Federal government agencies reported a total estimate of about $186 billion in improper payments in fiscal year 2025, an increase of $24 billion from 2024.
About $153 billion—roughly 82 percent—of this total arose from overpayments.
Improper US Government Payments Rose to $186 Billion in 2025: Watchdog
Estimated improper federal payments have reached about $3 trillion since fiscal year 2003, according to the Government Accountability Office.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office building in Washington on May 22, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
