DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
WASHINGTON, D.C
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
February 17, 2022
A Message from the Secretary
During fiscal year 2021, the American economy continued to recover from the COVID-19
pandemic and its adjacent economic crisis. The unemployment rate saw its sharpest one-year
decline on record, while GDP rose to exceed its pre-pandemic levels. The strong recovery is due
in large part to rapid vaccine deployment and robust support provided by the
American Rescue Plan (ARP).
That support included funding for vaccination efforts, support for households through Economic
Impact Payments and the expanded Child Tax Credit, assistance to workers and small businesses
recovering from the economic crisis, efforts to expand access to affordable health care coverage
and childcare, and help for state, local and tribal governments.
In these pages, you will find information about the critical programs launched by the ARP, as
well as related legislative measures like the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act). That support included direct payments to citizens and families; forgivable loans
for small businesses to encourage employee retention; assistance to especially hard-hit
industries; expanded unemployment insurance; help for state, local, and tribal governments; and
funding for the development and purchase of vaccines, therapeutic treatment, testing, and
medical supplies.
This Financial Report discusses current financial results, including federal debt, which increased
during the past year, and interest costs, which as a percent of GDP, remain below historical
levels; and also, importantly, long-term trends affecting our critical social insurance programs
and fiscal health.
It is my duty and pleasure to present this Financial Report to the American people. This
document is a testament to the importance of accountability and transparency in how the nation
handles its finances and economic policymaking.
Janet L. Yellen
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Contents
A Message from the Secretary of the Treasury
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Management’s Discussion and Analysis ………………………………………………………………… 12
Statement of the Comptroller General of the United States ……………………………………. 42
Financial Statements
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
Statement of Net Cost ……………………………………………………………………………………… 59
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position …………………………………………. 61
Reconciliations of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit …………………………………… 63
Statements of Changes in Cash Balance from Budget and Other
Activities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 64
Balance Sheets ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 65
Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections………………………………………………………. ………………………… 57 66
Statements of Social Insurance …………………………………………………………………………. 67
Statement of Changes in Social Insurance Amounts ……………………………………………. 70
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ………………………………………….. 72
Note 2. Cash and Other Monetary Assets …………………………………………………………… 85
Note 3. Accounts Receivable, Net …………………………………………………………………….. 86
Note 4. Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities …………………………….. 87
Note 5. Inventory and Related Property, Net ……………………………………………………… 91
Note 6. General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net ………………………………………….. 93
Note 7. Investments ………………………………………………………………………………………… 94
Note 8. Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles ………………………………………………… 97
Note 9. Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises …………………………………. 100
Note 10. Advances and Prepayments ………………………………………………………………… 103
Note 11. Other Assets ……………………………………………………………………………………… 104
Note 12. Accounts Payable ………………………………………………………………………………. 105
Note 13. Federal Debt and Interest Payable ……………………………………………………….. 106
Note 14. Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable …………………………………… 110
Note 15. Environmental and Disposal Liabilities ………………………………………………… 120
Note 16. Benefits Due and Payable …………………………………………………………………… 122
Note 17. Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities ………………………………………… 123
Note 18. Advances from Others and Deferred Revenue……………………………………….. 125
Note 19. Other Liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………… 126
Note 20. Collections and Refunds of Federal Revenue ………………………………………… 128
Note 21. Commitments ……………………………………………………………………………………. 131
Note 22. Contingencies …………………………………………………………………………………… 134
Note 23. Funds from Dedicated Collections ……………………………………………………….. 141
Note 24. Fiduciary Activities……………………………………………………………………………. 148
Note 25. Social Insurance ………………………………………………………………………………… 150
Note 26. Long-Term Fiscal Projections……………………………………………………. 159
Note 27. Stewardship Property, Plant, and Equipment …………………………………………. 165
Note 28. Disclosure Entities and Related Parties ………………………………………………… 166
Note 29. Public-Private Partnerships …………………………………………………………………. 172
Note 30. COVID-19 Activity …………………………………………………………………………… 174
Note 31. Subsequent Events ……………………………………………………………………………. 178
Required Supplementary Information (Unaudited)
The Sustainability of Fiscal Policy ……………………………………………………………………. 180
Social Insurance …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 191
Social Security and Medicare …………………………………………………………………………. 191
Railroad Retirement, Black Lung, and Unemployment Insurance ……………………….. 205
Deferred Maintenance and Repairs …………………………………………………………………… 207
Other Claims for Refunds ………………………………………………………………………………… 207
Tax Assessments ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 208
Federal Oil and Gas Resources …………………………………………………………………………. 208
Federal Natural Resources Other than Oil and Gas ……………………………………. 210
Other Information (Unaudited)
Tax Burden ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 212
Tax Gap ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 213
Tax Expenditures ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 214
Unmatched Transactions and Balances ……………………………………………………………… 215
Appendices
Appendix A: Reporting Entity ………………………………………………………………………….. 218
Appendix B: Glossary of Acronyms………………………………………………………………….. 222
U.S. Government Accountability Office Independent Auditor’s Report…………….. 228
For a complete listing of frequently used acronyms found
throughout the Financial Report, please refer to the Glossary
of Acronyms located in Appendix B.
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 2
Executive Summary to the FY 2021
Financial Report of the United States Government
The FY 2021 Financial Report presents the U.S. government’s current financial position and condition, and
discusses key financial topics and trends. The Financial Report is produced by Treasury in coordination with
OMB, which is part of the Executive Office of the President. The table on the preceding page presents several key
indicators of the government’s financial position and condition, which are discussed in this Executive Summary
and, in greater detail, in the Financial Report. The Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of OMB, and the
Comptroller General of the U.S. at the GAO believe that the information discussed in this Financial Report is
important to all Americans. The first audited Financial Report covered FY 1997, making the FY 2021 Financial
Report the 25th edition of this important vehicle for federal accountability and transparency.
This Financial Report addresses the government’s financial activity and results as of and for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Note 31—Subsequent Events discusses events that occurred after the end of
the fiscal year that may affect the government’s financial position and condition.
Where We Are Now
Results in Brief
The “Nation by the Numbers†table on the preceding page and the following summarize key metrics about
the federal government’s financial position for and during FY 2021:
• The budget deficit decreased by $356.3 billion (11.4 percent) to $2.8 trillion and net operating cost
decreased by $746.5 billion (19.4 percent) to $3.1 trillion.
• The government’s gross costs of $7.3 trillion, less $462.3 billion in revenues earned for goods and
services provided to the public, plus $518.4 billion in net losses from changes in assumptions yields the
government’s net cost of $7.4 trillion.
• Tax and other revenues increased by $684.3 billion to $4.3 trillion. Deducting these revenues from net
cost yields the federal government’s “bottom line†net operating cost of $3.1 trillion referenced above.
• Comparing total government assets of $4.9 trillion to total liabilities of $34.8 trillion (comprised mostly
of $22.3 trillion in federal debt and interest payable, and $10.2 trillion of federal employee and veteran
benefits payable) yields a negative net position of $29.9 trillion.
• The Statement of Long-Term Fiscal Projections (SLTFP) shows that the present value (PV) of total non-
interest spending, over the next 75 years, under current policy, is projected to exceed the PV of total
receipts by $97.6 trillion (total federal non-interest net expenditures from Table 1).
• The debt-to-GDP ratio was about 100 percent at the end of FY 2021. Under current policy and based on
this report’s assumptions, it is projected to reach 701 percent by 2096. The projected continuous rise of
the debt-to-GDP ratio indicates that current policy is unsustainable.
• The Statement of Social Insurance (SOSI) shows that the PV of the government’s expenditures for Social
Security and Medicare Parts A, B and D, and other social insurance programs over 75 years is projected
to exceed social insurance revenues by about $71.0 trillion, a $5.5 trillion increase over 2020 social
insurance projections.
• This Financial Report includes discussion and analysis of the significant impact that the federal
government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic had on the government’s financial position during FY
2021.
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
The Federal Government’s Response to the Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, a novel strain of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO. A
national emergency was declared in the U.S. on March 13, 2020. The global spread of COVID-19, which
continued through FY 2021, resulted in a severe global health and economic crisis. During FY 2020 and FY 2021,
the federal government took broad action to protect public health from the effects of the unprecedented pandemic,
enacting several major pieces of legislation, including:
• Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-123);
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127);
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136);
• Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPHCE Act, P.L. 116-139);
• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, P.L. 116-260); and
• American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP, P.L. 117-2).
These laws address the health and economic effects of COVID-19, providing assistance to American workers
and families, small businesses, and state, local, and tribal governments, and preserving jobs for American
industry. As indicated here and in the Financial Report, these essential programs had significant effects on the
federal government’s budgetary and financial results.
*Net of rescissions, transfers, and other adjustments. Does not include indirect appropriations related to COVID-19 activity.
Source: Appropriation Warrants. See Note 30—COVID-19 Activity and Agency Financial Reports for additional information.
Chart 1 summarizes the more than $4.8 trillion in appropriations (net of rescissions) enacted through
September 30, 2021 (i.e., during FY 2020 and FY 2021) for several key agencies, which include, but are not
limited to:
• Treasury appropriations support multiple efforts. IRS provided a refundable tax credit, the recovery rebate
or EIP, and Treasury provides for payments to state, local, and tribal governments for pandemic-related
spending. ($1.6 trillion)
• SBA administers the PPP, a loan guarantee program designed to provide a direct incentive for small
businesses to retain employees by providing loan forgiveness for amounts used for eligible expenses for
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 4
payroll and benefit costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. SBA also provides loans to small
business owners through the EIDL program. ($994.6 billion)
• Through multiple UI Programs, DOL expands the states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for
many workers impacted by the pandemic, including for workers who are not eligible for
regular/traditional unemployment benefits. ($845.8 billion)
• Through the PHSSEF and other efforts, HHS provides broad support, including, but not limited to:
reimbursements to health care providers for expenses or lost revenues attributable to the pandemic, and
support for the development and purchase of vaccines, therapeutic treatment, testing, and medical
supplies. ($484.1 billion)
• Education COVID-19 appropriations funded a variety of programs administered primarily through grant
programs. COVID-19 relief legislation and administrative actions also provided support for student loan
borrowers primarily by temporarily suspending nearly all federal loan payments. ($282.1 billion)
• Funding for USDA extended modifications to federal nutrition assistance programs; funded programs to
support agricultural producers, growers, and processors; and provided additional relief to address the
continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals,
and businesses. ($164.5 billion)
• DHS funding supports a wide range of efforts, including FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. FEMA is
authorized to provide many types of assistance including, but not limited to Public Assistance for
emergency protective measures, including vaccination activities, direct federal assistance, personal
protective equipment, and state and local Emergency Operations Center operations. ($115.9 billion)
• DOT funding supports the maintaining and continuing of operations and business needs of various
transportation systems in response to COVID-19. ($106.2 billion)
• Many other agencies and programs comprise the “Other†amount in Chart 1. See Note 30—COVID-19
Activity and agency financial statements for additional details concerning federal agency pandemic
response efforts.
The financial effects of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic were broad, impacting many
agencies in a variety of ways and to varying degrees. The Financial Report includes discussion and analysis of the
significant impact that the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic had on the government’s
financial statements for FY 2021. Additional information can be obtained from individual agency financial
statements.
Comparing the Budget and the Financial Report
The Budget and the Financial Report present complementary perspectives on the government’s financial
position and condition.
• The Budget is the government’s primary financial planning and control tool. It accounts for past
government receipts and spending and includes the President’s proposed receipts and spending plan.
Receipts are cash received by the U.S. government and spending is measured as outlays, or payments
made by the federal government to the public or entities outside the government. In simple terms, when
total receipts are greater than outlays, then there is a budget surplus; and when total outlays exceed total
receipts, then there is a budget deficit.
• The Financial Report includes the government’s costs and revenues, assets and liabilities, and other
important financial information. It compares the government’s revenues (amounts earned, but not
necessarily collected), with costs (amounts incurred, but not necessarily paid) to derive net operating cost.
5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
Chart 2 compares the government’s budget deficit (receipts vs. outlays) and net operating cost (revenues vs.
costs) for FYs 2017 – 2021. During FY 2021:
• A $269.7 billion increase in outlays
was more than offset by a $626.0
billion increase in receipts resulting in
a $356.3 billion decrease in the budget
deficit from $3.1 trillion to $2.8
trillion.
• Net operating cost decreased $746.5
billion or 19.4 percent from $3.8
trillion to $3.1 trillion, due mostly to a
$62.2 billion or 0.8 percent decrease
in net cost combined with a $684.3
billion or 19.2 percent increase in tax
and other revenues.
The $319.3 billion difference between the
budget deficit and net operating cost is
primarily due to accrued costs (incurred but
not necessarily paid) that are included in net operating cost, but not the budget deficit, primarily costs related to
increases in estimated federal employee and veteran benefits liabilities. Other sources of differences include, but
are not limited to increases in taxes receivable and the value of investments in GSE, as well as increases in
advances largely associated with the government’s pandemic response and timing differences related to the
recording of credit reform costs.
Costs and Revenues
The government’s “bottom line†net operating cost decreased $746.5 billion (19.4 percent) during FY 2021
to $3.1 trillion. It is calculated as follows:
• Starting with total gross costs of $7.3
trillion, the government subtracts
earned program revenues (e.g.,
Medicare premiums, national park
entry fees, and postal service fees) and
adjusts the balance for gains or losses
from changes in actuarial assumptions
used to estimate future federal
employee and veteran benefits
payments to derive its net cost before
taxes and other revenues of $7.4
trillion (see Chart 3), a slight decrease
of $62.2 billion (0.8 percent) from FY
2020. This net decrease is the
combined effect of many offsetting
increases and decreases across the
government, including the ongoing effects of the federal government’s response to the pandemic. For
example:
o A $211.6 billion decrease in net costs at the SBA, driven primarily by a $230.0 billion decrease in
loan subsidy costs, including reestimates, attributable to the PPP and Debt Relief programs under the
CARES Act.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 6
o A $270.1 billion increase in Treasury net costs largely due to increased disbursement of refundable
tax credits or EIPs ($569.5 billion in FY 2021 compared to $274.7 billion in FY 2020), to eligible
recipients in every state and territory and at foreign addresses.
o A $96.4 billion decrease at DOL, much of which is attributable to a $100.7 billion decrease in Income
Maintenance programs costs, primarily due to decreases in unemployment benefits as less jobless
claims are filed.
o A $100.8 billion net cost increase at HHS primarily due to a $115.4 billion increase across the
Medicare and Medicaid benefits programs, including an increase in Medicaid grants to states to
continue COVID-19 relief efforts. These cost increases were offset by cost decreases due to the
PHSSEF receiving less funding during FY 2021 for COVID-19.
o Entities administering federal employee and veteran benefits programs, including the OPM, VA, and
DOD employ a complex series of assumptions to make actuarial projections of their long-term benefits
liabilities. These assumptions include but are not limited to interest rates, beneficiary eligibility, life
expectancy, and medical cost levels. Changes in these assumptions can result in either losses (net cost
increases) or gains (net cost decreases). Across the government, these net losses from changes in
assumptions amounted to $518.4 billion in FY 2021, a loss decrease (and a corresponding net cost
decrease) of $161.1 billion compared to FY 2020.
o VA net costs decreased $291.8 billion due largely to changes in benefits program experience and
assumptions as referenced above, including, but not limited to a lower than anticipated number of
veterans.
o DOD net costs increased $144.8 billion due to a $100.2 billion loss increase from changes in
assumptions referenced above, as well as slight increases in net costs across DOD’s major programs,
including military operations, readiness, support, procurement, personnel, and R&D.
o SSA net costs increased $36.5 billion due largely to a cost of living increase in benefits expenses for
the OASI program, partially offset by a decrease in the number of beneficiaries and, consequently,
expenses for the DI program.
o Interest costs related to federal debt securities held by the public increased by $20.9 billion due largely
to an increase in inflation adjustments and an increase in outstanding debt held by the public.
• The government deducts tax and other revenues from net cost (with some adjustments) to derive its FY
2021 “bottom line†net operating cost
of $3.1 trillion.
o From Chart 4, total government tax
and other revenues increased by
$684.3 billion (19.2 percent) to
about $4.3 trillion for FY 2021 due
primarily to overall growth in
income taxes collections, partially
offset by increased refunds.
o Together, individual income tax
and tax withholdings, and
corporate taxes accounted for about
87.7 percent of total tax and other
revenues in FY 2021. Other
revenues include Federal Reserve
earnings, excise taxes, and customs
duties.
7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
Assets and Liabilities
Chart 5 summarizes the assets and liabilities that the government reports on its Balance Sheet. As of
September 30, 2021:
• More than three-fourths of the federal
government’s total assets ($4.9
trillion) consist of: 1) $475.0 billion in
cash and monetary assets; 2) $401.0
billion in net accounts receivable; 3)
$1.7 trillion in net loans receivable
(primarily student loans); and 4) $1.2
trillion in net PP&E.
o Cash and monetary assets ($475.0
billion) is comprised largely of the
operating cash of the U.S.
government. Operating cash held
by Treasury decreased $1.6 trillion
(88.8 percent) to $198.4 billion
during FY 2021 due to Treasury
maintaining an elevated cash
balance in FY 2020 to maintain prudent liquidity in light of the size and relative uncertainty of
COVID-19 related outflows, combined with needing to reduce the cash balance to well under
Treasury’s prudent policy level at the end of FY 2021 due to debt ceiling constraints.
o Treasury comprises approximately 76.0 percent of the government’s reported accounts receivable, net,
mostly in the form of reported taxes receivable, which consist of unpaid assessments due from
taxpayers, unpaid taxes related to IRC section 965, and deferred payments for employer’s share of
FICA taxes, resulting from the CARES Act. Other accounts receivable, gross increased significantly
year to year, primarily as a result of DOL’s $18.6 billion increase in benefit overpayments from
programs related to COVID-19 as well as a $7.0 billion increase in HHS receivables, primarily due to
Medicare.
o Loans receivable, net increased by $73.6 billion (4.7 percent) during FY 2021. This increase was
primarily attributable to an increase in direct disaster COVID-19 EIDL-funded loans and direct
student loans, offset by an increase in the estimated subsidy cost of direct student loans largely due to
administrative action to temporarily suspend payments during FY 2021.
o Federal government general PP&E includes many of the physical resources that are vital to the federal
government’s ongoing operations, including buildings, structures, facilities, equipment, internal use
software, and general purpose land. DOD comprises approximately 68.8 percent of the government’s
reported general PP&E of $1.2 trillion as of September 30, 2021.
o Other significant government resources not reported on the Balance Sheet include stewardship assets,
natural resources, and the government’s power to tax and set monetary policy.
• Total liabilities ($34.8 trillion) consist mostly of: 1) $22.3 trillion in federal debt and interest payable; and
2) $10.2 trillion in federal employee and veteran benefits payable.
o Federal debt held by the public is debt held outside of the government by individuals, corporations,
state and local governments, FRB, foreign governments, and other non-federal entities.
o The government borrows from the public (increases federal debt levels) to finance deficits. During FY
2021, federal debt held by the public increased $1.3 trillion (6.0 percent) to $22.3 trillion.
o The government also reports about $6.2 trillion of intra-governmental debt outstanding, which arises
when one part of the government borrows from another. For example, government funds (e.g., Social
Security and Medicare Trust Funds) typically must invest excess annual receipts, including interest
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 8
earnings, in Treasury-issued federal debt securities. Although not reflected in Chart 5, these securities
are included in the calculation of federal debt subject to the debt limit.
o Federal debt held by the public plus intra-governmental debt equals gross federal debt, which, with
some adjustments, is subject to a statutory debt ceiling (“debt limitâ€). At the end of FY 2021, debt
subject to the statutory limit was $28.4 trillion. Increasing or suspending the debt limit does not
increase spending or authorize new spending; rather, it permits the government to continue to honor
pre-existing commitments. On August 2, 2019, the BBA of 2019 (P.L. 116-37) was enacted
suspending the statutory debt limit through July 31, 2021. A delay in raising the statutory debt limit
occurred from August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. During the period of August 2, 2021
through September 30, 2021, Treasury departed from their normal debt management operations and
undertook extraordinary measures to avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. On October 14, 2021,
P.L. 117-50 was enacted which raised the statutory debt limit by $480.0 billion, to $28.9 trillion.
Congress and the President most recently increased the debt limit by $2.5 trillion in December 2021
with the enactment of P.L. 117-73 (see Note 31—Subsequent Events).
o Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable ($10.2 trillion) represents the amounts of benefits
payable by agencies which administer the government’s pension and other benefit plans for its military
and civilian employees.
See Note 30—COVID-19 Activity, as well as the referenced agencies’ FY 2021 financial statements for
additional information. See Note 31—Subsequent Events for information about events that occurred after the end
of the fiscal year that may affect the government’s financial results.
Key Economic Trends
An analysis of U.S. economic performance provides useful background when evaluating the government’s
financial statements. During the last two fiscal years, the economy’s performance has been deeply affected by the
COVID-19 global pandemic as well as the U.S. government’s extensive measures to provide fiscal support. Over
the course of FY 2021, the economy grew briskly, continuing the recovery begun during the previous fiscal year.
These and other economic and financial developments are discussed in greater detail in the Financial Report.
An Unsustainable Fiscal Path
An important purpose of this Financial Report is to help citizens understand current fiscal policy and the
importance and magnitude of policy reforms necessary to make it sustainable. A sustainable fiscal policy is
defined as one where the ratio of debt held by the public to GDP (the debt-to-GDP ratio) is stable or declining
over the long term. GDP measures the size of the nation’s economy in terms of the total value of all final goods
and services that are produced in a year. Considering financial results relative to GDP is a useful indicator of the
economy’s capacity to sustain the government’s many programs. This report presents data, including debt, as a
percent of GDP to help readers assess whether current fiscal policy is sustainable. The debt-to-GDP ratio reached
approximately 100 percent at the end of FY 2021 which is similar to (but slightly below) the debt-to-GDP ratio at
the end of FY 2020. The long-term fiscal projections in this report are based on the same economic and
demographic assumptions that underlie the SOSI.
The current fiscal path is unsustainable. To determine if current fiscal policy is sustainable, the projections
based on the assumptions discussed in the Financial Report assume current policy will continue indefinitely.1 The
projections are therefore neither forecasts nor predictions. Nevertheless, the projections demonstrate that policy
changes need to be enacted for the actual financial outcomes to differ from those projected.
1 Current policy in the projections is based on current law, but includes extension of certain policies that expire under current law but are routinely extended
or otherwise expected to continue.
9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
Receipts, Spending, and the Debt
Chart 6 shows historical and current policy projections for receipts, non-interest spending by major category,
net interest, and total spending expressed
as a percent of GDP.
• The primary deficit is the
difference between non-interest
spending and receipts. The ratio
of the primary deficit to GDP is
useful for gauging long-term
fiscal sustainability.
• The primary deficit-to-GDP ratio
spiked during 2009 through 2012
due to the financial crisis of
2008-09 and the ensuing severe
recession, as well as the effects
of the government’s response
thereto. As an economic
recovery took hold, the primary
deficit-to-GDP ratio fell,
averaging 2.1 percent from 2013 through 2019. The ratio spiked again in 2020 rising to 13.3 percent of
GDP due to increased spending to address the COVID-19 pandemic and lessen the economic impacts of
stay-at-home and social distancing orders on individuals, hard-hit industries, and small businesses.
