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An '''entitlement''' is a [[federal]] program or provision of law that requires payments to any person or state or local [[government]] that meets the eligibility criteria established by law. Entitlements constitute a binding obligation on the part of the [[federal]] [[government]], and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. [[Social Security]], veterans' compensation, and government pensions are examples of entitlement programs.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/entitlement.htm] US Senate Reference</ref>

An '''entitlement''' is a [[federal]] program or provision of law that requires payments to any person or state or local [[government]], or other entities that meet the eligibility criteria established by authorizing law. Entitlements constitute a binding obligation on the part of the [[federal]] [[government]], and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. [[Social Security]], veterans' compensation, and government pensions are examples of entitlement programs.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/entitlement.htm] US Senate Reference</ref>

'''Entitlement spending''' can also be referred to as '''non-discretionary spending''' or [[mandatory spending]], and does not require an annual [[appropriation]], or vote from Congress, as [[discretionary spending]] does.  

'''Entitlement spending''' can also be referred to as '''non-discretionary spending''' or [[mandatory spending]], and does not require an annual [[appropriation]], or vote from Congress, as [[discretionary spending]] does.