Funny, this doesn't seem to bother you too much:

AI Overview Depending on the specific economic model and year analyzed, households in the lower 50% of the income distribution receive an average of $30,000 to $45,000 annually in combined federal, state, and local transfers when "all things are considered" (including cash assistance, non-cash in-kind benefits, and health programs). [1] (marottaonmoney.com - Who pays taxes federal state local tax burden transfers), [2] (hoover.org - Myths economic inequality)Comprehensive economic reviews—such as those published by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and specialized studies like The Myth of American Inequality—highlight that the vast majority of non-cash government safety net distributions flow to the lower half of the population. [1] (Congressional Budget Office: Publication 62300), [2] (en.wikipedia.org - The Myth of American Inequality), [3] (qjae.mises.org - Book review the myth of american inequality how government biases policy debate)What "All Things Considered" IncludesOfficial U.S. Census Bureau income data often excludes non-cash benefits. However, when calculating total government distributions, economists factor in both cash and in-kind (non-cash) subsidies, which generally break down into four primary categories: [1] (lawliberty.org - False narratives of inequality), [2] (econlib.org: Setting the Record Straight on Income Inequality)Healthcare (The Largest Share): Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Low-Income Subsidies for Medicare Part D, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) cost-sharing marketplace subsidies. [1] (Congressional Budget Office: Publication 62300)Food & Nutritional Assistance: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / Food Stamps) and school/child nutrition programs. [1] (Congressional Budget Office: Publication 62300)Housing & Utility Subsidies: Section 8 vouchers, public housing assistance, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). [1] (Congressional Budget Office: Publication 62300)Refundable Tax Credits & Direct Aid: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and state/local general assistance programs. [1] (taxfoundation.org - US income growth progressive tax code), [2] (en.wikipedia.org - Household income in the United States)Average Distributions Across the Bottom 50%Because data is typically tracked by "quintiles" (20% increments) rather than an exact 50% split, the lower half of the income distribution is best understood by looking at the lowest quintile (0–20%) and the second quintile (21–40%), which receive more than two-thirds of all means-tested transfers. [1] (qjae.mises.org - Book review the myth of american inequality how government biases policy debate)Income GroupAverage Annual Government Transfers Received (All Levels)Key Characteristics & CompositionLowest Quintile (Bottom 20%)$34,092 to $45,389Heavily dominated by Medicaid and Medicare benefits, followed closely by SNAP and housing aid. Government transfers match or exceed their earned market income.Second Quintile (21%–40%)$25,000 to $30,000Receives a balanced mix of healthcare benefits, refundable tax credits (like the EITC), and childcare assistance.Middle Quintile (41%–60%)$22,510Primarily receives social insurance benefits (like regular unemployment or Social Security) rather than low-income means-tested aid.The "Net" Effect (Taxes vs. Benefits)When comparing what the lower 50% receives against what they pay, the bottom half of American households are net recipients of government spending. [1] (aei.org - Cbo study shows that the rich dont just pay a fair share of federal taxes they pay almost everybodys share)According to data compiled by the Tax Foundation, families in the lowest income tier receive roughly $5.28 in total government spending for every $1 they pay in federal, state, and local taxes. [1] (taxfoundation.org - Distribution tax and spending policies united states)In contrast, the middle 20% roughly breaks even, receiving about $1.48 per tax dollar. [1] (taxfoundation.org - Distribution tax and spending policies united states)If you are looking for specific data, please let me know if you want to focus on a specific state's distributions, a particular program (like Medicaid vs. SNAP), or a certain year's dataset.Congressional Budget Office (.gov)The Distribution of Household Income in 2021Sep 11, 2024 — Means-Tested Transfer Rates Remained at the Historically High Levels They Reached in 2020. Among households in the lowest quintile...Congressional Budget Office (.gov)The Distribution of Household Income, 2022Jan 21, 2026 — Most means-tested transfers go to households in the bottom two quintiles of the income distribution. In this analysis, CBO divided...Quarterly Journal of Austrian EconomicsThe Myth of American Inequality: How Government Biases ...In 2017, federal, state, and local governments redistributed $2.8 trillion, 22 percent of the nation's earned household income, an...Show all