The numbers on the Social Security Administration
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency that plays a central role in the lives of millions. It oversees programs that support retirees, people with disabilities, and eligible survivors (including spouses, children, and dependent parents) of deceased workers. It also helps administer Medicare enrollment.
- In 2024, the SSA provided benefits to about 68 million people monthly, making it the largest public program in the nation.
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- The SSA spent $1.52 trillion in fiscal year 2024, 22.4% of all federal spending ($6.78 trillion). Since 1980, SSA spending has grown 212.3%, outpacing the 193.7% increase in overall federal spending. SSA spending in 1980 was $486.6 billion (adjusted for inflation).
- The SSA manages 22.4% of the federal budget with 2.5% of the federal workforce. About 58,409 people worked for the administration in September 2024, down from 69,963 in September 2010.
In this video, USAFacts Founder Steve Ballmer breaks down Social Security spending using the 2023 budget as an example. And in an upcoming newsletter, we'll explore how Social Security is funded and whether it’s sustainable. Stay tuned. |
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How many people die from gun-related injuries?
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases mortality data that includes breakdowns of gun-related deaths across the country. The recent figures outline trends that affect communities nationwide (and you can search our site for data near you). Here’s what CDC data reveals about where and how often these deaths happen.
- In August 2024, an estimated 3,800 people died from gun-related injuries. Gun deaths were 2% lower than they were the previous month.
- Between January and August 2024, an estimated 30,100 people died from gun-related injuries, down 5% from the same period in 2023.
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- 2023 gun death rates were highest in Washington, DC (30.6 per 100,000 people), followed by Mississippi (29.4) and Louisiana (28.3). The rate was lowest in Massachusetts (3.7).
- In 2023, Washington, DC, also had the highest rate of gun-related homicides at 28.5 per 100,000 people. The gun-related suicide rate was highest in Wyoming (19.0).
- That same year, 95% of gun-related deaths were either suicides or homicides. (The rest include accidents and law enforcement interventions.) Suicides have comprised the largest percentage of gun-related deaths since at least 1979. About 55% of all gun-related deaths in 2023 were suicides.
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Did you know you can find USAFacts on Blue Sky? Same trusted data, new channel. And as always, no partisanship, no bias — just facts as clear as blue skies. |
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Protests of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests have spread from Los Angeles to around the country. Learn more about ICE and immigration channels, both authorized and unauthorized.
Israel and Iran have been striking each other with missiles since last Friday. Learn more about how much foreign aid the US provides Israel and other countries.
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The headline inflation rate was about 2.4% at the end of May. Core inflation was 2.8%. See inflation data on everything from furniture to public transportation to seafood to eggs. |
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