Spending remained elevated in 2021 due to additional funding to support economic recovery, but
increased receipts reduced the primary deficit-to-GDP ratio to 10.8 percent. The ratio is projected to fall
to 4.7 percent in 2022 and then decreases to 4.3 percent in 2027. After 2027, however, increased spending
for Social Security and health programs2 due to the continued retirement of the baby boom generation and
increases in health care costs is projected to result in increasing primary deficits that reach 5.0 percent of
GDP in 2030. The primary deficit peaks at 6.3 percent of GDP in 2043, then gradually decreases beyond
that point as the aging of the population continues at a slower pace, and reaches 4.9 percent in 2096, the
last year of the projection period.
• GDP, interest, and other economic and demographic assumptions are the same as those that underlie the
most recent Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Report projections, adjusted for historical revisions
that occur annually. The most recent Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports were released in
August 2021, reflecting the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and including the projected depletion
dates in Table 1. Projections for the other categories of receipts and spending are consistent with the
economic and demographic assumptions in the Trustees’ Reports and include updates for actual budget
results for FY 2021 or budgetary estimates from the President’s FY 2022 Budget. Where possible, those
budget totals are adjusted before spending is projected to remove outlays for programs or activities that
are judged to be temporary, such as spending related to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.
Where not possible, budget totals were not adjusted resulting in higher projections of future spending,
increasing the uncertainty surrounding this year’s projections.
• The persistent long-term gap between projected receipts and total spending shown in Chart 6 occurs
despite the projected effects of the PPACA3 on long-term deficits.
o Enactment of the PPACA in 2010 and the MACRA in 2015 established cost controls for Medicare
hospital and physician payments whose long-term effectiveness is still to be demonstrated fully.
2 See the 2021 Trustees Report for Medicare and Social Security and the most recent Medicaid Actuarial Report.
3 The PPACA refers to P.L. 111-148, as amended by P.L. 111-152. The PPACA expands health insurance coverage, provides health insurance subsidies for
low-income individuals and families, includes many measures designed to reduce health care cost growth, and significantly reduces Medicare payment rates
relative to the rates that would have occurred in the absence of the PPACA. (See Note 25 and the RSI section of the Financial Report, and the 2021
Medicare Trustees’ Report for additional information).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 10
o There is uncertainty about the extent to which these projections can be achieved and whether the
PPACA’s provisions intended to reduce Medicare cost growth will be overridden by new legislation.
Table 1 summarizes the status and projected trends of the government’s Social Security and Medicare Trust
Funds.
The primary deficit projections in Chart 6, along with those for interest rates and GDP, determine the debt-
to-GDP ratio projections in Chart 7.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio was
approximately 100 percent at the
end of FY 2021, and under
current policy and based on this
report’s assumptions is projected
to reach 701 percent in 2096.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio rises
continuously in great part because
primary deficits lead to higher
levels of debt. The continuous
rise of the debt-to-GDP ratio
indicates that current fiscal policy
is unsustainable.
• These debt-to-GDP projections
are higher than both the 2020 and
2019 Financial Report
projections.
The Fiscal Gap and the Cost of Delaying Fiscal Policy Reform
• The 75-year fiscal gap is a measure of how much primary deficits must be reduced over the next 75 years
in order to make fiscal policy sustainable. That estimated fiscal gap for 2021 is 6.2 percent of GDP
(compared to 5.4 percent for 2020).
• This estimate implies that making fiscal policy sustainable over the next 75 years would require some
combination of spending reductions and receipt increases that equals 6.2 percent of GDP on average over
the next 75 years. The fiscal gap represents 32.4 percent of 75-year PV receipts and 25.0 percent of 75-
year PV non-interest spending.
• The timing of policy changes to make fiscal policy sustainable has important implications for the well-
being of future generations as is shown in Table 2.
11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO THE 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
o Table 2 shows that, if action is delayed by 10 years, the estimated magnitude of primary surplus
increases necessary to close the 75-year fiscal gap increases by 17.7 percent from 6.2 percent of GDP
on average over 75 years to 7.3 percent on average over 65 years; if action is delayed by 20 years, the
magnitude of reforms necessary increases by an additional 23.3 percent.
o The longer policy action to close the fiscal gap is delayed, the larger the post-reform primary surpluses
must be to achieve the target debt-to-GDP ratio at the end of the 75-year period. Future generations are
harmed by a policy delay because the higher the primary surpluses are during their lifetimes, the
greater is the difference between the taxes they pay and the programmatic spending from which they
benefit.
Conclusion
• Projections in the Financial Report indicate that the government’s debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise
over the 75-year projection period and beyond if current policy is kept in place. The projections in this
Financial Report show that current policy is not sustainable.
• If changes in fiscal policy are not so abrupt as to slow economic growth and those policy changes are
adopted earlier, then the required changes to revenue and/or spending will be smaller to return the
government to a sustainable fiscal path.
Find Out More
The FY 2021 Financial Report and other information about the nation’s finances are available at:
• Treasury, https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsreports/rpt/finrep/fr/fr_index.htm;
• OMB’s Office of Federal Financial Management, https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-
federal-financial-management/ ; and
• GAO, https://www.gao.gov/federal-financial-accountability.
The GAO audit report on the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements can be found beginning on page 228
of the full Financial Report. GAO was unable to express an opinion (disclaimed) on these consolidated financial
statements for the reasons discussed in the audit report.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 12
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS
Introduction
The FY 2021 Financial Report provides the President, Congress, and the American people with a comprehensive view
of the federal government’s financial position and condition, and discusses important financial issues and significant
conditions that may affect future operations, including the need to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long term.
Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 331(e)(1), Treasury, in cooperation with OMB, must submit an audited (by GAO) financial
statement for the preceding fiscal year, covering all accounts and associated activities of the executive branch of the U.S.
government1 to the President and Congress no later than six months after the September 30 fiscal year-end. The first audited
Financial Report covered FY 1997, making the FY 2021 Financial Report the 25th edition of this important vehicle for
federal accountability and transparency.
The Financial Report is prepared from the financial information provided by 162 federal consolidation entities (see
organizational chart on the next page and Appendix A). As it has for the past 24 years, GAO issued a disclaimer of opinion
on the accrual-based, consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. GAO also
issued a disclaimer of opinion on the sustainability financial statements, which consist of the 2021 and 2020 SLTFP; the
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 SOSI; and the 2021 and 2020 SCSIA. A disclaimer of opinion indicates that sufficient
information was not available for the auditors to determine whether the reported financial statements were fairly presented in
accordance with GAAP. In FY 2021, 342 of the 40 most significant entities earned unmodified (“cleanâ€) opinions on their
financial statements.
The FY 2021 Financial Report consists of:
• MD&A, which provides management’s perspectives on and analysis of information presented in the Financial
Report, such as financial and performance trends;
• Financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements;
• RSI and Other Information; and
• GAO’s audit report.
This Financial Report addresses the government’s financial activity and results as of and for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 2021 and 2020. Note 31—Subsequent Events discusses events that occurred after the end of the fiscal year
that may affect the government’s financial position and condition.
In addition, the Executive Summary to this Financial Report provides a quick reference to the key issues in the
Financial Report and an overview of the government’s financial position and condition.
Mission & Organization
The government’s fundamental mission is derived from the Constitution: “…to form a more perfect union, establish
justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of
liberty to ourselves and our posterity.†The government’s functions have evolved over time to include health care, income
security, veterans benefits and services, housing and transportation, security, and education. Exhibit 1 provides an overview
of how the U.S. government is organized.
1 The Government Management Reform Act of 1994 has required such reporting, covering the executive branch of the government, beginning with financial
statements prepared for FY 1997. The consolidated financial statements include the legislative and judicial branches.
2 The 34 entities include the HHS, which received disclaimers of opinion on its 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 SOSI and on its 2021 and 2020 SCSIA.
13 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Exhibit 1
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
THE PRESIDENT
THE VICE PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
White House Office
Office of the Vice President
Council of Economic Advisers
Council on Environmental Quality
National Security Council
Office of Administration
Office of Management and Budget
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Office of Policy Development
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
THE CONGRESS
SENATE HOUSE
Architect of the Capitol
U.S. Botanic Garden
Government Accountability Office
Government Publishing Office
Library of Congress
Congressional Budget Office
U.S. Capitol Police
JUDICIAL BRANCH
THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE U.S.
U.S. Courts of Appeals
U.S. District Courts
Territorial Courts
U.S. Court of International Trade
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Federal Judicial Center
U.S. Sentencing Commission
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERS ACT AGENCIES (24)
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
SIGNIFICANT CONSOLIDATION ENTITIES (16)
EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE U.S. PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSURANCE CORPORATION RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION SECURITY ASSISTANCE ACCOUNTS
GENERAL FUND OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION U.S. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORP
NATIONAL RAILROAD RETIREMENT INVESTMENT TRUST U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
OTHER CONSOLIDATION ENTITIES LISTED IN APPENDIX A OF THIS FINANCIAL REPORT (122)
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
THE CONSTITUTION
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 14
The Government’s Financial Position and Condition
This Financial Report presents the government’s financial position at the end of the fiscal year, explains how and why
the financial position changed during the year, and discusses the government’s financial condition and how it may change in
the future.
15 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Table 1 on the previous page and the following summarize the federal government’s financial position:
• This Financial Report includes discussion and analysis of the significant impact that the federal government’s
response to the COVID-19 pandemic had on the government’s financial position during FY 2021.
• During FY 2021, the budget deficit decreased by $356.3 billion (11.4 percent) to $2.8 trillion and net operating cost
decreased by $746.5 billion (19.4 percent) to $3.1 trillion.
• The government’s gross costs of $7.3 trillion, less $462.3 billion in revenues earned for goods and services provided
to the public (e.g., Medicare premiums, national park entry fees, and postal service fees), plus $518.4 billion in net
losses from changes in assumptions (e.g., interest rates, inflation, disability claims rates) yields the government’s net
cost of $7.4 trillion, a slight decrease of $62.2 billion or 0.8 percent compared to FY 2020.
• Deducting $4.3 trillion in tax and other revenues results in a “bottom line†net operating cost of $3.1 trillion for FY
2021, a decrease of $746.5 billion or 19.4 percent compared to FY 2020.
• Comparing total FY 2021 government assets of $4.9 trillion to total liabilities of $34.8 trillion (comprised mostly of
$22.3 trillion in federal debt and interest payable3, and $10.2 trillion of federal employee and veteran benefits
payable) yields a negative net position of $29.9 trillion.
• The budget deficit is primarily financed through borrowing from the public. As of September 30, 2021, debt held by
the public, excluding accrued interest, was $22.3 trillion. This amount, plus intra-governmental debt ($6.2 trillion)
equals gross federal debt, which, with some adjustments, is subject to the statutory debt limit. As of September 30,
2021, the government’s total debt subject to the debt limit was $28.4 trillion. Congress and the President most
recently increased the debt limit by $480.0 billion in October 2021 and by $2.5 trillion in December 2021.
This Financial Report also contains information about projected impacts on the government’s future financial condition.
Under federal accounting rules, social insurance amounts as reported in both the SLTFP and in the SOSI are not considered
liabilities of the government. From Table 1:
• The SLTFP shows that the PV4 of total non-interest spending, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
defense, and education, etc., over the next 75 years, under current policy, is projected to exceed the PV of total
receipts by $97.6 trillion (total federal non-interest net expenditures from Table 1).
• The SOSI shows that the PV of the government’s expenditures for Social Security and Medicare Parts A, B and D,
and other social insurance programs over 75 years is projected to exceed social insurance revenues5 by about $71.0
trillion, a $5.5 trillion increase over 2020 social insurance projections.
• The Social Insurance and Total Federal Non-Interest Net Expenditures measures in Table 1 differ primarily because
total non-interest net expenditures from the SLTFP include the effects of general revenues and non-social insurance
spending, neither of which is included in the SOSI.
The government’s current financial position and long-term financial condition can be evaluated both in dollar terms and
in relation to the economy as a whole. GDP is a measure of the size of the nation’s economy in terms of the total value of all
final goods and services that are produced in a year. Considering financial results relative to GDP is a useful indicator of the
economy’s capacity to sustain the government’s many programs. For example:
• The budget deficit decreased from $3.1 trillion in FY 2020 to $2.8 trillion in FY 2021. The deficit-to-GDP ratio
similarly decreased from 15.0 percent in FY 2020 to 12.4 percent in 2021.
• The budget deficit is primarily financed through borrowing from the public. As of September 30, 2021, the $22.3
trillion in debt held by the public, excluding accrued interest, equates to just under 100 percent of GDP.
• The 2021 SOSI projection of $71.0 trillion net PV excess of expenditures over receipts over 75 years represents
about 4.4 percent of the PV of GDP over 75 years. The excess of total projected non-interest spending over receipts
of $97.6 trillion from the SLTFP represents 5.7 percent of GDP over 75 years. As discussed in this Financial
Report, changes in these projections can, in turn, have a significant impact on projected debt as a percent of GDP.
• To prevent the debt-to-GDP ratio from rising over the next 75 years, a combination of non-interest spending
reductions and receipts increases that amounts to 6.2 percent of GDP on average is needed (5.4 percent of GDP on
average in the 2020 projections). The fiscal gap represents 32.4 percent of 75-year PV receipts and 25.0 percent of
75-year PV non-interest spending.
3 On the government’s Balance Sheet, federal debt and interest payable consists of Treasury securities, net of unamortized discounts and premiums, and
accrued interest payable. The “public†consists of individuals, corporations, state and local governments, FRB, foreign governments, and other entities
outside the federal government.
4 PVs recognize that a dollar paid or collected in the future is worth less than a dollar today because a dollar today could be invested and earn interest. To
calculate a PV, future amounts are thus reduced using an assumed interest rate, and those reduced amounts are summed.
5 Social Security is funded by the payroll taxes and revenue from taxation of benefits. Medicare Part A is funded by the payroll taxes, revenue from taxation
of benefits, and premiums that support those programs. Medicare Parts B and D are primarily financed by transfers from the General Fund, which are
presented, and by accounting convention, eliminated in the SOSI. For the FYs 2021 and 2020 SOSI, the amounts eliminated totaled $43.2 trillion and $40.9
trillion, respectively.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 16
FY 2021 Financial Statement Audit Results
For FY 2021, GAO issued a disclaimer of audit opinion on the accrual-based, government-wide financial statements, as
it has for the past 24 years, due to certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and other
limitations on the scope of its work. In addition, GAO issued a disclaimer of opinion on the sustainability financial
statements due to significant uncertainties primarily related to the achievement of projected reductions in Medicare cost
growth and certain other limitations. GAO’s audit report on page 228 of this Financial Report, discusses GAO’s findings.
In FY 2021, 21 of the 24 entities required to issue audited financial statements under the CFO Act received unmodified
audit opinions, as did 13 of 16 additional significant consolidation entities (see Table 11 and Appendix A).6
The Government-wide Reporting Entity
This Financial Report includes the financial status and activities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of
the federal government. SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity, provides criteria for identifying organizations that are
consolidation entities, disclosure entities, and related parties. Such criteria are summarized in Note 1.A, Significant
Accounting Policies, Reporting Entity, and in Appendix A, which lists the entities included in this Financial Report by these
categories. The assets, liabilities, results of operations, and related activity for consolidation entities are consolidated in the
financial statements.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet the criteria for disclosure entities and, consequently, are not consolidated into the
government’s financial statements. However, the values of the investments in such entities, changes in value, and related
activity with these entities are included in the consolidated financial statements. The FR System and the SPVs are disclosure
entities and are not consolidated into the government’s financial statements. See Note 1.A and Note 28—Disclosure Entities
and Related Parties for additional information. In addition, per SFFAS No. 31, Accounting for Fiduciary Activities, fiduciary
funds are not consolidated in the government financial statements.7
Most significant consolidation entities prepare financial statements that include financial and performance related
information, as well as Annual Performance Reports. More information may be obtained from entities’ websites indicated in
Appendix A and at https://www.performance.gov/.
The following pages contain a more detailed discussion of the government’s financial results for FY 2021, the budget,
the economy, the debt, and a long-term perspective about fiscal sustainability, including the government’s ability to meet its
social insurance benefits obligations. The information in this Financial Report, when combined with the Budget, collectively
presents information on the government’s financial position and condition.
Accounting Differences Between the Budget and the Financial
Report
Each year, the Administration issues two reports that detail the government’s financial results: the Budget and this
Financial Report. The exhibit on the following page provides the key characteristics and differences between the two
documents.
Treasury generally prepares the financial statements in this Financial Report on an accrual basis of accounting as
prescribed by GAAP for federal entities.8 These principles are tailored to the government’s unique characteristics and
circumstances. For example, entities prepare a uniquely structured “Statement of Net Cost,†which is intended to present net
government resources used in its operations. Also, unique to government is the preparation of separate statements to
reconcile differences and articulate the relationship between the budget and financial accounting results.
6 The 21 entities include the HHS, which received disclaimers of opinions on its 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 SOSI and its 2021 and 2020 SCSIA. The
13 entities include the FDIC, the NCUA, and the FCSIC, which operate on a calendar year basis (December 31 year-end). Statistic reflects 2020 audit results
for these organizations, if 2021 results are not available.
7 See Note 24—Fiduciary Activities.
8 Under GAAP, most U.S. government revenues are recognized on a ‘modified cash’ basis, (see Financial Statement Note 1.B). The SOSI presents the PV of
the estimated future revenues and expenditures for scheduled benefits over the next 75 years for the Social Security, Medicare, RRP; and 25 years for the
Black Lung program. The SLTFP presents the 75-year PV of the projected future receipts and non-interest spending for the federal government.
17 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Budget of the U.S. Government Financial Report of the U.S. Government
Prepared primarily on a “cash basisâ€
• Initiative-based and prospective: focus on
current and future initiatives planned and
how resources will be used to fund them.
• Receipts (“cash inâ€), taxes and other
collections recorded when received.
• Outlays (“cash outâ€), largely recorded when
payment is made.
Prepared on an “accrual basis†and “modified cash basisâ€
• Entity-based and retrospective – prior and present
resources used to implement initiatives.
• Revenue: Tax revenue (more than 90.0 percent of total
revenue) recognized on modified cash basis (see Financial
Statement Note 1.B). Remainder recognized when earned,
but not necessarily received.
• Costs: recognized when incurred, but not necessarily paid.
Budget Deficit vs. Net Operating Cost
Three key components of the U.S. budget process are: 1) appropriations; 2) obligations; and 3) outlays. An
appropriation is a provision of law authorizing the expenditure of funds for a given purpose. Rescissions and cancellations
are reductions in law of budgetary resources. They are considered to be permanent reductions unless legislation clearly
indicates that the reduction is temporary. Once funds are appropriated by Congress, Treasury issues warrants that officially
establish the amounts available to be obligated and spent (i.e., expended or outlayed) by each agency. An agency’s obligation
of funds is a binding agreement to outlay funds for a particular purpose immediately or in the future. The budget deficit is
measured as the excess of outlays, or payments made by the government, over receipts, or cash received by the government.
Net operating cost, calculated on an accrual basis, is the excess of costs (what the government has incurred but has not
necessarily paid) over revenues (what the government has collected and expects to collect but has not necessarily received).
As shown in Chart 1, net operating cost typically exceeds the budget deficit due largely to the inclusion of cost accruals
associated with increases in estimated liabilities for the government’s postemployment benefit programs for its military and
civilian employees and veterans as well as environmental liabilities.
The government’s
primarily cash-based9 budget
deficit decreased by $356.3
billion (about 11.4 percent)
from approximately $3.1
trillion in FY 2020 to about
$2.8 trillion in FY 2021 due to
an increase in receipts that
exceeded an increase in outlays
in FY 2021. The $626.0 billion
(18.3 percent) increase in
receipts can be attributed
primarily to higher net
individual and corporation
income taxes from the
improved economy. Outlays
increased $269.7 billion (4.1
percent). The increase reflects
continued spending from laws
enacted during the previous
administration, such as the
CARES Act and the CAA, and
programs created or enhanced by the ARP to provide relief to Americans and support the economy.10
With some adjustments, Treasury’s September 2021 MTS provides fiscal year-end receipts, spending, and deficit
information for this Report. The MTS presents primarily cash-based spending, or outlays, for the fiscal year in a number of
ways, including by month, by entity, and by budget function classification. The federal budget is divided into approximately
20 categories, or budget functions, as a means of organizing federal spending by primary purpose (e.g., National Defense,
Transportation, and Health). Multiple entities may contribute to one or more budget functions, and a single budget function
may be associated with only one entity. For example, DOD, DHS, DOE, and multiple other entities administer programs that
9 Interest outlays on Treasury debt held by the public are recorded in the budget when interest accrues, not when the interest payment is made. For federal
credit programs, outlays are recorded when loans are disbursed, in an amount representing the PV cost to the government, commonly referred to as credit
subsidy cost. Credit subsidy cost excludes administrative costs.
10 10/22/21 press release – Joint Statement by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Shalanda D. Young on Budget Results for Fiscal Year 2021. Note that some amounts in this Financial Report reflect updates subsequent to publication of
the press release.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 18
are critical to the broader functional classification of National Defense. DOD, OPM, and many other entities also administer
Income Security programs (e.g., retirement benefits, housing, financial assistance). By comparison, the Medicare program is
a budget function category unto itself and is administered exclusively at the federal level by HHS. Federal spending
information by budget function and other categorizations may be found in the September 2021 MTS.11
The government’s largely accrual-based net operating cost decreased by $746.5 billion (19.4 percent) to $3.1 trillion
during FY 2021. As explained below, net operating costs are affected by changes in both revenues and costs.
The Reconciliation of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit statement articulates the relationship between the
government’s accrual-based net operating cost and the primarily cash-based budget deficit. The difference between the
government’s budget deficit and net operating cost is typically impacted by many variables. For example, from Table 2, the
$319.3 billion net difference for FY 2021 is largely affected by: 1) a $767.5 billion net increase in liabilities for federal
employee and veteran benefits payable (see Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable); 2) a $112.0 billion
increase in value of the government’s investments in GSEs (see Note 9—Investments in Government-Sponsored
Enterprises); 3) a $150.7 billion increase in advances and prepayments attributed mostly to advances and prepayments for
certain COVID-19 related programs (see Note 10—Advances and Prepayments); 4) a $68.0 billion increase in net taxes
receivable (see Note 3—Accounts Receivable, Net); and 5) a $75.1 billion timing difference between when credit reform
costs are recorded in the budget versus net operating cost (see Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee
Liabilities).
The Federal Government’s Response to the Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, a novel strain of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO. A national
emergency was declared in the U.S. on March 13, 2020. The global spread of COVID-19, which continued through FY 2021,
resulted in a severe global health and economic crisis. During FY 2020 and FY 2021, the federal government took broad
action to protect public health from the effects of the unprecedented pandemic, enacting several major pieces of legislation,
including:
• Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-123);
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127);
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136);
• Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPHCE Act, P.L. 116-139);
• Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, P.L. 116-260); and
• American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP, P.L. 117-2).
These laws address the health and economic effects of COVID-19, providing assistance to American workers and
families, small businesses, and state, local, tribal governments, and preserving jobs for American industry. As indicated here
and in the Financial Report, the federal government’s response to the pandemic continued to have significant effects on the
federal government’s budgetary and financial results.
11 Final MTS for FY 2021 through September 30, 2021 and Other Periods.
19 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Table 3 summarizes the more than $4.8 trillion in appropriations, net of rescissions, enacted for key pandemic-related
assistance programs as of September 30, 2021 (i.e., during FY 2020 and FY 2021) by federal agency. Examples of FY 2021
efforts are summarized below.
