What are entitlement programs?

An entitlement program is a system set up by a government that pays or gives certain types of benefits to people who meet certain qualifications set up in the program. Examples are Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, Methadone Maintenance, etc. As long a person meets the qualifications set by the program, such as low to moderate household income levels or minimum age requirements, that person is entitled by law to the benefits provided by that program.