U.S. improper payments hit $161.8 billion, enough to buy almost 2,000 military helicopters
Story by Shirleen Guerra • 23h
(The Center Square) – The federal government reported $161.8 billion in improper payments during the most recent fiscal year, according to a new watchdog report.
Improper payments have been a significant issue for the federal government, with executive branches reporting an estimated $2.8 trillion in improper payments since 2003, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The report found a total of $161.8 billion in improper payments in 2024 alone. That figure is likely an undercount because not all federal agencies follow reporting guidelines.
Under the Payment Integrity Information Act, agencies are required to manage payments by identifying risks, taking corrective measures, and reporting on their efforts. However, the GAO found that some agencies are not fully following the required guidelines for reporting data annually.
Improper payments have declined in recent years, costing the government $239 billion in 2023 before dropping to $161.8 billion in 2024. Improper payments remain a stubborn challenge for many federal agencies. Improper payments peaked at $281.4 billion in fiscal year 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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