• Treasury received COVID-19 appropriations of $1.2 trillion under the CAA and ARP in FY 2021 and $975.0 billion
under the CARES Act in FY 2020. In FY 2021, the CAA eliminated Treasury’s ability to make new loans and
investments and rescinded $478.8 billion of $500 billion provided to Treasury under the CARES Act. These changes
and the return of unused and permanent authority and obligation adjustments of $71.2 billion resulted in the net
appropriations amount of $632.8 billion for FY 2021 shown in Table 3 above. Treasury funding supports several
efforts, including $587.0 billion for refundable tax credits (recovery rebates or EIP) in FY 2021. In FY 2021, IRS
disbursed $569.5 billion of EIPs to eligible recipients in every state and territory and at foreign addresses. In
addition, appropriations of $428.5 billion ($25.0 billion CAA and $403.5 billion ARP) provided for payments to
state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to cover eligible costs incurred in response to the pandemic through
several funds including: 1) SLFRF; 2) Coronavirus Capital Projects Funds; 3) ERA; 4) HAF; 5) State Small
Business Credit Initiative; and 6) Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund. In addition, pursuant to the
CARES Act, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government invested in SPVs established by the Federal
Reserve Board through the FRBNY and FRBB during FY 2020 for the purpose of enhancing the liquidity of the
U.S. financial system.
• SBA received appropriations of $389.3 billion in FY 2021 and $751.8 billion in FY 2020. FY 2021 appropriation
totals were reduced by a $146.5 billion rescission under the CAA of amounts appropriated under the CARES Act,
resulting in net appropriations for FY 2021 of $242.8 billion as shown in Table 3 above. SBA appropriations
primarily funded two programs: 1) the PPP, a loan guarantee program designed to provide a direct incentive for
small businesses to retain employees by providing loan forgiveness for amounts used for eligible expenses for
payroll and benefit costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities; and 2) SBA also provides loans to small business
owners through the EIDL program.
• DOL received $451.5 billion in funding in FY 2021 under ARP and $394.3 billion in FY 2020 under the CARES
Act. Through multiple UI programs, DOL expands states’ ability to provide UI for many workers impacted by the
pandemic, including for workers who are not eligible for regular/traditional unemployment benefits. These programs
include, but are not limited to: 1) the FPUC program; 2) the PUA program; and 3) the Short-term Compensation
program.
• Through the PHSSEF and other efforts, HHS provides broad support, including, but not limited to: reimbursements
to health care providers for expenses or lost revenues attributable to the pandemic, and support for the development
and purchase of vaccines, therapeutic treatment, testing, and medical supplies. In FY 2021, HHS received $233.7
billion and $250.4 billion COVID-19 response-related funding in FYs 2021 and 2020, respectively. These funds
support testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, mitigation to monitor and suppress the spread of COVID-
19, as well as support for COVID-19 vaccination programs; and ARP funding provided supplemental relief funding
to workers and families for nationwide testing sites and community vaccination sites as well as addressing
disparities in obtaining quality healthcare.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 20
• Education COVID-19 appropriations funded a variety of programs administered primarily through grant programs.
COVID-19 relief legislation and administrative actions also provided support for student loan borrowers primarily
by temporarily suspending nearly all federal loan payments.
• USDA received CAA, ARP, and supplemental CARES Act appropriations in the amount of $91.3 billion in FY
2021 and $73.2 billion in CARES Act funding in FY 2020. This funding extended modifications to federal nutrition
assistance programs; funded programs to support agricultural producers, growers, and processors; and provided
additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local
governments, individuals, and businesses.
• DHS received supplemental appropriations of $70.0 billion under CAA and ARP in FY 2021, and $45.9 billion
under the CARES Act in FY 2020. DHS funding supports a wide range of efforts including FEMA’s Disaster Relief
Fund. FEMA is authorized to provide many types of assistance including, but not limited to Public Assistance for
emergency protective measures, including vaccination activities, direct federal assistance, personal protective
equipment, state and local Emergency Operations Center operations, non-congregate sheltering, medical field
stations, medical ships, personnel to support medical sites, National Guard deployments, and crisis counseling.
• DOT received $70.2 billion ($27.0 billion CAA and $43.2 billion ARP) of supplemental COVID-19 appropriations
in FY 2021 and $36.0 billion of supplemental appropriations under the CARES Act in FY 2020. DOT funding
supports the maintaining and continuing of operations and business needs of various transportation systems in
response to COVID-19.
• Many other agencies and programs comprise the “Other†amount shown in Table 3. Note 30—COVID-19 Activity
and agency financial statements provide additional details concerning federal agency pandemic response efforts.
Budgetary activity, such as appropriations, obligations, and outlays are different from, but related to financial activity,
such as costs, assets, and liabilities. As agencies implement programs, appropriations, obligations, and outlays precipitate a
wide range of financial effects, including the incurrence of program costs, and the creation of or changes in assets such as
advances or loans receivable, or liabilities such as loan guarantees. These corresponding financial effects stemming from
pandemic relief and economic recovery efforts, and the federal government’s operations in general are discussed in the
following section.
The Government’s Net Position: “Where We Areâ€
The government’s financial position and condition have traditionally been expressed through the Budget, focusing on
surpluses, deficits, and debt. However, this primarily cash-based discussion of the government’s net outlays (deficit) or net
receipts (surplus) tells only part of the story. The government’s accrual-based net position, (the difference between its assets
and liabilities, adjusted for unmatched transactions and balances), and its “bottom line†net operating cost (the difference
between its revenues and costs) are also key financial indicators.
Financial Effects of the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response
The financial effects of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic have been broad, impacting many
agencies in a variety of ways and to varying degrees. The following include brief discussions of some of the more significant
effects of the pandemic on the government’s financial results for FY 2021. Please refer to Note 30—COVID-19 Activity and
other disclosures in this Financial Report, as well as in the individual entities’ financial statements for more information.
Costs and Revenues
The government’s Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position, much like a corporation’s income statement,
shows the government’s “bottom line†and its impact on net position (i.e., assets net of liabilities, adjusted for unmatched
transactions and balances). To derive the government’s “bottom line†net operating cost, the Statement of Net Cost first
shows how much it costs to operate the federal government, recognizing expenses when incurred, regardless of when
payment is made (accrual basis). It shows the derivation of the government’s net cost or the net of: 1) gross costs, or the costs
of goods produced and services rendered by the government; 2) the earned revenues generated by those goods and services
during the fiscal year; and 3) gains or losses from changes in actuarial assumptions used to estimate certain liabilities. This
amount, in turn, is offset against the government’s taxes and other revenue reported in the Statement of Operations and
Changes in Net Position to calculate the “bottom line†or net operating cost.
21 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Table 4 shows that the government’s “bottom line†net operating cost decreased $746.5 billion (19.4 percent) during
2021 from $3.8 trillion to $3.1 trillion. This decrease is due mostly to a slight $62.2 billion (0.8 percent) decrease in entity net
costs, offset by a $684.3 billion (19.2 percent) increase in tax and other revenues over the past fiscal year as discussed in the
following.
Gross Cost and Net Cost
The Statement of Net Cost starts with the government’s total gross costs of $7.3 trillion, subtracts revenues earned for
goods and services provided (e.g., Medicare premiums, national park entry fees, and postal service fees), and adjusts the
balance for gains or losses from changes in actuarial assumptions used to estimate certain liabilities, including federal
employee and veteran benefits to derive its net cost of $7.4 trillion, a slight $62.2 billion (0.8 percent) decrease compared to
FY 2020.
Typically, the annual change in the government’s net cost is the result of a variety of offsetting increases and decreases
across entities. As referenced earlier, these amounts continue to be impacted by the ongoing federal government’s response to
the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic recovery. Including these amounts, offsetting changes in federal entity net
cost during FY 2021 included:
• A $211.6 billion decrease in SBA net costs largely driven by a $230.0 billion decrease in loan subsidy costs,
including reestimates, attributable to the PPP and Debt Relief programs under the CARES Act. As noted earlier, the
PPP provides loan forgiveness for amounts used for eligible expenses for payroll and benefit costs. Under the Debt
Relief program, SBA pays six months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all
current loans in regular servicing status in its 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs, as well as new 7(a), 504, and
Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020.
• The $270.1 billion increase in Treasury net costs is largely due to disbursement during FY 2021 of $569.5 billion in
refundable tax credits (also referred to as EIP) to eligible recipients in every state and territory and at foreign
addresses, compared to $274.7 billion of EIP disbursements during FY 2020, which is partially offset by a $112.0
billion net cost reduction in FY 2021 that is attributable to the increase in liquidation preference of the GSEs senior
preferred stock of $31.9 billion and FV gains on the investment in GSEs of $80.1 billion. The increase in GSE
senior preferred stock FV is primarily a result of GSE higher projected cash flows, a decrease in the market value of
GSEs’ other equity securities that comprise its total equity, and a lower discount rate.
• A $100.8 billion net cost increase at HHS was driven largely by $115.4 billion total cost increases across Medicare
and Medicaid. Of note, a $63.2 billion increase in Medicaid net cost was largely attributable to a $57.0 billion
benefit expense increase related to higher grant awards to states to continue COVID-19 relief efforts. Medicare HI
and SMI program benefits expenses also increased. These cost increases were offset by a net decrease in other
program costs primarily due to the PHSSEF receiving less funding for COVID-19 relief during FY 2021.
• A significant portion of the $96.4 billion decrease at DOL is attributable to a $100.7 billion decrease in Income
Maintenance programs costs, primarily due to decreases in unemployment benefits as less jobless claims are filed.
DOL costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic were $313.0 and $352.2 billion in FYs 2021 and 2020, respectively,
comprised mostly of unemployment benefit expenses for programs implemented in FY 2020 and extended into FY
2021.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 22
• Entities administering federal employee and veteran benefits programs employ a complex series of assumptions,
including but not limited to interest rates,
beneficiary eligibility, life expectancy, and
medical cost levels, to make actuarial
projections of their long-term benefits
liabilities. Changes in these assumptions
can result in either losses (net cost
increases) or gains (net cost decreases).
Across the government, these net losses
from changes in assumptions amounted to
$518.4 billion in FY 2021, a loss decrease
(and a corresponding net cost decrease) of
$161.1 billion compared to FY 2020. The
primary entities that administer programs
impacted by these assumptions – typically
federal employee pension and benefit
programs – are the OPM, DOD, and VA.
All three of these entities recorded losses
from changes in assumptions in the
amounts of $84.9 billion, $346.3 billion,
and $82.8 billion, respectively. These actuarial estimates and the resulting gains or losses from changes in
assumptions can sometimes cause significant swings in total entity costs from year to year. For example, for FY
2021, changes in net cost at OPM ($30.6 billion increase), DOD ($144.8 billion increase), and VA ($291.8 billion
decrease) were impacted by the changes in gains or losses from assumption changes at these entities.
• While most of the $144.8 billion increase in DOD net costs is primarily due to a $100.2 billion loss increase from
changes in assumptions as referenced above, the majority of DOD’s net costs included military operations,
readiness, and support; procurement; military personnel; and R&D, which collectively increased.
• A $36.5 billion increase at SSA, due to
a 1.4 percent increase in the number of
OASI beneficiaries, combined with a
1.3 percent COLA provided to
beneficiaries in 2021. These increases
were offset by cost decreases for the
DI and Supplemental Security Income
benefits programs primarily due to a
decrease in the number of
beneficiaries.
• A $291.8 billion decrease in VA net
cost was impacted largely by a
decrease in losses from changes in
assumptions underlying VA’s
compensation, burial, education, and
VR&E benefits programs. These
assumption changes included, but were
not limited to a lower than anticipated
numbers of veterans, offset by changes
in discount rate and COLA
assumptions.
• A $20.9 billion increase in interest on debt held by the public due largely to an increase in inflation adjustments and
an increase in outstanding debt held by the public.
Chart 2 shows the composition of the government’s net cost for FY 2021. In FY 2021, approximately 85 percent of the
federal government’s total net cost came from only seven agencies (HHS, SSA, VA, DOD, Treasury, DOL, and SBA), and
interest on the debt. The other 150-plus entities included in the government’s FY 2021 Statement of Net Cost accounted for a
combined 15 percent of the government’s total net cost for FY 2021. Chart 3 shows the five-year trend in these costs,
illustrating the significant impact that the pandemic had on certain agency costs as summarized above. Aside from pandemic
relief costs, as discussed above, HHS and SSA net costs for FY 2021 ($1.5 trillion and $1.2 trillion, respectively) are largely
attributable to major social insurance programs administered by these entities. VA net costs of $693.4 billion support health,
education and other benefits programs for our nation’s Veterans. DOD net costs of $890.6 billion relate primarily to
operations, readiness, and support; personnel; research; procurement; and retirement and health benefits. Treasury net costs
of $830.8 billion support a broad array of programs that promote conditions for sustaining economic growth and stability,
23 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
protecting the integrity of our Nation’s financial system, and effectively managing the U.S. government’s finances and
resources. SBA net costs of $347.4 billion support agency programs and services that enable the establishment and vitality of
small businesses and by providing assistance in the economic recovery of communities after disasters.
Tax and Other Revenues
As noted earlier, tax and other revenues from the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position are deducted
from total net cost to derive the government’s
“bottom line†net operating cost. Chart 4 shows that
total tax and other revenue increased by $684.3
billion or 19.2 percent to $4.3 trillion for FY 2021.
This increase is attributable mainly to an overall
growth in income taxes collections, partially offset
by increased refunds. Taxes receivable, which
consist of unpaid assessments due from taxpayers,
unpaid taxes related to IRC section 965, and
deferred payments for employer’s share of FICA
Social Security resulting from the CARES Act,
increased $68.0 billion during FY 2021. This
increase was principally due to the two-year
deferral of FICA Social Security taxes. Earned
revenues from Table 4 are not considered “taxes
and other revenue†and, thus, are not shown in
Chart 4. Individual income tax and tax
withholdings and corporate income taxes accounted
for about 77.0 percent and 10.7 percent of total revenue, respectively in FY 2021; other revenues from Chart 4 include
Federal Reserve earnings, excise taxes, unemployment taxes, and customs duties.
As previously shown in Table 4, the increase in tax and other revenue combined with the decrease in net cost, yielded a
$746.5 billion decrease to the government’s bottom line net operating cost to $3.1 trillion for FY 2021.
Please refer to Note 30—COVID-19 Activity, as well as the FY 2021 entities financial statements for additional
information about the pandemic’s effects on the federal government’s costs and revenues.
Tax Expenditures
Tax and other revenues reported reflect the effects of tax expenditures, which are special exclusions, exemptions,
deductions, tax credits, preferential tax rates, and tax deferrals that allow individuals and businesses to reduce taxes they may
otherwise owe. Tax expenditures may be viewed as alternatives to other policy instruments, such as spending or regulatory
programs. For example, the government supports college attendance through both spending programs and tax expenditures.
The government uses Pell Grants to help low- and moderate-income students afford college and allows certain funds used to
meet college expenses to grow tax free in special college savings accounts. Tax expenditures may include deductions and
exclusions which reduce the amount of income subject to tax (e.g., deductions for personal residence mortgage interest). Tax
credits, which reduce tax liability dollar for dollar for the amount of credit (e.g., child tax credit), are also considered tax
expenditures. Tax expenditures may also allow taxpayers to defer tax liability.
Receipts in the calculation of surplus or deficit, and tax revenues in the calculation of net position, reflect the effect of
tax expenditures. As discussed in more detail in the Other Information section of this Financial Report, tax expenditures will
generally lower federal government receipts although tax expenditure estimates do not necessarily equal the increase in
federal revenues (or the change in the budget balance) that would result from repealing these special provisions.
Tax expenditures are reported annually in the Analytical Perspectives of the Budget. In addition, current and past tax
expenditure estimates and descriptions can be found at the following location from Treasury’s Office of Tax Policy:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/tax-policy/tax-expenditures.
Assets and Liabilities
The government’s net position at the end of the fiscal year is derived by netting the government’s assets against its
liabilities, as presented in the Balance Sheet (summarized in Table 5).12 The Balance Sheet does not include the financial
value of the government’s sovereign powers to tax, regulate commerce, or set monetary policy or value of nonoperational
resources of the government, such as national and natural resources, for which the government is a steward. In addition, as is
the case with the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position, the Balance Sheet includes a separate presentation of
the portion of net position related to funds from dedicated collections. Moreover, the government’s exposures are broader
than the liabilities presented on the Balance Sheet. The government’s future social insurance exposures (e.g., Medicare and
12 As shown in Table 5, the government’s Balance Sheet includes an adjustment for unmatched transactions and balances, which represent unresolved
differences in intra-governmental activity and balances between federal entities. These amounts are described in greater detail in the Other Information
section of this Financial Report.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 24
Social Security) as well as other fiscal projections, commitments and contingencies, are reported in separate statements and
disclosures. This information is discussed later in this MD&A section, the financial statements, and RSI sections of this
Financial Report.
Assets
From Table 5, as of September 30, 2021, more than three-fourths of the government’s $4.9 trillion in reported assets is
comprised of: 1) cash and other monetary assets ($475.0 billion); 2) accounts receivable, net ($401.0 billion); 3) net loans
receivable ($1.7 trillion); and 4) net PP&E ($1.2 trillion).13 Chart 5 compares the balances of these and other Balance Sheet
amounts as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, some of which were substantially impacted by the pandemic response.
Cash and other monetary assets ($475.0 billion) is comprised largely of the operating cash of the U.S. government.
Operating cash held by Treasury decreased $1.6 trillion (88.8 percent) to $198.4 billion during FY 2021 due to Treasury
maintaining an elevated cash balance in FY 2020 to maintain prudent liquidity in light of the size and relative uncertainty of
COVID-19 related outflows, combined with needing to reduce the cash balance to well under Treasury’s prudent policy level
at the end of FY 2021 due to debt ceiling constraints (see Note 2—Cash and Other Monetary Assets).
Treasury comprises approximately 76.0 percent of the government’s reported accounts receivable, net, mostly in the
form of reported taxes receivable, which consist of unpaid assessments due from taxpayers, unpaid taxes related to IRC
section 965, and deferred payments for employer’s share of FICA taxes pursuant to the CARES Act. Other accounts
receivable, gross increased significantly year to year, primarily as a result of DOL’s $18.6 billion increase in benefit
overpayments from programs related to COVID-19 as well as a $7.0 billion increase to HHS receivables, primarily due to
Medicare (see Note 3—Accounts Receivable, Net).
13 For financial reporting purposes, other than multi-use heritage assets, stewardship assets of the government are not recorded as part of PP&E. Stewardship
assets are comprised of stewardship land and heritage assets. Stewardship land consists of public domain land (e.g., national parks, wildlife refuges).
Heritage assets include national monuments and historical sites that among other characteristics are of historical, natural, cultural, educational, or artistic
significance. See Note 27—Stewardship PP&E.
25 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The federal government’s direct loans and loan guarantee programs are used to promote the nation’s welfare by making
financing available to segments of the
population not served adequately by
non-federal institutions, or otherwise
providing for certain activities or
investments. For those unable to afford
credit at the market rate, federal credit
programs provide subsidies in the form
of direct loans offered at an interest
rate lower than the market rate. For
those to whom non-federal financial
institutions are reluctant to grant credit
because of the high risk involved,
federal credit programs guarantee the
payment of these non-federal loans and
absorb the cost of defaults. For
example, Education supports
individuals engaged in education
programs through a variety of student
loan, grant and other assistance programs. USDA administers loan programs to support the nation’s farming and agriculture
community. HUD loan programs support affordable homeownership, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of housing
projects for the elderly and persons with disabilities. SBA loan programs enable the establishment and vitality of small
businesses and assist in the economic recovery of communities after disasters. Significant changes to the federal
government’s loans receivable, net, and loan guarantees liability, as discussed in Note 4, include:
• Education’s Federal Direct Student Loan Program accounted for $1.1 trillion (66.9 percent) of total loans receivable,
net. Education has loan programs that are authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The William
D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (referred to as the Direct Loan Program), was established in FY 1994 and
offered four types of educational loans: Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students,
and consolidation loans. During FY 2021, Education direct loan disbursements to eligible borrowers decreased by
approximately $12.6 billion to $104.8 billion. While the CARES Act provision supporting student loan borrowers
by temporarily suspending nearly all federal student loan payments expired on September 30, 2020, administrative
action temporarily suspended payments during FY 2021. In addition, all federal wage garnishments and collections
actions for borrowers with federally held loans in default were halted.
• SBA’s credit program receivables comprise business and disaster direct loans and defaulted business loans
purchased per the terms of SBA’s loan guaranty programs, offset by an allowance for related program subsidy costs.
The CARES Act provides funding for SBA to offer low-interest EIDL for working capital to small businesses
suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 that can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts
payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. These receivables increased to $244.1
billion during FY 2021, stemming from a $62.6 billion increase in direct disaster COVID-19 EIDL funded loans
primarily funded from the CARES Act. The loan guarantee PPP provides loan forgiveness for amounts used for
eligible expenses for payroll and benefit costs, interest on mortgages, and rent, and utilities, worker protection costs
related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain
supplier costs and expenses for operations. The loan guarantee liability for Small Business Loan Programs which
includes the PPP decreased by $284.9 billion primarily due to SBA forgiveness payments to PPP lenders. For
additional information on each specific loan program refer to SBA’s financial statements.
Federal government general PP&E includes many of the physical resources that are vital to the federal government’s
ongoing operations, including buildings, structures, facilities, equipment, internal use software, and general purpose land.
DOD comprises approximately 68.8 percent of the government’s reported general PP&E of $1.2 trillion as of September 30,
2021. See Note 6—General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net.
“Other†Assets of $1.2 trillion in Table 5 and Chart 5 includes: 1) $369.3 billion in “Advances and Prepaymentsâ€; and
2) $26.4 billion of “Investments in SPVsâ€. The $150.7 billion increase in advances and prepayments is largely due to
disbursements by Treasury to states, local, territorial, and tribal governments pursuant to the CRF, SLFRF, ERA, and HAF
programs to cover eligible costs recipients incur in response to the pandemic (see Note 10—Advances and Prepayments).
In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, under Section 4003 of the CARES Act, Treasury holds equity
investments in SPVs established through the FRBNY and FRBB for the purpose of enhancing the liquidity of the U.S.
financial system. These non-federal investment holdings are reported at their FV on the Balance Sheet, and changes in the
valuation of these investments are recorded on the Statement of Net Cost. These investments decreased by $82.0 billion
during FY 2021 primarily due to an aggregate $86.1 billion of capital contributions that was returned to Treasury by the
Federal Reserve in connection with interim and final distributions made pursuant to the amended SPV LLC Agreements. See
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 26
Prior to 1917, Congress approved each debt issuance. In
1917, to facilitate planning in World War I, Congress and
the President established a dollar ceiling for federal
borrowing. With the Public Debt Act of 1941 (P.L. 77-7),
Congress and the President set an overall limit of $65
billion on Treasury debt obligations that could be
outstanding at any one time. Since then, Congress and the
President have enacted a number of measures affecting the
debt limit, including several in recent years. Congress and
the President most recently increased the debt limit by
$2.5 trillion in December 2021 with the enactment of P.L.
117-73. It is important to note that increasing or
suspending the debt limit does not increase spending or
authorize new spending; rather, it permits the U.S. to
continue to honor pre-existing commitments to its citizens,
businesses, and investors domestically and around the
world.
Note 8—Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles, and Note 30—COVID-19 Activity, as well as Treasury’s FY 2021
financial statements for additional information.
Please refer to Note 30—COVID-19 Activity, as well as the FY 2021 entities’ financial statements for additional
information about the pandemic’s effects on the federal government’s assets and liabilities over the past fiscal year.
