trust, like a sheriff; local, state, or federal government employee; a family member; or charity organization.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Is this a scam?
Court and legal papers
Latin, meaning, “In the manner of a pauper.” Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Interest capitalization occurs when unpaid interest is added to the principal amount of your student loan.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Court and legal papers
The official decision of a court finally resolving the dispute between the parties to the lawsuit.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When a debt collector calls
Court and legal papers
A claim or charge on property to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When a debt collector calls · When you can’t pay the mortgage
Court and legal papers
Mediation is an informal process in which a mediator facilitates negotiations between the parties to help them resolve their dispute.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When it’s divorce or custody · When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Health insurance
Insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · When you’re losing health coverage
Health insurance
Health care services or supplies needed to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, condition, disease or its symptoms and that meet accepted standards of medicine.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Health insurance
A federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities. It also covers people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: Help as you get older · Applying for disability benefits
Money, credit, taxes and scams
The minimum dollar amount that must be paid each month on a loan, line of credit, or other debt.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: When a debt collector calls · Bills this month: what comes in, what is due, what is left
Court and legal papers
An offense punishable by one year of imprisonment or less.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes · Coming home from jail or prison
Court and legal papers
A request by a litigant to a judge for a decision on an issue relating to the case.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Health insurance
An individual or organization that's trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased. Their services are free to consumers.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage · When you need a doctor and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Amount of money you receive in your paycheck after taxes and other deductions are taken out; also called take-home pay.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay · Money plan: one month of money, on one page
Health insurance
The facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide health care services.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Court and legal papers
A debt for which the debtor’s personal liability is not allowed to be discharged in bankruptcy.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start · When it’s about child support
Health insurance
Your expenses for medical care that aren't reimbursed by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for covered services plus all costs for services that aren't covered.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Health insurance
The most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
An overdraft occurs when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, but the bank pays the transaction anyway.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances
Court and legal papers
A formal application in writing made to a court or other official body requesting judicial action of some character.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Money, credit, taxes and scams
When someone tries to get you to give them personal information, such as through an email or text message, often by impersonating a business or government agency.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Is this a scam? · When someone is using your name
Court and legal papers
A person or entity that files a civil lawsuit.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Court and legal papers
In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you need a lawyer and can’t pay · Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes
Health insurance
The amount you pay for your health insurance every month.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage · When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A card on which you load money in advance to spend.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A fee lenders can charge borrowers if they pay off a loan early.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Payday loans, title loans, and when the car might be taken · When you can’t pay the mortgage
Health insurance
A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · Get ready for your appointment
Health insurance
Approval from a health plan that may be required before you get a service or fill a prescription in order for the service or prescription to be covered by your plan.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When a medical bill is too much
Money, credit, taxes and scams
These loans are from private organizations, such as banks and credit unions, which set their own terms and conditions. Private loans generally lack many of the protections of federal student loans.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Court and legal papers
A Latin term meaning “on one’s own behalf.” In courts, it refers to persons who present their own cases without lawyers.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Court and legal papers
A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision of a probation officer, who makes certain that the defendant follows certain rules (e.g., gets a job, gets drug counseling)
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Coming home from jail or prison · Clearing your record: sealing, expungement, pardons, and fixing mistakes
Health insurance
A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage
Health insurance
A written order from your primary care doctor for you to see a specialist or get certain medical services.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay · Get ready for your appointment
Money, credit, taxes and scams
When a new friend says they like or love you, but they really just want your money—and may not be who they say they are.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Is this a scam? · If someone is threatening to share your pictures
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Credit card that typically requires a cash security deposit. The larger the security deposit, the higher the credit limit. Secured cards are often used to build credit history.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Your credit report: getting it free, reading it, and fixing mistakes · A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances
Court and legal papers
Debt backed by a mortgage, pledge of collateral, or other lien. Examples include home mortgages, auto loans and tax liens.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: Bankruptcy: what it is, what it costs, and where to start · Payday loans, title loans, and when the car might be taken
Court and legal papers
The delivery of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When a debt collector calls
Court and legal papers
Parties to a lawsuit resolve their dispute without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in at least partial satisfaction of the other party's claims but usually do not include the admission of fault.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When a debt collector calls
Health insurance
A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage · When you’ve lost your job
Money, credit, taxes and scams
When a caller disguises the information shown on your caller ID to appear as though they are calling as a certain person or from a specific location.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Is this a scam?
Health insurance
A monthly benefit paid by Social Security to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older. SSI benefits aren't the same as Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: Applying for disability benefits · Help as you get older
Court and legal papers
The time within which a lawsuit must be filed or a criminal prosecution must begin. The deadline can vary, depending on the type of civil case or the crime charged.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When a debt collector calls · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
This is a company that collects payments on student loans, tracks loans while borrowers are in school, responds to borrowers' questions, and handles other tasks associated with loans.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Court and legal papers
A command, issued under a court's authority, to a witness to appear and give testimony.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you have to go to court without a lawyer · When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Health insurance
An easy-to-read summary that lets you make apples-to-apples comparisons of costs and coverage between health plans.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you’re losing health coverage
Money, credit, taxes and scams
A dollar-for-dollar reduction in a tax. It can be deducted directly from taxes owed. Tax credits can reduce the amount of tax you owe or increase your tax refund, and some credits may result in a refund even if you don't owe any tax.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
When someone steals your Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund; may also be called tax-filing-related identity theft.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: When someone is using your name · Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay
Court and legal papers
Akin to a preliminary injunction, it is a judge's short-term order forbidding certain actions until a full hearing can be conducted. Often referred to as a TRO.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When home isn’t safe · If someone is stalking you
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Transactions to your ATM, debit, or credit card that you didn’t make or approve (such as withdrawals, transfers, purchases, or charges) and for which you received no benefit.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances · When someone is using your name
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Unbanked households don’t have a checking or savings account at an institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: A bank account: opening one, being turned down, and second chances
Court and legal papers
A lawsuit brought by a landlord against a tenant to evict the tenant from rental property – usually for nonpayment of rent.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you might be evicted · When you have to go to court without a lawyer
Health insurance
Care for an illness, injury or condition serious enough that a reasonable person would seek care right away, but not so severe it requires emergency room care.
Source: HealthCare.gov glossary
On this site: When you need a doctor and can’t pay
Court and legal papers
A non-bankruptcy legal proceeding whereby a plaintiff or creditor seeks to subject to their claim the future wages of a debtor. In other words, the creditor seeks to have part of the debtor's future wages paid to the creditor for a debt owed to the creditor.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When a debt collector calls · Student loans: when you can’t pay, default, and what to ask
Court and legal papers
Court authorization, most often for law enforcement officers, to conduct a search or make an arrest.
Source: United States Courts, Glossary of Legal Terms
On this site: When you need a lawyer and can’t pay
Money, credit, taxes and scams
Money that employers withhold from employees’ paychecks. This money is deposited for the government and is credited against the employees' tax liability when they file their returns.
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, youth financial education glossary
On this site: Taxes: free help, and what to do if you can’t pay · When something is wrong at work
The choice of words, this page and the links to our own guides were made with AI (Claude) for Scarlet Beast (our AI policy). The definitions are quoted from the three sources named above; a program checked every quote against the text we saved from each source on October 7, 2026. No lawyer, insurance worker or accountant has reviewed this page, and the sources may have changed since. Also in Spanish: ¿Qué significa esa palabra? Found a mistake? Email [email protected].
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