[slowhandluke]

It is the very definition of an entitlement, which means that if you are alive,

That doesn't seem to include SS, since you need to have worked and paid in for 10 years to get it, and the payout depends on the pay-in.

[gusty]

Since there are only two types of transfer payments, entitlements and welfare, logic dictates it is an entitlement. However, if you disagree, I will gladly defer and call it welfare if you like.