In addition, as indicated earlier, Note 31—Subsequent Events, discusses the financial effects of significant events that
occurred following the end of the fiscal year, but prior to issuance of this Financial Report. These and other subsequent
events and their effects are discussed in Note 31.
Liabilities
As indicated in Table 5 and Chart 6, of the
government’s $34.8 trillion in total liabilities, the
largest liability is federal debt and interest payable,
the balance of which increased by $1.3 trillion (6.0
percent) to $22.3 trillion as of September 30, 2021.
The other major component of the
government’s liabilities is federal employee and
veteran benefits payable (i.e., the government’s
pension and other benefit plans for its military and
civilian employees), which increased $767.5 billion
(8.2 percent) during FY 2021, to about $10.2
trillion. This total amount is comprised of $2.9
trillion in benefits payable for the current and
retired civilian workforce, and $7.3 trillion for the
military and veterans. OPM administers the largest
civilian pension plan, covering more than 2.8
million active employees, including the Postal
Service, and more than 2.7 million annuitants,
including survivors. The DOD military pension
plan covers about 2.1 million current military personnel (including active service, reserve, and National Guard) and
approximately 2.3 million retirees and survivors.
Federal Debt
The budget surplus or deficit is the difference between total federal spending and receipts (e.g., taxes) in a given year.
The government borrows from the public (increases federal debt levels) to finance deficits. During a budget surplus (i.e.,
when receipts exceed spending), the government typically uses those excess funds to reduce the debt held by the public. The
Statement of Changes in Cash Balance from Budget and Other Activities reports how the annual budget surplus or deficit
relates to the federal government’s borrowing and changes in cash and other monetary assets. It also explains how a budget
surplus or deficit normally affects changes in debt balances.
The government’s federal debt and interest payable (Balance Sheet liability), which is comprised of publicly-held debt
and accrued interest payable, increased $1.3 trillion (6.0 percent) to $22.3 trillion as of September 30, 2021. It is comprised
of Treasury securities, such as bills, notes, and bonds, net
of unamortized discounts and premiums issued or sold to
the public; and accrued interest payable. The “publicâ€
consists of individuals, corporations, state and local
governments, FRB, foreign governments, and other
entities outside the federal government. As indicated
above, budget surpluses have typically resulted in
borrowing reductions, and budget deficits have conversely
yielded borrowing increases. However, the government’s
debt operations are generally much more complex. Each
year, trillions of dollars of debt matures and new debt is
issued to take its place. In FY 2021, new borrowings were
$20.4 trillion, and repayments of maturing debt held by
the public were $19.2 trillion, both increases from FY
2020.
In addition to debt held by the public, the
government has about $6.2 trillion in intra-governmental
debt outstanding, which arises when one part of the
government borrows from another. It represents debt
issued by Treasury and held by government accounts, including the Social Security ($2.9 trillion) and Medicare ($306.9
billion) trust funds. Intra-governmental debt is primarily held in government trust funds in the form of special nonmarketable
27 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
securities by various parts of the government. Laws establishing government trust funds generally require excess trust fund
receipts (including interest earnings) over disbursements to be invested in these special securities. Because these amounts are
both liabilities of Treasury and assets of the government trust funds, they are eliminated as part of the consolidation process
for the government-wide financial statements (see Financial Statement Note 13). When those securities are redeemed, e.g., to
pay Social Security benefits, the government must obtain the resources necessary to reimburse the trust funds. The sum of
debt held by the public and intra-governmental debt equals gross federal debt, which (with some adjustments), is subject to a
statutory ceiling (i.e., the debt limit). Note that when intra-government debt decreases, debt held by the public will increase
by an equal amount (if the general account of the U.S. government is in deficit), so that there is no net effect on gross federal
debt. At the end of FY 2021, debt subject to the statutory limit was $28.4 trillion14 (see sidebar).
The federal debt held by the public measured as a percent of GDP (debt-to-GDP ratio) (Chart 7) compares the country’s
debt to the size of its economy, making this
measure sensitive to changes in both. Over time,
the debt-to-GDP ratio has varied widely:
• For most of the nation’s history,
through the first half of the 20th century,
the debt-to-GDP ratio has tended to
increase during wartime and decline
during peacetime.
• Chart 7 shows that wartime spending
and borrowing pushed the debt-to-GDP
ratio to an all-time high of 106 percent
in 1946, soon after the end of World
War II, but it decreased rapidly in the
post-war years.
• The ratio grew rapidly from the mid-
1970s until the early 1990s. Strong
economic growth and fundamental
fiscal decisions, including measures to
reduce the federal deficit and
implementation of binding PAYGO
rules (which require that new tax or
spending laws not add to the deficit), generated a significant decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, from a peak of 48
percent in FYs 1993-1995, to 31 percent in 2001.
• During the first decade of the 21st century, PAYGO rules were allowed to lapse, significant tax cuts were
implemented, entitlements were expanded, and spending related to defense and homeland security increased. By
September 2008, the debt-to-GDP ratio was 39 percent of GDP.
• PAYGO rules were reinstated in 2010, but the extraordinary demands of the last economic and fiscal crisis and the
consequent actions taken by the federal government, combined with slower economic growth in the wake of the
crisis, pushed the debt-to-GDP ratio up to 74 percent by the end of FY 2014.
• The debt was approximately 100 percent of GDP at the end of FY 2021 similar, but slightly below the debt-to-GDP
ratio at the end of FY 2020 This ratio decreased slightly during FY 2021, because GDP, which increased as the
economy continued to recover from the effects of the pandemic, grew faster than the debt.15 From Chart 7, since
1940, the average debt-to-GDP ratio is 49 percent.
14During FY 2021, Treasury faced a delay in raising the statutory debt limit that required it to depart from its normal debt management procedures and to
invoke legal authorities to avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. During these periods, extraordinary measures taken by Treasury have resulted in federal
debt securities not being issued to certain federal government accounts with the securities being restored including lost interest to the affected federal
government accounts subsequent to the end of the delay period. On August 2, 2019, the BBA of 2019 (P.L. 116-37) was enacted suspending the statutory
debt limit through July 31, 2021. A delay in raising the statutory debt limit occurred from August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. During the period of
August 2, 2021 through September 30, 2021, Treasury departed from their normal debt management operations and undertook extraordinary measures to
avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. On October 14, 2021, P.L. 117-50 was enacted which raised the statutory debt limit by $480.0 billion, from
$28,401.5 billion to $28,881.5 billion. Even with this increase, extraordinary measures continued in order for Treasury to manage below the debt limit. On
December 16, 2021, Congress and the President increased the debt limit by $2.5 trillion to $31.4 trillion with the enactment of P.L. 117-73. See Note 13—
Federal Debt and Interest Payable and Note 31—Subsequent Events for additional information.
15The increase in debt of $1.3 trillion was less than the FY 2021 deficit of $2.8 trillion primarily because of a $1.6 trillion decrease in the government’s cash
balance.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 28
The Economy in FY 2021
An analysis of U.S. economic
performance provides useful background
when evaluating the government’s
financial statements. During the last two
fiscal years, the economy’s performance
has been deeply affected by the COVID-
19 global pandemic as well as the U.S.
government’s extensive measures to
prevent infection, support consumers and
businesses, and restore growth.
Reflecting the brunt of restrictions
implemented after the pandemic’s onset
in early 2020, the economy contracted by
2.9 percent during FY 2020. Real GDP dropped sharply over the second and third quarters of the fiscal year, as state and
local governments implemented stay-at-home orders and required non-essential businesses to close, in order to protect the
public and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on health care resources. The U.S. government responded quickly to support
American households and small businesses during the pandemic; by late March 2020, three economic aid packages were
passed totaling roughly $2.7 trillion. These measures included EIPs, expanded eligibility for unemployment insurance
payments, delays in tax and loan payments, and implemented a moratorium on evictions. In addition, Treasury and the SBA
launched the PPP – a forgivable loan for small businesses – in March 2020 and received a supplemental appropriation before
the first round of applications closed in September 2020. Due to these measures and the rescission of stay-at-home orders, the
economy grew in the final quarter of FY 2020 at the fastest quarterly pace in 70 years, accompanied by rapid payroll job and
wage growth.
The recovery’s momentum continued in FY 2021, with the help of additional government financial support the
widespread distribution of vaccines, and the reopening of industries that were hardest hit by the pandemic. Another economic
aid package of roughly $900.0 billion was passed in December 2020, which funded smaller EIPs and a second draw of PPP
loans for small businesses. Then early in calendar 2021, President Biden signed the ARP into law. The ARP provided an
additional $1.9 trillion in economic aid, primarily through EIPs and direct aid to low-to middle-income families and to the
economically vulnerable. It also assisted state and local governments, provided additional funding for addressing COVID-19
infections and vaccinating the population, created new loans and grants for small businesses, and extended the deadline for
PPP applications.
As summarized in Table 6, the U.S. economy grew briskly in FY 2021 after the contraction in FY 2020. Real (i.e.,
inflation-adjusted) GDP surged by 4.9 percent over the four quarters of FY 2021, after declining by 2.9 percent during the
previous fiscal year. Business fixed investment and PCE rebounded from the temporary collapses seen in the previous fiscal
year, and residential investment, government spending, and net exports all continued to support growth to varying degrees.
Over the four quarters of FY 2021, business fixed investment expanded by 9.0 percent, swinging sharply from the 7.0 percent
drop over the previous four quarters and supported in part by rising oil prices. PCE grew 7.0 percent, reflecting the two
rounds of federal financial support as well as pent-up demand as more sectors opened; PCE growth in FY 2021 stood in sharp
contrast with the 2.8 percent decline during FY 2020 as domestic demand collapsed.
Residential investment continued to provide consistently strong support for the economy, growing 5.4 percent in FY
2021, after a 7.7 percent gain in FY 2020. Government spending grew more slowly in the latest fiscal year, rising 0.6 percent
after a 2.1 percent advance during FY 2020. This deceleration masks the significant further steps undertaken by the U.S.
government during the FY 2021 to support the economy, which were largely transfers to households and businesses rather
than direct government spending. Net exports posed less of a drag on growth during FY 2021, shaving 1.2 percentage points
from real GDP after subtracting 3.3 percentage points during the previous fiscal year. Inventory investment contributed
positively to growth in both fiscal years, adding 6.8 percentage points to growth during FY 2020 and adding 2.1 percentage
points in the latest fiscal year, as inventories began to be drawn down to meet rising consumption.
The imposition of stay-at-home orders and mandated business closures brought about a severe decline in economic
activity in FY 2020, such that more than 22 million payroll jobs were lost over March and April 2020, and the unemployment
rate jumped to post-World War II high of 14.7 percent. Thereafter, job creation resumed more quickly than expected, and by
the end of FY 2020, the unemployment rate had dropped 6.8 percentage points from the peak to 7.9 percent, and a total of
11.1 million jobs, or 50.6 percent of the total lost, had been recovered. Labor markets continued to improve, if at a slower
pace, during FY 2021. By the end of the fiscal year, the unemployment rate had dropped another 3.2 percentage points to 4.7
percent, and a further 5.7 million jobs had been recovered. At the end of FY 2021, the unemployment rate stood only 1.2
percentage points above the half-century low of 3.5 percent registered just before the pandemic’s onset, and nearly 76.4
percent of the jobs lost during March and April 2020 had been recovered.
29 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Headline inflation slowed during FY 2020, as the effects of lower oil prices and reduced consumption offset an
acceleration in food price inflation. Core inflation (which excludes food and energy) also slowed in FY 2020. However,
inflation at the headline and core levels accelerated during FY 2021, reflecting an array of upward but partly temporary
pressures, including increased demand for durable goods, supply-side disruptions, the reopening of many service industries,
and rising oil prices. The CPI rose 5.4 percent over the 12 months of FY 2021, picking up markedly from the 1.4 percent
pace during the previous fiscal year. Core inflation was 4.0 percent over the fiscal year ending September 2021, accelerating
from the 1.7 percent pace during FY 2020.
A more rapid pace of inflation offset small but positive gains in income growth during FY 2021, resulting in an erosion
of purchasing power in real terms. Real Disposable Personal Income declined 1.1 percent over the 12 months of FY 2021,
after advancing 5.6 percent during the previous fiscal year. The pace of nominal average hourly earnings growth increased
noticeably in FY 2020, reflecting the temporary unemployment of lower wage workers, and then accelerated further in FY
2021 as labor shortages developed. Faster inflation eroded wages in real terms for most industries, save where nominal wage
growth gains were sufficient to offset, such as in the leisure and hospitality sector. Overall, real average hourly earnings
declined 0.4 percent during FY 2021, after advancing 3.2 percent during the previous fiscal year. Growth of non-farm labor
productivity declined 0.5 percent over the four quarters of FY 2021, after growing 3.6 percent during FY 2020, but the
deterioration in the latest fiscal year reflected growth in output that was offset by a faster advance in hours worked, as more
workers were rehired.
An Unsustainable Fiscal Path
An important purpose of the Financial Report is to help citizens understand current fiscal policy and the importance and
magnitude of policy reforms necessary to make it sustainable. This Financial Report includes the SLTFP and a related Note
Disclosure (Note 26). The Statements display the PV of 75-year projections of the federal government’s receipts and non-
interest spending16 for FY 2021 and FY 2020.
Fiscal Sustainability
A sustainable fiscal policy is defined as one where the debt-to-GDP ratio is stable or declining over the long term. The
projections based on the assumptions in this Financial Report indicate that current policy is not sustainable. This report
presents data, including debt, as a percent of GDP to help readers assess whether current fiscal policy is sustainable. The
debt-to-GDP ratio was approximately 100 percent at the end of FY 2021, similar to (but slightly below) the ratio at the end of
FY 2020. The long-term fiscal projections in this report are based on the same economic and demographic assumptions that
underlie the 2021 Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports. The data and projections presented in the 2021 Trustees’
Reports include the Trustees’ best estimates of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 recession, which were
not reflected in last year’s reports. As discussed below, if current policy is left unchanged and based on this report’s
assumptions, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to exceed 200 percent by 2041 and reach 701 percent in 2096. Preventing the
debt-to-GDP ratio from rising over the next 75 years is estimated to require some combination of spending reductions and
revenue increases that amount to 6.2 percent of GDP over the period. While this estimate of the “75-year fiscal gap†is highly
uncertain, it is nevertheless nearly certain that current fiscal policies cannot be sustained indefinitely.
Delaying action to reduce the fiscal gap increases the magnitude of spending and/or revenue changes necessary to
stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio as shown in Table 7 below.
The estimates of the cost of policy delay assume policy does not affect GDP or other economic variables. Delaying
fiscal adjustments for too long raises the risk that growing federal debt would increase interest rates, which would, in turn,
reduce investment and ultimately economic growth.
The projections discussed here assume current policy17 remains unchanged, and hence, are neither forecasts nor
predictions. Nevertheless, the projections demonstrate that policy changes must be enacted to move towards fiscal
sustainability.
The Primary Deficit, Interest, and Debt
The primary deficit – the difference between non-interest spending and receipts – is the determinant of the debt-to-GDP
ratio over which the government has the greatest control (the other determinants include interest rates and growth in GDP).
Chart 8 shows receipts, non-interest spending, and the difference – the primary deficit – expressed as a share of GDP. The
16 For the purposes of the SLTFP and this analysis, spending is defined in terms of outlays. In the context of federal budgeting, spending can either refer to:
1) budget authority – the authority to commit the government to make a payment; 2) obligations – binding agreements that will result in either immediate or
future payment; or 3) outlays, or actual payments made.
17 Current policy in the projections is based on current law, but includes certain adjustments, such as extension of certain policies that expire under current
law but are routinely extended or otherwise expected to continue (e.g., reauthorization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 30
primary deficit-to-GDP ratio spiked during 2009 through 2012 due to the 2008-09 financial crisis and the ensuing severe
recession, as well as the effects of the government’s response thereto. These elevated primary deficits resulted in a sharp
increase in the ratio of debt to GDP, which rose from 39 percent at the end of 2008 to 70 percent at the end of 2012. As an
economic recovery took hold, the primary deficit ratio fell, averaging 2.1 percent of GDP over 2013 through 2019, The
primary deficit-to-GDP ratio again spiked in 2020, rising to 13.3 percent of GDP in 2020, due to increased spending to
address the COVID-19 pandemic and lessen the economic impacts of stay-at-home and social distancing orders on
individuals, hard-hit industries, and small businesses. Spending remained elevated in 2021 due to additional funding to
support economic recovery, but increased receipts reduced the primary deficit-to-GDP to 10.8 percent.
The primary deficit ratio is projected to fall to 4.7 percent in 2022 and then decrease to 4.3 percent in 2027 as the
economy grows and spending due to legislation enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic decreases. After 2027,
however, increased spending for Social Security and health programs due to the ongoing retirement of the baby boom
generation and increases in the price of health care services is projected to result in increasing primary deficit ratios that reach
5.0 percent of GDP in 2030. The primary deficit ratio peaks at 6.3 percent in 2043, gradually decreases beyond that point as
aging of the population continues at a slower pace, and reaches 4.9 percent of GDP in 2096, the last year of the projection
period.
Primary deficit trends are heavily influenced by tax receipts. Receipts as a share of GDP were markedly depressed in
2009 through 2012 because of the recession and the effects of the government’s response thereto. The share subsequently
increased to 18.0 percent of GDP by 2015, before falling below the 30-year average of 17.1 percent in 2018, after enactment
of the TCJA.
Receipts were 18.1 percent of GDP in
2021. After 2025, receipts grow slightly
more rapidly than GDP over the projection
period as increases in real incomes cause
more taxpayers and a larger share of
income to fall into the higher individual
income tax brackets.
On the spending side, the non-interest
spending share of GDP, was 28.9 percent in
2021, slightly less than the share of GDP in
2020. The ratio of non-interest spending to
GDP is projected to fall to 22.0 percent in
2022 and remain near that level through
2024. After 2024, the non-interest spending
share of GDP is projected to rise gradually,
reaching 25.7 percent in 2078, before
declining to 25.3 percent in 2096, the end
of the projection period. Beginning in 2025,
these increases are principally due to faster
growth in Medicare and Social Security
spending (see Chart 8). The aging of the
baby boom generation, among other
factors, is projected to increase the spending shares of GDP of Social Security and Medicare are projected to increase by
about 0.9 and 1.5 percentage points, respectively, from 2022 to 2041. After 2041, the Social Security and Medicare spending
shares of GDP continue to increase in most years, albeit at a slower rate, due to projected increases in health care costs and
population aging, before declining toward the end of the projection period.
On a PV basis, deficit projections reported in the FY 2021 Financial Report increased in both present-value terms and
as a percent of the current 75-year PV of GDP. As discussed in Note 26, the largest factor affecting the projections was the
actual budget results for FY 2021 and the budget estimates published in the FY 2022 President’s Budget. Actual budget
results for FY 2021 lead to higher 75-year PV of spending for mandatory programs other than Social Security, Medicare, and
Medicaid. Budgetary estimates result in higher 75-year PVs for individual income tax receipts and outlays for non-defense
discretionary programs. The second largest factor was the update of economic and demographic assumptions which increases
the imbalance by 0.2 percent of the 75-year PV of GDP ($6.3 trillion). The third largest factor is the effect of new Social
Security, Medicare, and Medicaid program-specific actuarial assumptions, which increase this imbalance as a share of the 75-
year PV of GDP by 0.2 percentage points ($3.6 trillion). The change in reporting period – the effect of shifting calculations
from 2021 through 2095 to 2022 through 2096 – increases the imbalance of the 75-year PV of receipts less non-interest
spending by $1.4 trillion.
One of the most important assumptions underlying the projections is the future growth of health care costs. As
discussed in Note 25, these future growth rates – both for health care costs in the economy generally and for federal health
care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and PPACA exchange subsidies – are highly uncertain. In particular, enactment
of the PPACA in 2010 and the MACRA in 2015 established cost controls for Medicare hospital and physician payments
31 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
whose long-term effectiveness of which is not yet clear. The Medicare spending projections in the long-term fiscal
projections are based on the projections in the 2021 Medicare Trustees’ Report, which assume the PPACA and MACRA cost
control measures will be effective in producing a substantial slowdown in Medicare cost growth. As discussed in Note 25, the
Medicare projections are subject to much uncertainty about the ultimate effects of these provisions to reduce health care cost
growth. For the long-term fiscal projections, that uncertainty also affects the projections for Medicaid and exchange
subsidies, because the cost per beneficiary in these programs is assumed to grow at the same reduced rate as Medicare cost
growth per beneficiary. The projections in the Medicaid Actuarial Report, which end in 2027, are adjusted to accord with the
actual Medicaid spending in FY 2021. Actual Medicaid spending includes temporary spending increases due to changes in
enrollment and other temporary measures related to the pandemic. The amounts related to these temporary spending increases
cannot be identified, which adds uncertainty to the projections. After 2027, the projections assume no further change in State
Medicaid coverage under the PPACA, and the numbers of aged beneficiaries (65-plus years) and non-aged beneficiaries (less
than 65 years) are expected to grow at the same rates as the aged and non-aged populations, respectively. The most recent
Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports were released in August 2021. See Note 26—Long-Term Fiscal Projections
for additional information.
As discussed in Note 26 for the FY 2021 report, other key assumptions include, but are not limited to the following. For
receipts, individual income taxes are based on the share of individual income taxes of salaries and wages in the current law
baseline projection in the FY 2022 President’s Budget, and the salaries and wages projections in the Social Security 2021
Trustees’ Report. That baseline accords with the tendency of effective tax rates to increase as growth in income per capita
outpaces inflation (also known as “bracket creepâ€) and the expiration dates of individual income and estate and gift tax
provisions of the TCJA.18 Projections for the other categories of receipts and spending are consistent with the economic and
demographic assumptions in the Trustees’ Reports and include updates for actual budget results for FY 2021 or budgetary
estimates from the FY 2022 President’s Budget. Where possible, those budget totals are adjusted before spending is projected
to remove outlays for programs or activities that are judged to be temporary, such as spending related to the COVID-19
pandemic and economic recovery. Where not possible, budget totals were not adjusted, resulting in higher projections of
future spending, increasing the uncertainty surrounding this year’s projections. See Note 26—Long-Term Fiscal Projections
for additional information about the assumptions used in this analysis.
The primary deficit-to-GDP projections in Chart 8, projections for interest rates, and projections for GDP together
determine the debt-to-GDP ratio projections shown in Chart 9. That ratio was approximately 100 percent at the end of FY
2021 and under current policy is
projected to exceed the historic high of
106 percent in 2024, rise to 200 percent
by 2041 and reach 701 percent by 2096.
The change in debt held by the public
from one year to the next generally
represents the budget deficit, the
difference between total spending and
total receipts. The debt-to-GDP ratio
rises continually in great part because
primary deficits lead to higher levels of
debt, which lead to higher net interest
expenditures, and higher net interest
expenditures lead to higher debt.19 The
continuous rise of the debt-to-GDP ratio
indicates that current policy is
unsustainable.
These debt-to-GDP projections are
higher than the corresponding
projections in both the 2020 and 2019
Financial Reports. For example, the last
year of the 75-year projection period used in the FY 2019 Financial Report is 2094. In the FY 2021 Financial Report, the
debt-to-GDP ratio for 2094 is projected to be 682 percent, which compares with 614 and 474 percent projected for that same
year in the FY 2020 Financial Report and the FY 2019 Financial Report, respectively.20
18 The 2020 projections assumed the individual income and estate and gift tax provisions of the TCJA would continue past their legal expiration on
December 31, 2025. See the FY 2020 Financial Report.
