Spending on standard of living
In fiscal year 2020, governments spent a combined total of $2.1 trillion on standard of living and aid for the disadvantaged.
That comes out to $6,376 per person.
USAFacts categorizes government budget data to allocate spending appropriately, and to arrive at the estimate presented here. Spending on standard of living, most notably with unemployment insurance, spiked during the pandemic.
Government revenue and expenditures are based on data from the Office of Management and Budget, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Each is published annually, although due to collection times, state and local government data are not as current as federal data. Thus, when combining federal, state, and local revenues and expenditures, the most recent year for a combined number may be delayed.
Agencies and elected officials
Focus | Key actors | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
Income and taxes | Department of Labor, Congress | Set and enforce federal minimum wage |
Cash assistance | Department of Health and Human Services | Give block grants to fund Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) |
Non-cash assistance and services (including medical benefits) | Department of Health and Human Services | Fund childcare assistance |
Focus |
|---|
Income and taxes |
Cash assistance |
Non-cash assistance and services (including medical benefits) |
