Payments to individuals, governments, or businesses which, under law, must be made to all those eligible and for which funds do not have to be appropriated in advance. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and TANF are among the entitlement programs.
benefits promised by law to individuals or families meeting certain requirements.
are benefits provided by the federal government for individuals with disabilities (disability is defined as "the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months"). Entitlements available to people with mental illness include income support through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) programs, and health coverage under Medicaid and Medicare. 32
Programs that promise a certain benefit to anyone who qualifies under the law. For example, Medicare promises comprehensive health care benefits to anyone who is over the age of 65. If Congress wants to change the cost of an entitlement program, it must change the law that qualifies people, or it must reduce the cost of the promised benefit.
a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract.
Commitments of federal funds in accordance with a formula that requires payments to be made automatically to specified classes of recipients who meet certain eligibility criteria. Funding for entitlement programs goes through the budgetary appropriations process, but the level of funding depends on the original legislation rather than on an annual appropriation. The best-known entitlement program is Social Security. Many entitlement programs employing formulas are subject to annual appropriations. See also Formula.
Programs that must be provided to all eligible persons upon demand. Special education and Social Security are entitlements, many adults services are not.
The amount of payment to which a state or local government is entitled as determined by the federal government (e.g., The Director of the Office of Revenue Sharing) according to a predetermined allocation formula.
Government transfer payments made to individuals having certain designated characteristics and circumstances, such as age or need.
payments made to a person or government which meets the requirements enumerated in the law. Social Security benefits, military pensions, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) are all entitlements.
Programs that make payments to any person, business, or unit of government that seeks the payments and meets the criteria set in law. The Congress controls these programs indirectly by defining eligibility and setting the benefit or payment rules. Although the level of spending for these programs is controlled by the authorizing legislation, funding may be provided in either an authorization or an appropriation act. The best-known entitlements are the major benefit programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. See direct spending.
Programs whose eligibility requirements are written into law. Any individual or other entity that meets whose requirements is entitled to the money, which the government must spend until Congress changes the law. 9
Programs that create a legal obligation on the federal government to make payments to any person, business, or unit of government that meets the criteria set in law. The Congress controls those programs by setting eligibility criteria and the benefit or payment rules, not by providing a specific level of funding. Although the level of spending for entitlements is determined by the number of beneficiaries who meet the eligibility criteria, funding may be provided in either the authorization or an appropriation act. The best-known entitlements are the major benefit programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. See authorization and direct spending.
Government benefits such as Social Security and Medicare that must be paid to anyone meeting specific eligibility requirements.
A right to certain benefits specified by contract or law.