19 The change in debt each year is also affected by certain transactions not included in the budget deficit, such as changes in Treasury’s cash balances and the
nonbudgetary activity of federal credit financing accounts. These transactions are assumed to hold constant at about 0.3 percent of GDP each year, with the
same effect on debt as if the primary deficit was higher by that amount.
20 See the Note 24 of the FY 2020 Financial Report of the U.S. Government for more information about changes in the long term fiscal projections between
FYs 2019 and 2020.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 32
The Fiscal Gap and the Cost of Delaying Policy Reform
The 75-year fiscal gap is one measure of the degree to which current policy is unsustainable. It is the amount by which
primary surpluses over the next 75 years must, on average, rise above current-policy levels in order for the debt-to-GDP ratio
in 2096 to remain at its level in 2021. The projections show that projected primary deficits average 5.7 percent of GDP over
the next 75 years under current policy. If policies were adopted to eliminate the fiscal gap, the average primary surplus over
the next 75 years would be 0.6 percent of GDP, 6.2 percentage points higher than the projected PV of receipts less non-
interest spending shown in the basic financial statements. Hence, the 75-year fiscal gap is estimated to equal 6.2 percent of
GDP. This amount is, in turn, equivalent to 32.4 percent of 75-year PV receipts and 25.0 percent of 75-year PV non-interest
spending. The fiscal gap was estimated at 5.4 percent in the FY 2020 Financial Report.
In these projections, closing the fiscal gap requires running substantially positive primary surpluses, rather than simply
eliminating the primary deficit. The primary reason is that the projections assume future interest rates will exceed the growth
rate of GDP. Achieving primary balance (that is, running a primary surplus of zero) implies that the debt grows each year by
the amount of interest
spending, which under
these assumptions would
result in debt growing
faster than GDP.
Table 7 shows the
cost of delaying policy
reform to close the fiscal
gap by comparing policy
reforms that begin in three
different years. Immediate
reform would require
increasing primary surpluses by 6.2 percent of GDP on average between 2022 and 2096 (i.e., some combination of reducing
spending and increasing revenue by a combined 6.2 percent of GDP on average over the 75-year projection period). Table 7
shows that delaying policy reform forces larger and more abrupt policy reforms over shorter periods. For example, if policy
reform is delayed by 10 years, closing the fiscal gap requires increasing the primary surpluses by 7.3 percent of GDP on
average between 2032 and 2096. Similarly, delaying reform by 20 years requires primary surplus increases of 9.0 percent of
GDP on average between 2042 and 2096. The differences between the required primary surplus increases that start in 2032
and 2042 (7.3 and 9.0 percent of GDP, respectively) and that which starts in 2022 (6.2 percent of GDP) is a measure of the
additional burden that delay would impose on future generations. Future generations are harmed by policy reform delay,
because the higher the primary surplus is during their lifetimes the greater the difference is between the taxes they pay and
the programmatic spending from which they benefit.
Conclusion
The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise over the 75-year projection period and beyond if current policy is unchanged,
based on this report’s assumptions, which implies that current policy is not sustainable and must ultimately change. If policy
changes are not so abrupt as to slow economic growth, then the sooner policy changes are adopted to avert these trends, the
smaller the changes to revenue and/or spending that would be required to achieve sustainability over the long term. While the
estimated magnitude of the fiscal gap is subject to a substantial amount of uncertainty, it is nevertheless nearly certain that
current fiscal policies cannot be sustained indefinitely.
These long-term fiscal projections and the topic of fiscal sustainability are discussed in further detail in Note 26 and the
RSI section of this Financial Report.
Image from TABLE – RSI&MDA Cost of Delay(B16:J26))
33 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Social Insurance
The long-term fiscal projections reflect government receipts and spending as a whole. The SOSI focuses on the
government’s “social insurance†programs: Social Security, Medicare, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung.21 For these
programs, the SOSI reports: 1) the actuarial PV of all future program revenue (mainly taxes and premiums) – excluding
interest – to be received from or on behalf of current and future participants; 2) the estimated future scheduled expenditures to
be paid to or on behalf of current and future participants; and 3) the difference between 1) and 2). Amounts reported in the
SOSI and in the RSI section in this Financial Report are based on each program’s official actuarial calculations.
This year’s projections for Social Security and Medicare are based on the same economic and demographic assumptions
that underlie the 2021 Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports and the 2021 SOSI, while comparative information
presented from last year’s report is based on the 2020 Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Reports and the 2020 SOSI.
Table 8 summarizes amounts reported in the SOSI, showing that net social insurance expenditures are projected to be $71.0
trillion over 75 years as of January 1, 2021 for the “Open Group,†an increase of $5.5 trillion over net expenditures of $65.5
trillion projected in the FY 2020 Financial Report.22 The current-law 2021 amounts reported for Medicare reflect the
physician payment levels expected under the MACRA payment rules and the PPACA-mandated reductions in other Medicare
payment rates, but not the payment reductions and/or delays that would result from trust fund depletion.23 Similarly, current-
law projections for Social Security do not reflect benefit payment reductions and/or delays that would result from fund
depletion. By accounting convention, the transfers from the General Fund to Medicare Parts B and D are eliminated in the
consolidation of the SOSI at the government-wide level and as such, the General Fund transfers that are used to finance
Medicare Parts B and D are not included in Table 8. For the FYs 2021 and 2020 SOSI, the amounts eliminated totaled $43.2
trillion and $40.9 trillion, respectively. SOSI programs and amounts are included in the broader fiscal sustainability analysis
in the previous section, although on a slightly different basis (as described in Note 26).
The amounts reported in the SOSI provide perspective on the government’s long-term estimated exposures for social
insurance programs. These amounts are not considered liabilities in an accounting context. Future benefit payments will be
recognized as expenses and liabilities as they are incurred based on the continuation of the social insurance programs’
provisions contained in current law. The social insurance trust funds account for all related program income and expenses.
Medicare and Social Security taxes, premiums, and other income are credited to the funds; fund disbursements may only be
made for benefit payments and program administrative costs. Any excess revenues are invested in special nonmarketable
U.S. government securities at a market rate of interest. The trust funds represent the accumulated value, including interest, of
all prior program surpluses, and provide automatic funding authority to pay cover future benefits.
21 The Black Lung Benefits Act provides for monthly payments and medical benefits to coal miners totally disabled from pneumoconiosis (black lung
disease) arising from their employment in or around the nation’s coal mines. See https://www.dol.gov/owcp/regs/compliance/ca_main.htm. Railroad
Retirement Board’s projections are based on economic assumptions that underlie the 28th Actuarial Valuation of the Assets and Liabilities Under the
Railroad Retirement Acts as of December 31, 2019 with Technical Supplement.
22’Closed’ Group and ‘Open’ Group differ by the population included in each calculation. From the SOSI, the ‘Closed’ Group includes: 1) participants who
have attained eligibility; and 2) participants who have not attained eligibility. The ‘Open’ Group adds future participants to the ‘Closed’ Group. See ‘Social
Insurance’ in the RSI section in this Financial Report for more information.
23 MACRA permanently replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate formula, which was used to determine payment updates under the Medicare physician fee
schedule with specified payment updates through 2025. The changes specified in MACRA also establish differential payment updates starting in 2026 based
on practitioners’ participation in eligible APM; payments are also subject to adjustments based on the quality of care provided, resource use, use of certified
electronic health records, and clinical practice improvement.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 34
Table 9 identifies the principal
reasons for the changes in projected
social insurance amounts during 2021
and 2020.
The following briefly
summarizes the significant changes for
the current valuation (as of January 1,
2021) as disclosed in Note 25—Social
Insurance. Note 25 is compiled from
disclosures included in the financial
statements of those entities
administering these programs,
including SSA and HHS. See Note 25
for additional information.
• Change in valuation period
(affects both Social Security
and Medicare): This change
replaces a small negative net
cash flow for 2020 with a
much larger negative net cash
flow for 2095. As a result, the
PV of the estimated future net
cash flows decreased (became more negative) by $2.2 trillion.
• Changes in demographic data, assumptions, and methods (affects both Social Security and Medicare): There were
two changes to ultimate demographic assumptions compared to prior valuation: the ultimate total fertility rate was
increased; and an additional cause of death category was added, by separating dementia out from the all-other-
causes category, and ultimate mortality improvement rates were updated for cardiovascular disease. In addition to
this ultimate demographic assumption change, the starting demographic value and the way these values transition to
the ultimate assumptions were changed. Birth rate data through the third quarter of 2020 indicated somewhat lower
birth rates. Death rates increased significantly for 2020 and 2021. Overall, changes to these assumptions caused the
PV of the estimated future net cash flows to increase (become less negative) by $1.5 trillion.
• Changes in economic data and assumptions (affects Social Security only): Several changes were made to the
ultimate economic assumptions since the last valuation period. The ultimate average real wage differential
35 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
increased. Additionally, the real wage differential assumptions for the first ten years of the projection period were
also increased. The ultimate age-sex-adjusted unemployment rate was reduced. The higher real wage differential and
then combined changes to the unemployment assumption and the labor force methodology increased the PV of
estimated future net cash flows. In addition to these changes in ultimate economic assumptions, the starting
economic values and the way these values transition to the ultimate assumptions were changed. Near-term interest
rates were adjusted downward. Real interest rates are now assumed to be negative for calendar year 2021 through
2024, with a gradual rise to the ultimate real interest rate. The level of potential GDP is assumed to be roughly 1.0
percent lower than the level beginning with the second quarter 2020. The changes to near-term interest rate and the
starting values and near-term economic growth assumptions decrease the PV of the estimated future net cash flows.
There were no additional notable changes in economic methodology. Overall, changes to these assumptions caused
the PV of the estimated future net cash flows to decrease (become more negative) by $1.2 trillion.
• Changes in law or policy (affects both Social Security and Medicare): For Social Security, between the prior
valuation and the current valuation, one change in policy is expected to have significant effect on the long-range
cost. The DACA policy extends indefinitely the ability of those qualifying to remain in the country and work
lawfully. A memorandum was issued on January 20, 2021. Most of the provisions enacted as part of Medicare
legislation since the prior valuation date has little or no impact on the program. The following provisions did have
financial impact. The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136, enacted on March 27, 2020) included provisions that affect the HI
and SMI programs. The CAA (P.L. 116-260, enacted on December 7, 2020) included provisions that affect the HI
and SMI Programs. An Act to Prevent-the-Board Direct Spending Cuts and for Other Purposes (P.L. 117-7, enacted
on April 14, 2021) included provisions that affect the HI and SMI Programs. Overall, the changes to these laws,
regulations, and policies caused the PV of the estimated future net cash flows to decrease (become more negative)
by $0.2 trillion for Social Security and Medicare, with $0.1 trillion each for Social Security and Medicare.
• Changes in methodology and programmatic data (affects Social Security only). Several methodological
improvements and updates of program-specific data are included in the current valuation (beginning on January 1,
2020). The most significant are as follows: The current valuation uses a 10-percent sample of all newly entitled
worker beneficiaries in a recent year to project average benefit levels of retired-workers and disabled-workers
beneficiaries. Recent data and estimates indicated lower near-term and ultimate levels of revenue from taxation of
Social Security benefits than projected. The methodology for projecting retroactive benefits for retired workers was
improved to better capture the different rules for workers who become newly entitled prior to normal retirement age
versus those who become entitled at or after normal retirement age. Overall, changes in methodology and
programmatic data caused the PV of the estimated future net cash flows to decrease (become more negative) by $1.2
trillion for Social Security.
• Changes in economic and other healthcare assumptions (affects Medicare only): The economic assumptions used in
the Medicare projections are the same as those used for the OASDI (described above) and are prepared by the Office
of the Chief Actuary at SSA. In addition to the economic assumptions changes described above, the healthcare
assumptions are specific to the Medicare projections. Changes to these assumptions in the current valuation include:
slightly faster projected spending growth for outpatient services and for physician-administered drugs; and higher
direct and indirect remuneration and shifts to Medicare Advantage offset higher gross drug prices. The net impact of
these changes caused the PV of the estimated future net cash flows to decrease (become more negative) by $3.8
trillion.
• Change in Projection Base (affects Medicare only): Actual income and expenditures in 2020 were different than
what was anticipated when the 2020 Medicare Trustees’ Report projections were prepared. For Part A and Part B
income and expenditure in 2020 were lower than anticipated based on actual experience, mainly due to the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic. Part D was largely unaffected by the pandemic and total income and expenditures were
only slightly higher than the estimated based on actual experience. Actual experience of the Medicare Trust Funds
between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2021 is incorporated in the current valuation and is more than projected in
the prior valuation. Overall, the net impact of the Part A, B, and D projection base change is an increase (become
less negative) in the estimated future net cash flows by $1.6 trillion for Medicare.
As reported in Note 25, uncertainty remains about whether the projected cost savings and productivity improvements
will be sustained in a manner consistent with the projected cost growth over time. Note 25 includes an alternative projection
to illustrate the uncertainty of projected Medicare costs. As indicated earlier, GAO disclaimed opinions on the 2021, 2020,
2019, 2018 and 2017 SOSI because of these significant uncertainties.
Costs as a percent of GDP of both Medicare and Social Security, which are analyzed annually in the Medicare and
Social Security Trustees’ Reports, are projected to increase substantially through the mid-2030s because: 1) the number of
beneficiaries rises rapidly as the baby-boom generation retires; and 2) the lower birth rates that have persisted since the baby
boom cause slower growth in the labor force and GDP.24 According to the Medicare Trustees’ Report, spending on Medicare
is projected to rise from its current level of 4.0 percent of GDP to 6.2 percent in 2045 and to 6.5 percent in 2095.25 As for
24A Summary of the 2021 Annual Social Security and Medicare Trust Fund Reports, page 12.
25 Percent of GDP amounts are expressed in gross terms (including amounts financed by premiums and state transfers).
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 36
Social Security, combined spending is projected to generally increase from its current level of 5.1 percent of GDP to a peak
of 6.2 percent for 2077, and then decline to 5.9 percent by 2095. The government collects and maintains funds supporting the
Social Security and Medicare programs in trust funds. A scenario in which projected funds expended exceed projected funds
received, as reported in the SOSI, will cause the balances in those trust funds to deplete over time. Table 10 summarizes
additional current status and projected trend information, including years of projected depletion, for the Medicare Hospital
Insurance and Social Security Trust Funds.
As previously discussed and as noted in the Trustees’ Reports, these programs are on a fiscally unsustainable path.
Additional information from the Trustees’ Reports may be found in the RSI section of this Financial Report.
Reporting on Climate Change
As stated in EO 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad “the United States and the world face a
profound climate crisis…Domestic action must go hand in hand with United States international leadership, aimed at
significantly enhancing global action.†Among other things, the EO “directs each federal agency to develop a plan to increase
the resilience of its facilities and operations to the impacts of climate change and directs relevant agencies to report on ways
to expand and improve climate forecast capabilities – helping facilitate public access to climate related information and
assisting governments, communities, and businesses in preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.†As a
corollary to EO 14008, EO 14030, Climate-Related Financial Risk, is intended to help the American people understand how
climate change could impact their financial security, to strengthen the U.S. financial system so that climate change does not
affect the system’s stability, and to inform federal government decision-making to mitigate the risks of climate change.
Section 5(a) of EO 14030 specifically tasks OMB and the National Economic Council, in consultation with Treasury, to
develop recommendations to integrate climate-related financial risk into financial management and reporting, with a focus on
the climate-related financial risk of lending programs. Section 5(a) directs the recommendations to include an evaluation of
changes to accounting standards where appropriate for federal financial reporting.
Although not required to do so, many agencies included similar types of information about climate change in their FY
2021 financial reports and/or included climate information in different sections of their financial reports.
Approximately one third of the CFO Act agencies referred to their climate action or adaptation plans. SSA has
developed plans to prepare for power disruptions, increased flooding in both coastal and non-coastal locations, reduced water
supply, and disruptions and damage to transportation infrastructure. VA is implementing changes to building design and
resilience standards, developing a facility climate risk list, updating sustainable building certification requirements, preparing
for surges in demand for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, and planning to create a bio-surveillance system and
epidemiologic investigation program to surveil for high consequence infections in veterans receiving VA care.
In addition, at least one quarter of the CFO Act agencies discussed climate change in the context of program
performance. For example, HHS has established the first national level office established to address climate change and
health equity; it is seeking to protect vulnerable communities who disproportionately bear the brunt of pollution and climate-
driven disasters (such as drought and wildfires) at the expense of public health. Treasury has initiated work related to: climate
transition finance, climate-related economic and tax policy, and climate-related financial risks.
Also, one third of the CFO Act agencies discussed climate change in the forward-looking section of their MD&A. State
has a new Special Presidential Envoy for Climate to lead diplomatic engagement on the climate crisis, exercise climate
leadership in international fora, increase international climate ambition and ensure that climate change is integrated into all
elements of the Administration’s foreign policy-making process. DOI’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan will, among other things,
37 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
address the climate crisis and invest in a clean energy future. DOI will also strengthen climate resilience and conservation
partnerships and increase renewable energy production on public lands and waters to support a carbon pollution-free power
sector by 2035.
One third of the Inspectors General from CFO Act agencies identified climate change as a management challenge.
DOI’s Office of Inspector General recognized that climate change is a cross-cutting issue affecting tribal communities, land
use, water resources, wildlife, and their habitats, and the frequency and severity of natural disasters. EPA’s Office of
Inspector General identified climate change as among the top management challenges facing the agency focusing on EPA’s
role in providing leadership on this issue.
Like Inspectors General, agency heads also recognized the importance of climate change, with about one third of the
CFO Act agency heads citing climate change in their financial statements transmittal messages. The NASA Administrator
stated that NASA contributes significantly to what is known about Earth’s changing climate and cited recent agency efforts
related to climate change, disaster mitigation, fighting forest fires, and improving real-time agricultural processes. The
Secretary of Transportation noted that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will address the climate crisis by building a
network of electric vehicle chargers across the country, by helping make our transportation infrastructure more resilient, and
by making it safer and easier for people to get around without a car.
As required by EO 14030, in October, the National Economic Council issued a report26 laying out a government-wide
strategy to address the financial risk that climate change poses to the government and the U.S. economy. In addition, FASAB,
which is an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the generally accepted accounting principles
standard setter for the federal government, has begun a research project on climate-related financial reporting. The project
includes development of draft staff implementation guidance, which is intended to summarize existing FASAB guidance that
may be applied to climate-related events or transactions. The project also includes an assessment of the need for additional
guidance. Lastly, on December 8, 2021, after the end of FY 2021, EO 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs
Through Federal Sustainability, was issued. Among other things, this EO directs agencies to develop plans, processes, and
analytic tools that will allow federal agencies and programs to adapt to climate change.
Financial Management
Grants
In FY 2021, the federal government obligated over $1.2 trillion for grants and cooperative agreements and more when
accounting for other types of financial assistance, such as loans and direct appropriations. A large portion of grant funding
went to support the nation’s response to the pandemic through the ARP, the CARES Act, and other COVID-19 funding.
Recognizing the need to distribute ARP funding in a timely manner and to also ensure accountability, transparency, and
program results, OMB issued Memorandum M-21-20, Promoting Public Trust in the Federal Government through Effective
Implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act and Stewardship of the Taxpayer Resources. M-21-20 leveraged ongoing
OMB efforts to promote standardization and a shared IT infrastructure, manage risk, and achieve program objectives. It
required agencies to apply the requirements of Title 2 of the CFR to all federal financial assistance provided under ARP, to
the maximum extent allowed by law, and to consider existing flexibilities in Title 2 of the CFR to both comply with existing
requirements and achieve intended program outcomes. Appendix 2 of M-21-20 outlined the flexibilities agencies are required
to consider and highlighted Managing for Results: The Performance Management Playbook for Federal Awarding Agencies
for new programs. The Playbook promotes a common understanding of performance practices in an effort to improve
program performance. M-21-20 also emphasized the importance of award descriptions reported to USAspending.gov and the
requirement for agencies to consult the relevant QSMO before developing new or modernized technology or considering an
existing provider.
In addition to providing guidance to support proper administration of ARP funding, OMB provided guidance on the
administration of other COVID-19 emergency programs. In December 2020, OMB issued audit guidance for fourteen new
COVID-19 programs in an addendum to the 2020 Compliance Supplement (which is a compendium of applicable statutory,
regulatory, and other requirements relevant to the “single audit†requirements for federal financial assistance recipients,
including grant recipients). Recognizing the importance of quality subaward data in tracking COVID-19 funding, the 2020
addendum and 2021 Compliance Supplement include instructions for auditors to review compliance with subaward reporting
under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. Improving access to key financial assistance data continues
to be a priority for OMB and was highlighted in OMB memorandum M-22-02, New Financial Assistance Transparency
Requirements, which requires agencies to report additional information to USAspending.gov. Going forward, OMB will
continue to prioritize efforts to improve the financial management of grants and other forms of financial assistance, including
efforts to improve transparency.
26 The report can be found here: A ROADMAP TO BUILD A CLIMATE-RESILIENT ECONOMY (whitehouse.gov).
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 38
Payment Integrity
Preventing improper payments in the federal government is a management priority. To be successful in preventing
improper payments, there must be a focus on systemic enhancements intended to make payments correctly the first time with
an emphasis on minimizing monetary loss. The federal government, through the CFO community, continues to develop
strategies to better analyze and prevent monetary loss. In FY 2021, OMB published Memorandum M-21-19, Appendix C to
OMB Circular No. A-123, Requirements for Payment Integrity Improvement. M-21-19 implements the requirements from the
Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019. Also in 2021, the CFO Council published two guides on cfo.gov that provide
strategies to identify a “tolerable rate†of improper payments and strategies based on behavioral research.
Since FY 2018, agencies with programs reporting more than $100.0 million in monetary loss have provided a quarterly
scorecard on PaymentAccuracy.gov. These scorecards provide information on the actions taken and progress made on
preventing improper payments that would result in monetary loss to the government. Additional details on these programs’
FY 2021 improper payment data can be found at https://paymentaccuracy.gov/. Beginning in FY 2020,
PaymentAccuracy.gov also began providing payment integrity information that had previously been reported in agencies
financial statements. Information about program compliance, corrective actions, and accountability mechanisms is now
available in a consistent format across all programs.
OMB will continue to work with agencies, the Chief Financial Officers Council, and other stakeholders to improve the
identification of the root causes of improper payments that result in monetary loss and to promote data analytic methods that
take a comprehensive view of an agency’s payment lifecycle.
Agency Financial Report Audits
Since the passage of the CFO Act, the federal financial community has made significant progress in financial
accounting and reporting. As shown in Table 11, for FY 2021, 21 of the 24 CFO Act agencies obtained an unmodified
opinion from the independent auditors on their financial statements.27 In addition, 47 auditor-identified material weaknesses
were identified for FY 2021, the same as for FY 2020. Twenty-eight of these are associated with DOD. The other 19 material
weaknesses are associated with non-DOD agencies, which represents a slight decline from the 22 reported for FY 2020.
Although virtually all federal agencies have adopted and maintained disciplined financial reporting operations, implemented
effective internal controls over financial reporting, and integrated transaction processing with accounting records, weaknesses
in financial management practices continue to prevent the government as a whole from achieving an audit opinion.
27 The 22 entities include HHS, which received an unmodified (“cleanâ€) opinion on all statements except the SOSI and the SCSIA.
39 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Financial Management Systems
Federal agencies improved, but continue to face challenges, in implementing financial management systems that meet
federal requirements. The number of CFO Act agencies reporting lack of substantial compliance with one or more of the
three Section 803(a) requirements of the FFMIA increased to eight in FY 2021, and the number of auditors reporting lack of
substantial compliance with one or more of the three Section 803(a) FFMIA requirements remained at nine in FY 2021.
