Federal spending · FY2025
Income Security
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Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
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Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
Income Security programs are designed to provide a safety net and financial support to individuals and families facing economic hardship, unemployment, disability, or old age. The core public purpose is to alleviate poverty, reduce economic inequality, and ensure a basic standard of living for vulnerable populations. Success is measured by the extent to which these programs effectively buffer individuals and families from economic shocks, promote financial stability, and support societal well-being. Key programs include Social Security, unemployment insurance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and various other federal assistance programs. These initiatives are administered by multiple agencies, primarily the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Labor, with oversight from various other departments. The mission is to provide essential financial support and facilitate economic security for all Americans.
The problem
Refundable-credit payment errors divert support. GAO identified the Earned Income Tax Credit among the largest FY2025 payment-error programs. Incorrect eligibility or refund amounts divert money from correctly paid support. These are published estimates, not a finding that all income-security spending is lost. Scope: The refundable-credit program within Income Security; not the complete function.
The solution
Offer clear tax-filing help so families can avoid repeated mistakes. When records disagree, check income, children claimed and tax forms before paying a refund. Correct both overpayments and underpayments, explain decisions and allow appeals. Report money actually recovered separately from estimated errors. How this helps: Households get support with fewer delays and providers have a reason to help beyond the first appointment. Protect people: Keep essential support available to people who qualify, including those who need more help. Allow appeals against mistakes. Measure success: correct payments, access to benefits and lasting job or housing results.
Supports eligible households through assistance, refundable credits and related income-support programs. Each program has its own eligibility and delivery rules.
How to read it: Tap a row to open what's inside. Colours match the chart above, and each row's share is its part of the row it sits under.
| Where it went | Gross outlays | Share | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| $243.6B32.4% | 32.4% | ||
| $199.8B26.5% | 26.5% | ||
| $149.9B19.9% | 19.9% | ||
| $78.2B10.4% | 10.4% | ||
| $48.0B6.4% | 6.4% | ||
| $33.1B4.4% | 4.4% |
From tracking spending to demanding receipts
Today’s reporting can show spending without a complete trail to the final recipient or proof of delivery. Help close those gaps, strengthen checks before payment, and reduce opportunities for fraud and abuse.
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