Because of the federal government’s size and diversity, its financial management infrastructure consists of both legacy
and modernized systems and standardized and customized systems. As the government’s fiscal agent, Treasury works closely
with agencies to manage systems for collecting and disbursing the government’s cash and financing disbursements when
necessary, recording and reporting on those collections and disbursements, and reporting on all government revenues,
expenses, assets, and liabilities.
In 2020, Treasury was designated as the Financial Management Systems QSMO and is pursuing financial management
improvement strategies that have government-wide implications. These strategies include standing up a financial
management systems marketplace and developing system standards, standardized processes, system requirements, and
system interfaces. These efforts provide a path to the decommissioning of legacy systems and migration to updated systems,
leveraging modernized technologies. In addition, agencies are coordinating with the Treasury QSMO to improve their
financial management and financial reporting systems as described in their financial reports, Congressional budget
justifications, and performance plans. DOD continues to address its material weaknesses in financial reporting, and is
bringing its financial systems into compliance with federal financial management systems requirements, including the
FFMIA.
In January 2021, the HHS was designated as the Grants QSMO. In this capacity, HHS has been and will continue
working to modernize and streamline the government’s vast and aging legacy grants management systems. The goal of this
effort is to allow agencies to successfully manage grants through the entire award cycle and allow grants management
systems to interface with agency financial management systems.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 40
Internal Controls
Federal managers are responsible for developing and maintaining effective internal controls. Internal controls help to
ensure effective and efficient operations, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Safeguarding assets is a goal of each of these three objectives.
OMB Circular No. A-123 implements the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3512 (c) and (d) (commonly known as the Federal
Managers’ Financial Integrity Act) by providing agencies a framework for assessing and managing risks strategically and
tactically. The Circular reflects GAO’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government and contains multiple
appendices that address one or more of the objectives of effective internal control.
• Appendix A provides for agencies to use a risk-based approach to assess, document, test, and report on internal
controls over reporting and data integrity;
• Appendix B requires agencies to maintain internal controls that reduce the risk of fraud, waste, and error in
government charge card programs;
• Appendix C implements the requirements for effective estimation and remediation of improper payments; and
• Appendix D defines requirements for determining compliance with the FFMIA that are intended to reduce the cost,
risk, and complexity of financial system modernizations.
As noted above, the total number of reported material weaknesses for CFO Act agencies was 47 for FY 2021, the same
as for FY 2020. Effective internal controls are a challenge at the agency level and at the government-wide level, with GAO
reporting that at the government-wide level, material weaknesses resulted in ineffective internal control over financial
reporting. While progress is being made at many agencies and across the government in identifying and resolving internal
control deficiencies, additional work is needed.
Legal Compliance
Federal agencies are required to comply with a wide range of laws and regulations, including appropriations,
employment, and health and safety, among others. Responsibility for compliance rests with agency management and
compliance is addressed as part of agency financial statement audits. Agency auditors test for compliance with selected laws
and regulations related to financial reporting and certain individual agency audit reports contain instances of noncompliance.
None of these instances were material to the government-wide financial statements; however, GAO reported that its work on
compliance with laws and regulations was limited by the material weaknesses and scope limitations discussed in its report.
Conclusion
The federal government has seen significant progress in financial management since the passage of the CFO Act more
than 30 years ago, but significant challenges remain to realizing the intended financial management reforms of the act. The
issues that the federal government faces today require financial managers to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of
financial management activities, which includes moving toward integrated government operations with standardized business
processes, systems, and data. Together with Treasury and OMB, agencies are building on tools and capabilities to improve
financial accountability and transparency.
Additional Information
This Financial Report’s Appendix contains the names and websites of the significant government agencies included in
the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements. Details about the information in this Financial Report can be found
in these agencies financial statements. This Financial Report, as well as those from previous years, is also available at
Treasury, OMB, and GAO websites at:
https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/reports-statements/; https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-
management/; and https://www.gao.gov/federal-financial-accountability respectively. Other related government publications
include, but are not limited to the:
• Budget of the United States Government,
• Treasury Bulletin,
• Monthly Treasury Statement of Receipts and Outlays of the United States Government,
• Monthly Statement of the Public Debt of the United States,
• Economic Report of the President, and
• Trustees’ Reports for the Social Security and Medicare Programs.
41 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
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STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 42
February 17, 2022
The President
The President of the Senate
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
To operate as effectively and efficiently as possible, Congress, the administration, and federal
managers must have ready access to reliable and complete financial and performance information—
both for individual federal entities and for the federal government as a whole. Our report on the U.S.
government’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2021 and 2020 discusses progress that
has been made but also underscores that much work remains to improve federal financial management
and that the federal government continues to face an unsustainable long-term fiscal path.1
The federal government took unprecedented actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect
public health and reduce economic impacts on individuals and businesses during fiscal years 2021 and
2020. These ongoing efforts are reflected in the net cost, assets, liabilities, and budget deficit reported
in the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The ultimate
cost of these actions and any future actions in response to the pandemic and their impact on the
federal government’s financial condition will not be fully known for some time.
The federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic includes net costs for fiscal years 2021
and 2020 related to small business loan guarantees of $297 billion (2021) and $527 billion (2020),
primarily for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); economic impact payments and recovery rebate
credits of $570 billion (2021) and economic impact payments of $275 billion (2020); and Department of
Labor program costs of $313 billion (2021) and $352 billion (2020), primarily related to unemployment
benefits.
Significant assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, resulting from the federal
government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic include
• advances of $254 billion (2021) and $173 billion (2020), primarily as a result of aid to state, local,
territorial, and tribal governments and Medicare providers;
• loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, representing almost all of the $244
billion (2021) and $181 billion (2020) in net disaster loans;
• equity investments in special purpose vehicles of $26 billion (2021) and $108 billion (2020), which
the Federal Reserve established during fiscal year 2020 to enhance the liquidity of the U.S.
financial system;2
1As discussed later in this report, an unsustainable long-term fiscal path is a situation where federal debt held by the public
grows faster than gross domestic product (GDP) over the long term.
2As discussed in Note 8, Investments in Special Purpose Securities, to the consolidated financial statements, equity
investments in special purpose vehicles decreased to $26 billion in fiscal year 2021 from $108 billion in fiscal year 2020
primarily because the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve amended several of the special purpose vehicle
agreements and the Federal Reserve returned equity investments to Treasury.
43 STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
• cash and other monetary assets of $1,927 billion (2020) resulting from the Department of the
Treasury maintaining an elevated cash balance to maintain prudent liquidity in light of the size and
relative uncertainty of COVID-19 pandemic–related outflow;3 and
• loan guarantee liabilities of $231 billion (2021) and $520 billion (2020), primarily related to the PPP.4
COVID-19 pandemic–related budget expenditures totaled $1.8 trillion in fiscal year 2021 and $1.6
trillion in fiscal year 2020, increasing the budget deficit. During fiscal year 2020, primarily due to a
budget deficit of $3.1 trillion and an increase in cash and other monetary assets, debt held by the public
increased by $4.2 trillion to $21.0 trillion. During fiscal year 2021, primarily due to a budget deficit of
$2.8 trillion, offset by decreases in cash and other monetary assets, debt held by the public increased
by $1.3 trillion to $22.3 trillion.
Our audit report on the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements is enclosed. In summary,
we found the following:
• Certain material weaknesses5 in internal control over financial reporting and other limitations
resulted in conditions that prevented us from expressing an opinion on the accrual-based
consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and
2020.6 About 30 percent of the federal government’s reported total assets as of September 30,
2021, and approximately 18 percent of the federal government’s reported net cost for fiscal year
2021 relate to significant federal entities that received a disclaimer of opinion7 or qualified opinion8
3As discussed in Note 2, Cash and Other Monetary Assets, to the consolidated financial statements, cash and other monetary
assets decreased in fiscal year 2021 because Treasury reduced the cash balance in fiscal year 2021 to well under its prudent
policy level because of debt limit constraints.
4The change from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021 is primarily due to new guarantees of $304 billion, offset by loan
forgiveness payments to lenders of $558 billion.
5A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there
is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected
and corrected, on a timely basis. A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow
management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct,
misstatements on a timely basis.
6The accrual-based consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, and 2020,
consist of the (1) Statements of Net Cost, (2) Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Position, (3) Reconciliations of
Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit, (4) Statements of Changes in Cash Balance from Budget and Other Activities, and
(5) Balance Sheets, including the related notes to these financial statements. Most revenues are recorded on a modified cash
basis.
7A disclaimer of opinion arises when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient, appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for
an audit opinion, and the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements,
if any, could be both material and pervasive and accordingly does not express an opinion on the financial statements.
8A qualified opinion arises when the auditor is able to express an opinion on the financial statements except for specific areas
where the auditor was unable to obtain sufficient and appropriate evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effects
on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be material but not pervasive.
STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 44
on their fiscal year 2021 financial statements or whose fiscal year 2021 financial information was
unaudited.9
• Significant uncertainties (discussed in Note 25, Social Insurance, to the consolidated financial
statements), primarily related to the achievement of projected reductions in Medicare cost growth,
prevented us from expressing an opinion on the sustainability financial statements, which consist of
the 2021 and 2020 Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections;10 the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and
2017 Statements of Social Insurance;11 and the 2021 and 2020 Statements of Changes in Social
Insurance Amounts. About $48.2 trillion, or 68 percent, of the reported total present value of future
expenditures in excess of future revenue presented in the 2021 Statement of Social Insurance
relates to Medicare programs reported in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS)
2021 Statement of Social Insurance, which received a disclaimer of opinion. A material weakness in
internal control also prevented us from expressing an opinion on the 2021 and 2020 Statements of
Long-Term Fiscal Projections.
• Material weaknesses resulted in ineffective internal control over financial reporting for fiscal year
2021.
• Material weaknesses and other scope limitations, discussed above, limited tests of compliance with
selected provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements for fiscal year
2021.
Overall, the federal government has made significant strides in improving financial management since
key federal financial management reforms were enacted in the 1990s. Twenty-one of the 24 Chief
Financial Officers Act of 1990 (CFO Act) agencies received unmodified (“cleanâ€) opinions on their
respective entities’ fiscal year 2021 financial statements, up from six CFO Act agencies that received
clean audit opinions for fiscal year 1996.12 In addition, accounting and financial reporting standards
have continued to evolve to provide greater transparency and accountability over the federal
government’s operations and financial condition, including long-term sustainability. We have reported
9The Department of Defense received a disclaimer of opinion on its fiscal years 2021 and 2020 financial statements. The
Small Business Administration (SBA) received a disclaimer of opinion on its fiscal year 2021 balance sheet and its remaining
statements were unaudited; SBA received a disclaimer of opinion on its fiscal year 2020 financial statements. The Department
of Labor received a qualified opinion on its fiscal year 2021 financial statements but received an unmodified opinion on its
fiscal year 2020 financial statements. The 2021 Schedules of the General Fund of the U.S. Government were not audited to
allow Treasury sufficient time to continue to implement a remediation plan to address the issues we reported as part of our
disclaimer of opinion on the fiscal year 2020 Schedules of the General Fund. Also, for fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the financial
information for Security Assistance Accounts was unaudited.
10The 2021 and 2020 Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections present, for all the activities of the federal government, the
present value of projected receipts and noninterest spending under current policy without change, the relationship of these
amounts to projected GDP, and changes in the present value of projected receipts and noninterest spending from the prior
year. These statements also present the fiscal gap, which shows the combination of noninterest spending reductions and
receipts increases necessary to hold debt held by the public as a share of GDP at the end of the projection period to its value
at the beginning of the period. The valuation date for the Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections is September 30.
11The Statements of Social Insurance present the present value of revenue and expenditures for social benefit programs,
primarily Social Security and Medicare. These statements are presented for the current year and each of the 4 preceding
years as required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. For the Statements of Social Insurance, the valuation date
is January 1 for the Social Security and Medicare programs, October 1 for the Railroad Retirement program, and September
30 for the Black Lung program.
12The 21 agencies include the Department of Health and Human Services, which received an unmodified (“cleanâ€) opinion on
all statements except the Statements of Social Insurance and the Statements of Changes in Social Insurance Amounts.
45 STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
areas where financial management can be improved, including standardizing the responsibilities of
chief financial officers, preparing government-wide and agency-level financial management plans, and
better linking performance and cost information for decision-making.13
While the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements provide a high-level summary of the
financial position, financial condition, and operating results for the federal government as a whole,
substantial benefits have been achieved as a result of agencies’ preparation and audit of financial
statements, including
• useful and necessary insight into government operations, including the agencies’ financial
conditions;
• increased federal agency accountability to Congress and citizens, including independent assurance
about the reliability of reported financial information;
• greater confidence to stakeholders (governance officials, taxpayers, consumers, or regulated
entities) that federal funds are being properly accounted for and assets are properly safeguarded;
• an assessment of the reliability and effectiveness of systems and related internal controls, including
identifying control deficiencies that could lead to fraud, waste, or abuse;
• a focus on information security;
• early warnings of financial management issues; and
• identification of noncompliance with laws and regulations, which can present challenges to agency
operations.
The preparation and audit of individual federal entities’ financial statements have also identified
numerous deficiencies, leading to corrective actions to strengthen federal entities’ internal controls,
processes, and systems. For instance, the Department of Veterans Affairs took corrective actions to
address auditor-identified deficiencies, resulting in improvements in internal controls over obligations,
undelivered orders, accrued expenses, and entity-level controls, including the Chief Financial Officer’s
organizational structure, that reduced two material weaknesses to significant deficiencies.14
However, since the federal government began preparing consolidated financial statements, for fiscal
year 1997, three major impediments have continued to prevent us from rendering an opinion on the
federal government’s accrual-based consolidated financial statements: (1) serious financial
management problems at the Department of Defense (DOD), (2) the federal government’s inability to
adequately account for intragovernmental activity and balances between federal entities, and (3)
weaknesses in the federal government’s process for preparing the consolidated financial statements. In
addition, the Small Business Administration (SBA), which had substantial activity related to the COVID-
19 pandemic response, was unable to obtain an opinion on its fiscal year 2021 and 2020 financial
statements, after years of receiving clean opinions.
DOD continues to take positive steps to improve its financial management but faces long-standing
issues. After many years of working toward financial statement audit readiness, DOD underwent full
financial statement audits for fiscal years 2018 through 2021. These audits resulted in disclaimers of
opinion, material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting (28 in fiscal year 2021 and 26
in fiscal year 2020), and thousands of audit findings. Some of the material weaknesses—such as an
inability to account for its property and equipment and ineffective information system controls—are
examples of long-standing weaknesses at DOD.
13GAO, Federal Financial Management: Substantial Progress Made since Enactment of the 1990 CFO Act; Refinements
Would Yield Added Benefits, GAO-20-566 (Washington, D.C.: Aug. 6, 2020).
14A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less
severe than a material weakness yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance.
STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 46
DOD leadership identified a number of financial management–related benefits from these department-
wide audits, as well as operational improvements. Specifically, DOD stated that some of the benefits of
the audit process included the following:
• Inventories of real property resulted in improved accuracy of real property records.
• Initiatives to locate untracked or excess material identified more than $3 billion of material that was
made available for redeployment.
• The identification of approximately $50 million of available funding that was subsequently used for a
command’s mission support.
DOD has acknowledged that achieving a clean audit opinion will take time. In fiscal years 2021 and
2020, DOD management prioritized certain critical areas (e.g., information technology, real property,
and inventory) for improvement. DOD reported that it uses the number of audit findings closed and
material weaknesses downgraded from year to year to measure progress toward that goal. DOD also
tracks progress by the number of components moving from disclaimers of opinion to clean audit
opinions. While DOD’s fiscal year 2021 audit resulted in a net increase of two material
weaknesses, one previously reported material weakness was downgraded to a significant
deficiency and DOD reported that over 13 percent of findings from prior year financial statement audits
were closed.
Various efforts are also under way to address the other two major impediments to rendering an opinion
on the accrual-based consolidated financial statements. Regarding the government’s inability to
adequately account for intragovernmental activity and balances between federal entities, during fiscal
year 2021, Treasury continued to provide information and assistance to significant component entities
to aid in resolving their intragovernmental differences.15 Treasury also issued additional guidance to
federal entities related to accounting for intragovernmental transactions. Regarding weaknesses in the
federal government’s process for preparing the consolidated financial statements, in recent years,
Treasury’s corrective actions have included improving systems and implementing new processes for
preparing the consolidated financial statements, enhancing guidance for federal entity financial
reporting, and implementing procedures to address certain internal control deficiencies detailed in our
August 2021 management report.16 In addition to Treasury’s and the Office of Management and
Budget’s (OMB) continued leadership, federal entities’ strong and sustained commitment is critical to
fully addressing these issues.
SBA’s auditor reported that the urgent need for SBA to implement COVID-19 pandemic–related
programs as quickly and efficiently as possible led to deficiencies in internal control processes.17 SBA’s
auditor reported several material weaknesses in internal control, including control deficiencies in (1)
approvals, reporting, review, forgiveness, and service provider oversight related to PPP and (2)
eligibility, recording, and service provider oversight related to the EIDL program. We, along with SBA’s
Office of Inspector General, have also reported concerns with SBA’s internal controls over PPP and the
EIDL program and have made several recommendations to SBA related to its COVID-19 programs.
These weaknesses limit the reliability of SBA’s financial reporting and increase the risk of fraud and
improper payments.
15OMB and Treasury have identified 40 federal entities that are significant to the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2021
consolidated financial statements, including the 24 CFO Act agencies. See app. A of the Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Report of
the United States Government for a list of the 40 entities.
16GAO, Management Report: Continued Improvements Needed in the Processes Used to Prepare the U.S. Consolidated
Financial Statements, GAO-21-587 (Washington, D.C.: Aug. 12, 2021).
17Small Business Administration, Agency Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2021 (Washington, D.C.: Nov. 15, 2021).
47 STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
The material weaknesses underlying these three major impediments, as well as the weaknesses
identified at SBA, (1) hamper the federal government’s ability to reliably report a significant portion of its
assets, liabilities, costs, and other related information; (2) affect the federal government’s ability to
reliably measure the full cost, as well as the financial and nonfinancial performance, of certain
programs and activities; (3) impair the federal government’s ability to adequately safeguard significant
assets and properly record various transactions; and (4) hinder the federal government from having
reliable, useful, and timely financial information to operate effectively and efficiently. We have made a
number of recommendations to OMB, Treasury, DOD, and SBA to address these issues.18 These
entities have taken or plan to take actions to address these recommendations.
In addition to the material weaknesses referred to above, we identified two other continuing material
weaknesses. These are the federal government’s inability to (1) determine the full extent to which
improper payments occur and reasonably assure that appropriate actions are taken to reduce them and
(2) identify and resolve information security control deficiencies and manage information security risks
on an ongoing basis. The fiscal year 2021 government-wide total of reported estimated improper
payments was $281 billion. However, this amount does not include improper payment estimates for
certain programs. For example, improper payment estimates were not reported for PPP, HHS’s
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, HHS’s Advance Premium Tax Credit, and the Department of
Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Our audit report presents additional details concerning these material weaknesses and their effect on
the accrual-based consolidated financial statements and managing federal government operations.
Until the problems outlined in our audit report are adequately addressed, they will continue to have
adverse implications for the federal government and the American people.
The 2021 Statement of Long-Term Fiscal Projections and related information in Note 26, Long-Term
Fiscal Projections, to the consolidated financial statements and in the unaudited Required
Supplementary Information section of the 2021 Financial Report show that, based on current revenue
and spending policies, the federal government continues to face an unsustainable long-term fiscal path.
GAO and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) also prepare long-term federal fiscal simulations,
which continue to show federal debt held by the public rising as a share of gross domestic product
(GDP) in the long term.19 This situation—in which debt held by the public grows faster than GDP—
means the federal government’s long-term fiscal path is unsustainable.
GAO, CBO, and the 2021 Financial Report, although using somewhat different assumptions, all project
that debt held by the public as a share of GDP (debt-to-GDP) will surpass its historical high (106
percent in 1946) in the next 10 years. Health care and Social Security remain key drivers of federal
noninterest spending in the long-term projections. In addition, while interest rates are historically low,
GAO, CBO, and the 2021 Financial Report project that growing debt held by the public will lead to
higher spending on net interest (primarily interest on debt held by the public).
18See GAO-21-587. In addition, see GAO, DOD Financial Management, accessed Feb. 9, 2022,
https://www.gao.gov/highrisk/dod_financial_management. Further, other auditors have made recommendations to DOD and
SBA for improving their financial management. See GAO, High Risk Area: Emergency Loans for Small Businesses, accessed
Feb. 9, 2022, https://www.gao.gov/highrisk/emergency-loans-small-businesses.
19For more information on GAO’s simulations, see GAO, America’s Fiscal Future, accessed on Feb. 9, 2022,
https://www.gao.gov/americas_fiscal_future. For more information on CBO’s simulations, see Congressional Budget Office,
The 2021 Long-Term Budget Outlook (Washington, D.C.: Mar. 4, 2021).
STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 48
The 2021 Financial Report also discusses the fiscal gap, which is a measure of how much primary
deficits must be reduced through policy changes (some combination of revenue increases or spending
cuts) over the next 75 years in order to make fiscal policy sustainable.20 For example, based on
projections in the 2021 Financial Report, if policymakers choose to achieve a debt-to-GDP target of 100
percent—the level the federal government reached at the end of fiscal years 2020 and 2021—they
would need to make policy changes over a 75-year period (fiscal years 2022 to 2096) that increase
projected revenues by 32 percent, reduce projected noninterest spending by 25 percent, or a
combination of the two. The projections show that the longer such policy changes are delayed, the
more significant the changes will need to be.
Congress and the administration have responded in an unprecedented manner to the COVID-19
pandemic and the resulting severe economic repercussions. Once the pandemic recedes and as the
economy continues to recover, Congress and the administration should quickly pivot to developing a
plan to place the federal government on a sustainable long-term fiscal path.
Since 2017, we have stated that a fiscal plan is needed to ensure that the United States remains in a
strong economic position to meet its social and security needs, as well as to preserve flexibility to
address unforeseen events like public health emergencies. In developing a fiscal plan at the
appropriate time, policymakers will need to consider the entire range of federal activities, both revenue
(including tax expenditures) and spending (entitlement programs, other mandatory spending, and
discretionary spending) that affect the debt. In September 2020, we raised a matter to Congress,
suggesting that it establish a long-term fiscal plan that includes fiscal rules and targets, such as a debt-
to-GDP target.21
Well-designed fiscal rules and targets can help manage debt by controlling factors like spending and
revenue as part of a long-term fiscal plan. In September 2020, we identified key considerations for the
design, implementation, and enforcement of fiscal rules and targets.22 For example, the design should
provide flexibility to address emerging issues, such as public health emergencies. GAO issues an
annual report on the fiscal health of the federal government, which provides more information on the
federal government’s unsustainable long-term fiscal path.
Further, we have recommended that Congress consider alternative approaches to the current debt limit
as part of any long-term fiscal plan. The debt limit is a legal limit on the total amount of federal debt that
can be outstanding at one time.23 However, it does not restrict Congress’s ability to pass spending and
revenue legislation that affects the level of debt in the future, nor does it otherwise constrain fiscal
policy. As currently structured, the debt limit is not a fiscal rule; it is a limit only on Treasury’s authority
to borrow in order to finance the decisions already enacted by Congress and the President.
Further, there are other risks—such as public health emergencies, natural disasters, military
engagements, and economic crises—that could affect the federal government’s financial condition in
the future. These risks are not fully accounted for in the government’s long-term fiscal projections.
Some of the specific risks that could affect the federal government’s financial condition include the
following:
20The primary deficit is the difference between noninterest spending and receipts.
21GAO, The Nation’s Fiscal Health: Effective Use of Fiscal Rules and Targets, GAO-20-561 (Washington, D.C.: Sept. 23,
2020).
22For more information on the design of fiscal rules and targets, see GAO-20-561.
23The debt limit is codified at 31 U.S.C. § 3101(b), as amended, and applies to federal debt issued pursuant to authority under
31 U.S.C. chapter 31. A very small amount of total federal debt is not subject to the debt limit. This amount primarily comprises
unamortized discounts on Treasury bills and Zero Coupon Treasury bonds; debt securities issued by agencies other than
Treasury, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority; and debt securities issued by the Federal Financing Bank.
49 STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
• Federal support of the housing finance market remains significant even though the market has
largely recovered since the 2007 to 2009 financial crisis. In 2008, the federal government placed
the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (Freddie Mac) under conservatorship and entered into preferred stock purchase
agreements with these government-sponsored enterprises (GSE) to help ensure their financial
stability. These agreements could affect the federal government’s financial condition. At the end of
fiscal year 2021, the federal government reported about $221 billion of investments in the GSEs,
which is net of about $38 billion in valuation losses. The GSEs paid Treasury no cash dividends
during fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The reported maximum remaining contractual commitment to
the GSEs, if needed, is about $254 billion.
The ultimate role of the GSEs could affect the federal government’s financial condition and the
financial condition of certain federal entities, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA),
which in the past expanded its lending role in distressed housing and mortgage markets. Federal
actions and strong housing market conditions have strengthened the financial condition of FHA and
the GSEs, and they have not required Treasury assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, risks remain that could affect their ability to absorb unexpected losses under severely
adverse conditions.24 For example, the extent of mortgage losses for the large number of borrowers
who fell behind on mortgage payments during the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet known.
• Disaster costs are expected to increase as extreme weather events become more frequent and
intense because of climate change, as the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have observed and projected. Federal
insurance programs are likely to be affected by the increasing costs of weather and climate
disasters. For example, as currently structured, the National Flood Insurance Program’s premiums
and dedicated resources are not, over the long term, sufficient to cover expected costs without
borrowing from Treasury.25 As of September 30, 2021, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), which administers the National Flood Insurance Program, owed about $21 billion
to Treasury for money borrowed to pay claims and other expenses. We have reported that FEMA is
unlikely to collect enough in premiums in the future to repay this debt.26
• The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) continues to be in poor financial condition. USPS cannot fund its
current level of services and meet its financial obligations from its current level of revenues. The
fiscal year 2021 net loss of about $5 billion marked its 15th consecutive year of net losses—totaling
about $92 billion. In addition, USPS has missed about $72 billion in required payments for funding
postal retiree health and pension benefits through fiscal year 2021, including about $57 billion in
missed payments to fund retiree health benefits and about $15 billion in missed payments to fund
pension benefits. USPS stated that it missed these payments to minimize the risk of running out of
cash. USPS has also used $10 billion in COVID-19 pandemic–related funding. However, if USPS’s
expenses continue to exceed its revenue, its ability to continue operating and providing universal
postal service will be at risk and may affect the government’s future financial condition.
24GAO, Housing Finance System: Future Reforms Should Consider Past Plans and Vulnerabilities Highlighted by Pandemic,
GAO-22-104284 (Washington, D.C.: Jan. 13, 2022).
25We have suggested an alternative way to record insurance commitments in the budget such that the federal government’s
commitment would be more fully recognized. See GAO, Fiscal Exposures: Federal Insurance and Other Activities That
Transfer Risk or Losses to the Government, GAO-19-353 (Washington, D.C.: Mar. 27, 2019).
26GAO, Flood Insurance: Comprehensive Reform Could Improve Solvency and Enhance Resilience, GAO-17-425
(Washington, D.C.: Apr. 27, 2017).
STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES 50
• The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s (PBGC) financial future is uncertain because of long-
term challenges related to its pension guarantee liabilities and exposure. PBGC faces fundamental
financial risks that expose the federal government to immediate and future spending. The American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provided special financial assistance for certain struggling
multiemployer plans.27 PBGC estimated that the total cost to the federal government for this
assistance could be from $66 billion to $147 billion.28 While ARPA significantly extends the solvency
of the multiemployer program, PBGC’s current projections show a median projected insolvency in
2055. In addition, PBGC estimates that its exposure to potential further losses for the single-
employer program is $105 billion. We have reported that PBGC’s single and multiemployer
programs are at risk in part because of funding requirements that do not guarantee adequate plan
funding and premiums that do not completely reflect the plans’ risks.
_________________________
Our audit report on the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements would not be possible
without the commitment and professionalism of inspectors general throughout the federal government
who are responsible for annually auditing the financial statements of individual federal entities. We also
appreciate the cooperation and assistance of Treasury and OMB officials as well as the federal entities’
chief financial officers’ flexibility, adaptability, and ability to issue their financial statements on a timely
basis. We look forward to continuing to work with these individuals, the administration, and Congress to
achieve the goals and objectives of federal financial management reform.
Our audit report begins on page 228. Our guide, Understanding the Financial Report of the United
States Government, is intended to help those who seek to obtain a better understanding of the financial
report and is available on GAO’s website at https://www.gao.gov.29
27ARPA, Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 9704, 135 Stat. 4, 190-99 (Mar. 11, 2021), classified at 29 U.S.C. §§ 1305(i), 1432.
28See Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, FY 2020 Projections Report (Sept. 2021), accessed on Feb. 9, 2022,
https://www.pbgc.gov/documents/fy-2020-projections-report. As discussed therein, these estimates are based on provisions of
PBGC’s interim final rule (86 Fed. Reg. 36,598) published in July 2021, and may change once the final rule is issued.
29GAO, Understanding the Financial Report of the United States Government, GAO-18-239SP (Washington, D.C.: Feb. 2018).
51 STATEMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES
Our audit report was prepared under the direction of Robert F. Dacey, Chief Accountant, and Dawn B.
Simpson, Director, Financial Management and Assurance. If you have any questions, please contact
me on (202) 512-5500 or them on (202) 512-3406. Contact points for our Offices of Congressional
Relations and Public Affairs may be found on the last page of this report.
Gene L. Dodaro
Comptroller General
of the United States
cc: The Majority Leader of the Senate
The Minority Leader of the Senate
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 52
Financial Statements
of the United States Government
for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
2021, and 2020
The consolidated financial statements of the U.S. government were prepared using GAAP. These statements include the
accrual-based financial statements and the sustainability financial statements, which are discussed in more detail below, and
the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Collectively, the accrual-based financial statements, the
sustainability financial statements, and the notes represent basic information that is deemed essential for the consolidated
financial statements to be presented in conformity with GAAP.
ACCRUAL-BASED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accrual-based financial statements present historical information on what the federal government owns (assets) and
owes (liabilities) at the end of the year, what came in (revenues) and what went out (net costs) during the year, and how
accrual-based net operating costs of the federal government reconcile to the budget deficit and changes in its cash balance
during the year. The following sections discuss each of the accrual-based financial statements.
Statements of Net Cost
These statements present the net cost of the government operations for FYs 2021 and 2020. Costs and earned revenues
are categorized on the Statement of Net Cost by significant entity, providing greater accountability by showing the
relationship of the entities’ net cost to the government-wide net cost. Costs and earned revenues are presented in this
Financial Report on an accrual basis, while the budget presents outlays and receipts, generally on a cash basis. The focus of
the Budget of the U.S. is by entity. In reporting the Statement of Net Cost by entity, we are assisting the external users in
assessing the operating performance, budget integrity, stewardship, and systems and controls of the government.
The Statements of Net Cost contain the following four components:
• Gross cost—is the full cost of all the departments and entities excluding (gain)/loss from changes in assumptions.
These costs are assigned on a cause-and-effect basis, or reasonably allocated to the corresponding entities.
• Earned revenue—is exchange revenue resulting from the government providing goods and services to the public at a
price.
• (Gain)/loss from changes in assumptions—is the gain or loss from changes in long-term assumptions used to
measure the liabilities reported for federal civilian and military employee pensions, OPEB, and ORB, including
veterans’ compensation.
• Net cost—is computed by subtracting earned revenue from gross cost, adjusted by the (gain)/loss from changes in
assumptions.
Individual entity net cost amounts will differ from the entity’s financial statements primarily because of reallocations
completed at the government-wide level which are listed below.
• Employee benefit costs.
• Intra-governmental eliminations, as adjusted for buy/sell costs and related revenues.
• Imputed costs.
Because of its specific function, most of the employee benefit costs originally associated with the OPM have been
reallocated to the user entities for government-wide reporting purposes. The remaining costs for OPM on the Statements of
Net Cost are the administrative operating costs, the expenses from prior costs from health and pension plan amendments, and
the actuarial gains and losses, if applicable.
With regard to intra-governmental buy/sell costs and related revenues, the amounts recognized by each entity are added
to, and subtracted from, respectively, the individual entity non-federal net cost amounts in order to allocate the costs to the
53 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
entities that incurred the costs. GSA is the primary provider of goods and services to federal entities. GSA’s net cost is
adjusted for its intra-governmental buy/sell costs and related revenues. The remaining costs for GSA on the Statements of
Net Cost are administrative operating costs.
In addition, the intra-governmental imputed costs recognized for the receipt of goods and services, financed in whole or
part by the providing entities, are added to the individual entity non-federal net cost amounts. The most significant types of
imputed costs that are recorded relate to post-retirement and health benefits, FECA, and Treasury’s Judgment Fund. The
consolidated Statements of Net Cost is intended to show the full cost for each entity, therefore, the amount of these imputed
costs are added back to the reporting entities’ gross cost line item and subtracted from the applicable administering entities’
gross cost line item. These imputed costs have a net effect of zero on the Statements of Net Cost in the Financial Report.
The interest on securities issued by Treasury and held by the public is reported on Treasury’s financial statements, but
because of its importance and the dollar amounts involved, it is reported separately in these statements.
Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Position
These statements report the results of government operations (net operating costs). They include non-exchange
revenues, which are generated from transactions that do not require a government entity to give value directly in exchange for
the inflow of resources. The government does not “earn†the non-exchange revenue. These are generated principally by the
government’s sovereign power to tax, levy duties, and assess fines and penalties. These statements also include the net cost
reported in the Statements of Net Cost. They further include certain adjustments and unmatched transactions and balances
that affect the net position. These statements present information for funds from dedicated collections and funds other than
those from dedicated collections. Each of these types are presented on a consolidated basis whereby transactions within each
fund type are eliminated. In order to present the activity on a government-wide basis, transactions between funds from
dedicated collections and funds other than those from dedicated collections are eliminated.
Revenue
Inflows of resources to the government that the government demands or that it receives by donations are identified as
non-exchange revenue. The inflows that it demands include individual income tax and tax withholdings, corporate income
taxes, excise taxes, unemployment taxes, custom duties, and estate and gift taxes. The non-exchange revenue is recognized
when collected and adjusted for the change in amounts receivable.
Individual income tax and tax withholdings include FICA/SECA taxes and other taxes.
Individual income tax and tax withholding and Corporate income tax include the TCJA, which imposed a one-time tax
on previously unrepatriated foreign earnings at a reduced rate that taxpayers may elect to pay over an eight-year installment
schedule.
Excise taxes consist of taxes collected for various items, such as airline tickets, gasoline products, distilled spirits and
imported liquor, tobacco, firearms, and other items.
Other taxes and receipts include FRBs earnings, tax related fines, penalties and interest, and railroad retirement taxes.
Miscellaneous earned revenues consist of earned revenues received from the public with virtually no associated cost.
These revenues include rents and royalties on the Outer Continental Shelf Lands resulting from the leasing and development
of mineral resources on public lands.
Intra-governmental revenue represents interest earned from the investment of surplus dedicated collections, which
finance the deficit spending of all other fund’s non-dedicated operations. These investments are recorded as intra-
governmental debt holdings and are included in Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest Payable, in the table titled Intra-
governmental Debt Holdings: Federal Debt Securities Held as Investments by Government Accounts. These interest earnings
and the associated investments are eliminated in the consolidation process.
Net Cost of Government Operations
The net cost of government operations—gross cost (including gains/losses from changes in assumptions) less earned
revenue—flows through from the Statements of Net Cost.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 54
Intra-governmental Transfers
Intra-governmental transfers are transfers between funds other than those from dedicated collections and funds from
dedicated collections, such as intra-governmental interest and amounts required by statute to be transferred from the General
Fund to funds from dedicated collections. These intra-governmental transfers include appropriations, transfers, and other
financing sources. These amounts are labeled as “other changes in fund balance†in Note 23—Funds from Dedicated
Collections.
Net Operating Cost
The net operating cost equals revenue less net cost of government operations (that flows from the Statement of Net
Cost).
Net Position, Beginning of Period
The net position, beginning of period, reflects the amount reported on the prior year’s Balance Sheet as of the end of
that fiscal year. The net position, beginning of period, is shown at the combined level by fund type for FY 2020 and adjusted
through changes in accounting principle to report at a consolidated level by fund type. See Note 23—Funds from Dedicated
Collections for additional information.
Adjustments to beginning net position may include corrections of material errors or changes in accounting principles.
See Note 1.V—Changes in Accounting Principle and Note 1.W—Correction of Errors for additional information.
Unmatched transactions and balances are adjustments needed to bring the change in net position into balance due
primarily to unresolved intra-governmental differences. See Note 1.U—Unmatched Transactions and Balances for additional
information.
The unmatched transactions are to make the sum of net operating costs and adjustments to beginning net position for the
year equal to the change in net position balance. The unmatched balances are included in the net position, funds other than
those from dedicated collections on the Balance Sheet.
Net Position, End of Period
The net position, end of period, reflects the amount as of the end of the fiscal year. The net position for funds from
dedicated collections is separately shown.
Reconciliations of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit
These statements reconcile the results of operations (net operating cost) on the Statements of Operations and Changes in
Net Position to the budget deficit (result of outlays exceeding receipts during a particular fiscal year). The premise of the
reconciliation is that accrual accounting and budgetary accounting often share much of the same transactional data. However,
some transactions differ between the two bases of accounting and are presented as reconciling items from the net operating
cost to the budget deficit.
Receipts and outlays in the budget are measured primarily on a cash basis and differ from the accrual basis of
accounting used in the Financial Report. Refer to Note 1.B—Basis of Accounting and Revenue Recognition for additional
information on the accrual basis of accounting. These statements begin with the net results of operations (net operating cost)
and report activities where the basis of accounting for the components of net operating cost and the budget deficit differ.
Some presentations of the budget deficit make the distinction between on-budget and off-budget totals. On-budget totals
reflect the transactions of all government entities, except those excluded from the budget by law. Off-budget totals reflect the
transactions of government entities that are excluded from the on-budget totals by law. Under current law, the off-budget
totals include the Social Security trust funds and USPS. The budget deficit, as presented in the Financial Report, combines
the on-budget and off-budget totals to derive consolidated totals for federal activity.
55 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Components of Net Operating Cost Not Part of the Budget Deficit
This information includes the operating components, such as the changes in benefits payable for veterans, military and
civilian employees, environmental and disposal liabilities, and depreciation expense, not included in the budget results.
Components of the Budget Deficit Not Part of Net Operating Cost
This information includes the budget components, such as the acquisition of capital assets (that are recorded as outlays
in the budget when cash is disbursed and reflected in net operating cost through depreciation expense over the useful life of
the asset) and increases in other assets that are not included in the operating results.
Statements of Changes in Cash Balance from Budget and Other
Activities
The primary purpose of these financial statements is to report how the annual budget deficit relates to the change in the
government’s cash and other monetary assets, as well as federal debt. It explains why the budget deficit normally would not
result in an equivalent change in the government’s cash and other monetary assets.
These statements reconcile the budget deficit to the change in cash and other monetary assets during the fiscal year.
They also serve to explain how the budget deficits were financed. These statements show the adjustments for non-cash
outlays included in the budget, and items affecting the cash balance not included in the budget, to explain the change in cash
and other monetary assets.
The budget deficit is primarily financed through borrowings from the public. When receipts exceed outlays, the
difference is a surplus. The budget treats borrowing and debt repayment as a means of financing, not as receipts and
outlays. The budget records outlays for the interest on the public issues of Treasury debt securities as the interest accrues,
not when the cash is paid.
Non-cash flow amounts in the budget related to loan financing account activity also reflect intra-governmental
transactions such as interest expense paid or interest revenue received from Treasury, entity year-end credit reform
subsidy reestimates, and the receipt of subsidy expense from program accounts. Cash flow from non-budget activities
related to loan financing account activity includes all cash flows to and from the public, including direct loan
disbursements/default payments to lenders, fees collected, principal and interest repayments, collections on defaulted
guarantee loans, and sale proceeds of foreclosed property. The budget totals exclude the transactions of the financing
accounts because they are not a cost to the government. However, since loan financing accounts record all credit cash
flows to and from the public, they affect the means of financing a budget deficit.
Balance Sheets
The Balance Sheets show the government’s assets, liabilities, and net position. When combined with stewardship
information, this information presents a more comprehensive understanding of the government’s financial position. The net
position for funds from dedicated collections is shown separately.
Assets
Assets included on the Balance Sheets are resources of the government that remain available to meet future needs. The
most significant assets that are reported on the Balance Sheets are loans receivable, net, general PP&E, net; accounts
receivable, net; and cash and other monetary assets. There are, however, other significant resources available to the
government that extend beyond the assets presented in these Balance Sheets. Those resources include stewardship PP&E in
addition to the government’s sovereign powers to tax and set monetary policy.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 56
Liabilities and Net Position
Liabilities are obligations of the government resulting from prior actions that will require financial resources. The most
significant liabilities reported on the Balance Sheets are federal debt and interest payable and federal employee and veteran
benefits payable. Liabilities also include environmental and disposal liabilities, benefits due and payable, loan guarantee
liabilities, as well as insurance and guarantee program liabilities.
As with reported assets, the government’s responsibilities, policy commitments, and contingencies are much broader
than these reported Balance Sheet liabilities. They include the social insurance programs reported in the SOSI and disclosed
in the unaudited RSI—Social Insurance section, fiscal long-term projections of non-interest spending reported in the SLTFP,
and a wide range of other programs under which the government provides benefits and services to the people of this nation,
as well as certain future loss contingencies.
The government has entered into contractual commitments requiring the future use of financial resources and has
unresolved contingencies where existing conditions, situations, or circumstances create uncertainty about future losses.
Commitments and contingencies that do not meet the criteria for recognition as liabilities on the Balance Sheets, but for
which there is at least a reasonable possibility that losses have been incurred, are disclosed in Note 21—Commitments and
Note 22—Contingencies.
Unmatched transactions and balances are adjustments needed to reconcile differences between assets and liabilities, that
are primarily due to unresolved intra-governmental differences. See Note 1.U—Unmatched Transactions and Balances for
additional information.
The collection of certain taxes and other revenue is credited to the corresponding funds from dedicated collections that
will use these funds to meet a particular government purpose. If the collections from taxes and other sources exceed the
payments to the beneficiaries, the excess revenue is invested in Treasury securities or deposited in the General Fund;
therefore, the trust fund balances do not represent cash. An explanation of the trust funds for social insurance is included in
Note 23—Funds from Dedicated Collections. That note also contains information about trust fund receipts, disbursements,
and assets.
Due to its sovereign power to tax and borrow, and the country’s wide economic base, the government has unique access
to financial resources through generating tax revenues and issuing federal debt securities. This provides the government with
the ability to meet present obligations and those that are anticipated from future operations and are not reflected in net
position.
The net position is the residual difference between assets and liabilities, adjusted for unmatched transactions and
balances reported in the Balance Sheet, and is the cumulative results of operations since inception. For detailed components
that comprise the net position, refer to the section “Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position.â€
SUSTAINABILITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The sustainability financial statements are comprised of the SLTFP, covering all federal government programs, and the
SOSI and the SCSIA, covering social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung
programs). The sustainability financial statements are designed to illustrate the relationship between projected receipts and
expenditures if current policy is continued over a 75-year time horizon.1 In preparing the sustainability financial statements,
management selects assumptions and data that it believes provide a reasonable basis to illustrate whether current policy is
sustainable. Current policy is based on current law but includes several adjustments. In the SLTFP, notable adjustments to
current law are: 1) projected spending, receipts, and borrowing levels assume raising or suspending the current statutory limit
on federal debt; 2) continued discretionary appropriations are assumed throughout the projections period; 3) scheduled Social
Security and Medicare Part A benefit payments are assumed to occur beyond the projected point of trust fund depletion; and
4) many mandatory programs with expiration dates prior to the end of the 75-year projection period are assumed to be
reauthorized. In the Statement of Social Insurance, the one adjustment to current law is that scheduled Social Security and
Medicare Part A benefit payments are assumed to occur beyond the projected point of trust fund depletions. Assumptions
underlying such sustainability information do not consider changes in policy or all potential future events that could affect
future income, future expenditures, and, hence, sustainability. The projections do not reflect any adverse economic
consequences resulting from continuously rising debt levels. A large number of factors affect the sustainability financial
statements and future events and circumstances cannot be estimated with certainty. Therefore, even if current policy is
1 With the exception of the Black Lung program, which has a rolling 25-year projection period that begins on the September 30 valuation date each year.
57 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
continued, there will be differences between the estimates in the sustainability financial statements and actual results, and
those differences may be material. The unaudited RSI section of this report includes PV projections using different
assumptions to illustrate the sensitivity of the sustainability financial statements to changes in certain assumptions. The
sustainability financial statements are intended to help citizens understand current policy and the importance and magnitude
of policy reforms necessary to make it sustainable.
By accounting convention, General Fund transfers to Medicare Parts B and D reported in the SOSI are eliminated when
preparing the government-wide consolidated financial statements. The SOSI shows the projected General Fund transfers as
eliminations that, under current law, would be used to finance the remainder of the expenditures in excess of revenues for
Medicare Parts B and D reported in the SOSI. The SLTFP include all revenues (including general revenues) of the federal
government.
Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections
The SLTFP, including the corresponding Note and RSI, are intended to help readers of the government’s financial
statements assess the federal government’s financial condition and how it has changed during the year and may change in the
future. The statements and corresponding analysis are specifically designed to help readers assess whether future budgetary
resources will be sufficient to sustain public services and to meet obligations as they come due, assuming that current policy
for federal government services and taxation continues without change.
The SLTFP display the PV of 75-year projections by major category of receipts and non-interest spending. The
projections show the extent to which future receipts of the government exceed or fall short of the government’s non-interest
spending and are presented both in terms of PV dollars and in terms of PV dollars as a percent of PV GDP. The projections
reflect policies currently in place and are neither forecasts nor predictions. The projections are consistent with the projections
for Social Security and Medicare presented in the SOSI and are based on the same economic and demographic assumptions
that underlie the SOSI. The SLTFP display the fiscal gap, which is a summary measure of the change in receipts or non-
interest spending that is necessary to reach a target ratio of debt held by the public to GDP at the end of the projection period.
Note 26—Long-Term Fiscal Projections, explains the methods used to prepare the projections. Unaudited RSI further
assesses the sustainability of current fiscal policy and provides results that are based on alternative assumptions to those used
in the SLTFP.
As discussed further in Note 26, a sustainable policy is one where the debt-to-GDP ratio is stable or declining over the
long term. Because GDP measures the size of the nation’s economy in terms of the total value of all final goods and services
that are produced in a year, the debt-to-GDP ratio is a useful indicator of the economy’s capacity to support federal
government’s services.
Statements of Social Insurance and Changes in Social Insurance
Amounts
SOSI provides estimates of the status of the most significant social insurance programs: Social Security, Medicare,
Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung.2 They are administered by SSA, HHS, RRB, and DOL, respectively. The SSA and
HHS projections are based on the intermediate economic and demographic assumptions representing the Trustees’ reasonable
estimates of likely future economic and demographic conditions, as set forth in the applicable Social Security and Medicare
Trustees’ Reports as well as in the financial statements of HHS and SSA. RRB’s projections are based on assumptions from
the 28th Actuarial Valuation on the Assets and Liabilities Under the Railroad Retirement Acts of December 31, 2019, as well
as in RRB’s financial statements and DOL’s projections are based on assumptions disclosed in its financial statements.
The SCSIA show two reconciliations: 1) change from the period beginning on January 1, 2020 to the period beginning
on January 1, 2021; and 2) change from the period beginning on January 1, 2019 to the period beginning on January 1, 2020.
It reconciles the changes (between the current valuation and the prior valuation) in the PV of estimated future revenue less
estimated future expenditures for current and future participants (the open group measure) over the next 75 years (except
Black Lung which has a rolling 25-year projection period through September 30, 2046). The reconciliation identifies several
components of the changes that are significant and provides reasons for the changes in Note 25—Social Insurance.
2 In relation to the amounts presented in the SOSI and SCSIA, because the combined Railroad Retirement and Black Lung programs account for less than
one-quarter of 1.0 percent of the statement totals, they are not material from the government-wide perspective.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 58
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59 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Statement of Net Cost
for the Year Ended September 30, 2021 (Gain)/Loss
from
Gross Earned Changes in Net
(In billions of dollars) Cost Revenue Subtotal Assumption
s
Cost
Department of Health and Human Services …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,644.9 137.7 1,507.2 0.7 1,507.9
Social Security Administration …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,194.1 0.3 1,193.8 – 1,193.8
Department of Defense …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 851.8 44.0 807.8 82.8 890.6
Department of the Treasury ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 854.6 23.8 830.8 – 830.8
Department of Veterans Affairs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 351.0 3.9 347.1 346.3 693.4
Department of Labor ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 396.8 – 396.8 – 396.8
Interest on Treasury Securities Held by the Public ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 392.0 – 392.0 – 392.0
Small Business Administration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 350.5 3.1 347.4 – 347.4
Department of Agriculture ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 239.4 8.8 230.6 – 230.6
Department of Education ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 243.0 34.4 208.6 – 208.6
Office of Personnel Management ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 134.0 26.3 107.7 84.9 192.6
Department of Transportation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 102.9 1.0 101.9 – 101.9
Department of Homeland Security ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 101.0 12.9 88.1 1.6 89.7
Security Assistance Accounts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 92.9 14.4 78.5 – 78.5
Department of Justice ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 41.4 2.6 38.8 – 38.8
Department of State ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 40.2 3.5 36.7 1.9 38.6
Department of Energy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 43.2 6.2 37.0 – 37.0
Department of Housing and Urban Development …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 35.3 1.9 33.4 – 33.4
National Aeronautics and Space Administration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22.1 0.3 21.8 – 21.8
Department of the Interior ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23.8 2.3 21.5 – 21.5
Railroad Retirement Board ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17.3 – 17.3 – 17.3
U.S. Agency for International Development ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16.0 – 16.0 – 16.0
Department of Commerce ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15.5 3.6 11.9 0.1 12.0
Federal Communications Commission …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11.7 0.4 11.3 – 11.3
Environmental Protection Agency ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8.9 0.4 8.5 – 8.5
National Science Foundation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.4
U.S. Postal Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 77.9 75.7 2.2 – 2.2
Smithsonian Institution …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.5 0.8 0.7 – 0.7
Millennium Challenge Corporation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.7 – 0.7 – 0.7
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.9 0.7 0.2 – 0.2
National Credit Union Administration …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.2 0.1 0.1 – 0.1
Securities and Exchange Commission …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.4 2.5 (0.1) – (0.1)
Export-Import Bank of the U.S. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.5 0.7 (0.2) – (0.2)
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 0.2 (0.2) – (0.2)
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 0.4 (0.4) – (0.4)
General Services Administration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.1) 0.9 (1.0) – (1.0)
Tennessee Valley Authority ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8.8 10.4 (1.6) – (1.6)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.7 7.1 (5.4) – (5.4)
National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.1 6.6 (6.5) – (6.5)
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (56.5) 22.6 (79.1) – (79.1)
All other entities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 24.9 1.8 23.1 0.1 23.2
Total ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7,294.7 462.3 6,832.4 518.4 7,350.8
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 60
United States Government
Statement of Net Cost
for the Year Ended September 30, 2020 (Restated) (Gain)/Loss
from
Gross Earned Changes in Net
(In billions of dollars) Cost Revenue Subtotal Assumptions Cost
Department of Health and Human Services ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,537.0 130.0 1,407.0 0.1 1,407.1
Social Security Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,157.6 0.3 1,157.3 – 1,157.3
Department of Defense …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 803.0 39.8 763.2 (17.4) 745.8
Department of the Treasury ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 581.3 20.6 560.7 – 560.7
Department of Veterans Affairs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 386.5 4.0 382.5 602.7 985.2
Department of Labor ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 493.2 – 493.2 – 493.2
Interest on Treasury Securities Held by the Public ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 371.1 – 371.1 – 371.1
Small Business Administration …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 562.1 3.1 559.0 – 559.0
Department of Agriculture ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 198.0 10.1 187.9 – 187.9
Department of Education …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 190.2 33.3 156.9 – 156.9
Office of Personnel Management ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 97.3 25.2 72.1 89.9 162.0
Department of Transportation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 108.8 1.1 107.7 – 107.7
Department of Homeland Security ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 122.3 11.8 110.5 3.1 113.6
Security Assistance Accounts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 154.8 42.8 112.0 – 112.0
Department of Justice …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39.1 1.8 37.3 – 37.3
Department of State ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34.6 2.8 31.8 1.1 32.9
Department of Energy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 60.9 5.4 55.5 – 55.5
Department of Housing and Urban Development ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 36.3 2.2 34.1 – 34.1
National Aeronautics and Space Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22.3 0.2 22.1 – 22.1
Department of the Interior ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23.0 2.4 20.6 – 20.6
Railroad Retirement Board ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13.1 – 13.1 – 13.1
U.S. Agency for International Development ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13.8 – 13.8 – 13.8
Department of Commerce ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19.4 3.9 15.5 – 15.5
Federal Communications Commission ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13.9 0.4 13.5 – 13.5
Environmental Protection Agency ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9.1 0.4 8.7 – 8.7
National Science Foundation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.3
U.S. Postal Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 79.2 71.7 7.5 – 7.5
Smithsonian Institution ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.5 0.5 1.0 – 1.0
Millennium Challenge Corporation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.6 – 0.6 – 0.6
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.9 0.7 0.2 – 0.2
National Credit Union Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.3 0.2 0.1 – 0.1
Securities and Exchange Commission ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.2 3.3 (1.1) – (1.1)
Export-Import Bank of the U.S. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.8 0.4 0.4 – 0.4
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – 0.1 (0.1) – (0.1)
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.1 0.2 (0.1) – (0.1)
General Services Administration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.3 0.8 (0.5) – (0.5)
Tennessee Valley Authority ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8.8 10.1 (1.3) – (1.3)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.7 6.5 (4.8) – (4.8)
National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.1 1.8 (1.7) – (1.7)
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19.2 22.0 (2.8) – (2.8)
All other entities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23.4 1.7 21.7 – 21.7
Total …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7,195.1 461.6 6,733.5 679.5 7,413.0
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
61 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position
for the Year Ended September 30, 2021 (Consolidated)
Funds other than Funds from
those from Dedicated
Dedicated Collections
Collections (Note 23) Eliminations Total
(In billions of dollars) 2021
Revenue (Note 20):
Individual income tax and tax withholdings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2,002.0 1,274.3 – 3,276.3
Corporate income taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 456.2 – – 456.2
Excise taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28.6 52.0 – 80.6
Unemployment taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.1 44.2 – 50.3
Customs duties ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 80.0 0.1 – 80.1
Estate and gift taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27.1 – – 27.1
Other taxes and receipts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 163.4 27.3 – 190.7
Miscellaneous earned revenues …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 94.4 0.2 – 94.6
Intra-governmental revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 106.1 (106.1) –
Total revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,857.8 1,504.2 (106.1) 4,255.9
Net Cost of Government Operations:
Net cost …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5,165.3 2,185.5 – 7,350.8
Intra-governmental cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 106.1 – (106.1) –
Total net cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5,271.4 2,185.5 (106.1) 7,350.8
Intra-governmental transfers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (693.7) 693.7 – –
Net operating (cost)/revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (3,107.3) 12.4 – (3,094.9)
Net position, beginning of period……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (30,265.8) 3,474.4 – (26,791.4)
Adjustments to beginning net position
Changes in accounting principle (Note 1.V) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.7 – – 0.7
Net operating (cost)/revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3,107.3) 12.4 – (3,094.9)
Unmatched transactions and balances
(Note 1.U) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.2) – – (0.2)
Net position, end of period …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (33,372.6) 3,486.8 – (29,885.8)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 62
United States Government
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position
for the Year Ended September 30, 2020 (Consolidated) (Restated)
Funds other than Funds from
those from Dedicated
Dedicated Collections
Collections (Note 23) Eliminations Total
(In billions of dollars) 2020
Revenue (Note 20):
Individual income tax and tax withholdings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,570.8 1,283.8 – 2,854.6
Corporate income taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 317.1 – – 317.1
Excise taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 40.8 52.2 – 93.0
Unemployment taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.2 34.5 – 40.7
Customs duties ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 66.2 0.1 – 66.3
Estate and gift taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17.6 – – 17.6
Other taxes and receipts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 147.0 18.9 – 165.9
Miscellaneous earned revenues …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16.3 0.1 – 16.4
Intra-governmental revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 107.7 (107.7) –
Total revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,182.0 1,497.3 (107.7) 3,571.6
Net Cost of Government Operations:
Net cost …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5,329.9 2,083.1 – 7,413.0
Intra-governmental cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 107.7 – (107.7) –
Total net cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5,437.6 2,083.1 (107.7) 7,413.0
Intra-governmental transfers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (555.6) 555.6 – –
Net operating (cost)/revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (3,811.2) (30.2) – (3,841.4)
Net position, beginning of period* ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (26,484.6) 3,517.1 – (22,967.5)
Adjustments to beginning net position
Changes in accounting principle (Note 1.V) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12.5 (12.5) – –
Correction of errors (Note 1.W) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6.0 – – 6.0
Net operating (cost)/revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3,811.2) (30.2) – (3,841.4)
Unmatched transactions and balances
(Note 1.U) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11.5 – – 11.5
Net position, end of period……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (30,265.8) 3,474.4 – (26,791.4)
*Net position, beginning of period is presented above as combined.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
63 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Reconciliations of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit
for the Years Ended September 30, 2021, and 2020
Restated
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Net operating cost ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3,094.9) (3,841.4)
Components of net operating cost not part of the budget deficit
Excess of accrual-basis expenses over budget outlays
* Federal employee and veteran benefits payable
Pension and accrued benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 282.0 160.1
Veterans compensation and burial benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 439.2 733.3
Post-retirement health and accrued benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28.7 22.0
Other benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17.6 59.8
Subtotal – federal employee and veteran benefits payable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 767.5 975.2
* Insurance and guarantee program liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (69.5) 4.8
* Environmental and disposal liabilities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10.6 7.3
* Accounts payable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 24.1 1.0
* Benefits due and payable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17.6 32.7
* Advances from others and deferred revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27.8 (0.8)
* Other liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 283.1 58.7
Subtotal – excess of accrual-basis expenses over budget outlays …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,061.2 1,078.9
Amortized expenses not included in budget outlays
Property, plant, and equipment depreciation expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 91.2 77.2
Other expenses that are not reported as budget outlays
Property, plant, and equipment disposals and revaluations …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (9.8) (50.2)
Excess of accrual-basis revenue over budget receipts
Accounts receivable, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (11.8) 7.9
Taxes receivable, net ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (68.0) (91.1)
Other losses/(gains) and cost/(revenue) that are not budget receipts
* Investments in government-sponsored enterprises …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (112.0) 3.2
Subtotal – components of net operating cost not part of budget deficit ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 950.8 1,025.9
Components of the budget deficit that are not part of net operating cost
Budget receipts not included in net operating cost
Credit reform and other loan activities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (75.1) 44.9
Budget outlays not included in net operating cost
Acquisition of capital assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (118.4) (60.0)
* Investments ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (5.4) (11.5)
* Inventory and related property, net ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (17.3) (26.2)
* Advances and prepayments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (150.7) (150.6)
* Other assets ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.0 (0.1)
Subtotal – components of the budget deficit that are not part of net operating cost ……………………………………………………………………………….. (362.9) (203.5)
Adjustments to beginning net position 0.7 6.0
Other
Allocations of special drawing rights …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (112.1) (1.5)
Effect of uninvested principal from the Thrift Savings Plan’s G Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. (156.7) –
All other reconciling items ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.5) (117.4)
Total other ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (269.3) (118.9)
Budget deficit1 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (2,775.6) (3,131.9)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1The FY 2021 budget deficit differs from the FY 2021 budget deficit reported in the MTS because of approximately $3.4 billion of outlays that
were not recorded in the MTS until FY 2022.
*The amounts represent the year over year net change in the Balance Sheet line items.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 64
United States Government
Statements of Changes in Cash Balance from Budget and Other Activities
for the Years Ended September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Cash flow from budget activities
Total budget receipts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4,046.0 3,420.0
Total budget outlays1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (6,821.6) (6,551.9)
Budget deficit1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (2,775.6) (3,131.9)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Adjustments for non-cash outlays included in the budget
Non-cash flow amounts in the budget related to federal debt
Accrued interest …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 293.4 312.1
Net amortization …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12.1 40.9
Other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 82.3 63.1
Subtotal – adjustments for non-cash flow amounts in the budget related to federal debt …………………………………………………………………………. 387.8 416.1
Non-cash flow amounts in the budget related to loan financing account activity
Interest revenue on uninvested funds ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12.8 23.3
Interest expense on entity borrowings ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (47.4) (57.6)
Downward reestimates /negative subsidy payments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (58.1) (28.9)
Subsidy expense/upward reestimates ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 456.4 713.6
Subtotal – adjustments for non-cash flow amounts in the budget related to loan
financing account activity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 363.7 650.4
Total of adjustments for non-cash outlays included in the budget …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 751.5 1,066.5
Cash flow from activities not included in the budget
Cash flow from non-budget activities related to federal debt
Interest paid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (294.8) (314.7)
Subtotal – cash flow from non-budget activities related to federal debt …………………………………………………………………………………………….. (294.8) (314.7)
Cash flow from non-budget activities related to loan financing account activity
Loan disbursements/default payments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (823.0) (387.0)
Fees ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 27.5 26.6
Principal & interest repayments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 78.1 112.0
Other collections on defaulted loans receivable and sale of foreclosed property………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.2 4.3
Special purpose vehicle disbursements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (14.9) (105.5)
Repayments of special purpose vehicle investments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 77.7 –
Subtotal – cash flow from non-budget activities related to loan financing account activity ……………………………………………………………………….. (652.4) (349.6)
Cash flow from financing federal debt
Borrowings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20,375.7 18,969.1
Repayments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (19,194.0) (14,822.4)
Discount/premium …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (11.7) (32.5)
Effect of uninvested principal from the Thrift Saving Plan’s G Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 156.7 –
Subtotal – cash flow from financing federal debt ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,326.7 4,114.2
Total cash flow from activities not included in the budget …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 379.5 3,449.9
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Other
Allocations of special drawing rights …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 112.1 1.5
All other reconciling items ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 80.6 16.3
Total other ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 192.7 17.8
Change in cash and other monetary assets balance …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (1,451.9) 1,402.3
Beginning cash and other monetary assets balance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,926.9 524.6
Ending cash and other monetary assets balance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 475.0 1,926.9
1The FY 2021 budget deficit differs from the FY 2021 budget deficit reported in the MTS because of approximately $3.4 billion of outlays that
were not recorded in the MTS until FY 2022.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
65 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Balance Sheets
as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Restated
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Assets:
Cash and other monetary assets (Note 2) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 475.0 1,926.9
Accounts receivable, net (Note 3) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 401.0 321.2
Loans receivable, net (Note 4) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,651.0 1,577.4
Inventory and related property, net (Note 5) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 399.2 381.9
General property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,176.9 1,139.9
Investments (Note 7) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 135.2 129.8
Investments in special purpose vehicles (Note 8) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26.4 108.4
Investments in government-sponsored enterprises (Note 9)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 220.9 108.9
Advances and prepayments (Note 10) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 369.3 218.6
Other assets (Note 11) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38.7 42.7
Total assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4,893.6 5,955.7
Stewardship property, plant, and equipment (Note 27)
Liabilities:
Accounts payable (Note 12) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 123.1 99.0
Federal debt and interest payable (Note 13) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22,344.8 21,082.9
Federal employee and veteran benefits payable (Note 14) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10,183.0 9,415.5
Environmental and disposal liabilities (Note 15) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 613.3 602.7
Benefits due and payable (Note 16) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 273.9 256.3
Loan guarantee liabilities (Note 4) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 230.7 520.1
Insurance and guarantee program liabilities (Note 17) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 129.8 199.3
Advances from others and deferred revenues (Note 18) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 202.0 174.2
Other liabilities (Note 19) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 677.1 394.0
Total liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34,777.7 32,744.0
Commitments (Note 21) and Contingencies (Note 22)
Unmatched transactions and balances (Note 1.U) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.7 3.1
Net Position:
Funds from Dedicated Collections (Note 23) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3,486.8 3,474.4
Funds other than those from Dedicated Collections ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (33,372.6) (30,265.8)
Total net position ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (29,885.8) (26,791.4)
Total liabilities and net position* …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4,893.6 5,955.7
*Total liabilities and net position equals Total liabilities, Total net position and Unmatched transactions and balances.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 66
United States Government
Statements of Long-Term Fiscal Projections (Note 26)
Present Value of 75-Year Projections as of September 30, 2021 and 20201
In trillions of dollars Percent of GDP2
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change
Receipts:
Social Security payroll taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 72.9 68.5 4.4 4.2 4.2 0.1
Medicare payroll taxes…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24.5 22.9 1.5 1.4 1.4 –
Individual income taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 190.9 164.4 26.5 11.1 10.0 1.1
Corporation income taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23.0 21.0 2.0 1.3 1.3 0.1
Other receipts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21.6 18.6 3.0 1.3 1.1 0.1
Total receipts……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 332.8 295.4 37.3 19.3 18.0 1.3
Non-interest spending:
Social Security ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 102.9 95.2 7.7 6.0 5.8 0.2
Medicare Part A3 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34.9 32.6 2.3 2.0 2.0 –
Medicare Parts B & D4 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 48.6 45.2 3.4 2.8 2.7 0.1
Medicaid…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 51.7 37.4 14.2 3.0 2.3 0.7
Other mandatory …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 70.6 58.5 12.1 4.1 3.6 0.5
Defense discretionary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54.4 53.6 0.8 3.2 3.3 (0.1)
Non-defense discretionary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67.3 52.4 14.9 3.9 3.2 0.7
Total non-interest spending ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 430.4 374.9 55.4 25.0 22.8 2.2
Receipts less non-interest spending …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (97.6) (79.5) (18.1) (5.7) (4.8) (0.8)
Fiscal gap5 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (6.2) (5.4) (0.8)
175-year present value projections for 2021 are as of 9/30/2021 for FYs 2022-2096; projections for 2020 are as of 9/30/2020 for FYs 2021-
2095.
2The 75-year present value of nominal GDP, which drives the calculations above is $1,724.4 trillion starting in FY 2022, and was $1,645.1
trillion starting in FY 2021.
3Represents portions of Medicare supported by payroll taxes.
4Represents portions of Medicare supported by general revenues. Consistent with the President’s Budget, outlays for Parts B & D are
presented net of premiums.
5To prevent the debt-to-GDP ratio from rising over the next 75 years, a combination of non-interest spending reductions and receipt increases
that amounts to 6.2 percent of GDP on average is needed (5.4 percent of GDP on average in 2020). See Note 26—Long-Term Fiscal
Projections.
Totals may not equal the sum of components due to rounding.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
67 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Statements of Social Insurance (Note 25)
Present Value of Long-Range (75 Years, except Black Lung) Actuarial Projections
(In trillions of dollars) 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (Social
Security):11
Revenue (Contributions and Dedicated Taxes) from:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 62 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.5 1.4
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37.5 35.2 33.6 31.6 30.2
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 39.3 37.0 35.3 31.8 30.5
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 78.6 73.9 70.4 64.9 62.1
Expenditures for Scheduled Future Benefits for:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 62 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (19.8) (18.3) (16.9) (15.9) (14.7)
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (64.9) (59.8) (55.8) (52.2) (50.2)
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (16.6) (15.5) (14.5) (13.0) (12.6)
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (101.3) (93.6) (87.2) (81.1) (77.5)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (22.7)1 (19.7)2 (16.8)3 (16.2)4 (15.4)5
Federal Hospital Insurance (Medicare Part A):11
Revenue (Contributions and Dedicated Taxes) from:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13.0 12.5 12.0 11.3 10.6
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13.0 12.5 11.8 11.0 10.6
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26.7 25.6 24.4 22.8 21.7
Expenditures for Scheduled Future Benefits for:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (6.2) (6.1) (5.3) (5.0) (4.5)
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (20.9) (20.1) (20.0) (18.6) (17.2)
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (4.6) (4.2) (4.5) (3.9) (3.5)
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (31.7) (30.4) (29.8) (27.5) (25.2)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (5.0)1 (4.8)2 (5.4)3 (4.7)4 (3.5)5
Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B):11
Revenue (Premiums) from:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.1
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10.0 9.3 7.5 6.6 5.9
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.6 2.5 1.9 1.5 1.4
General Fund transfers ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35.5 33.1 28.8 25.1 22.4
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 50.0 46.6 39.7 34.5 30.8
Expenditures for Scheduled Future Benefits for:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (6.9) (6.2) (5.8) (5.2) (4.5)
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (34.1) (31.8) (27.3) (23.9) (21.4)
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (9.0) (8.6) (6.6) (5.4) (4.9)
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (50.0) (46.6) (39.7) (34.5) (30.8)
Eliminations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (35.5) (33.1) (28.8) (25.1) (22.4)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue (after eliminations)6 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (35.5)1 (33.1)2 (28.8)3 (25.1)4 (22.4)5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 68
United States Government
Statements of Social Insurance (Note 25), continued
Present Value of Long-Range (75 Years, except Black Lung) Actuarial Projections
(In trillions of dollars) 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance (Medicare Part D):11
Revenue (Premiums and State Transfers) from:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8
General Fund transfers ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7.7 7.8 8.0 7.9 7.6
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10.9 11.0 11.2 11.1 10.8
Expenditures for Scheduled Future Benefits for:
Participants who have attained eligibility age (age 65 and over) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (1.1) (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.0)
Participants who have not attained eligibility age ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (6.9) (7.0) (7.2) (7.2) (6.9)
Future participants …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (2.9) (3.0) (3.0) (2.9) (2.9)
All current and future participants ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (10.9) (11.0) (11.2) (11.1) (10.8)
Eliminations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (7.7) (7.8) (8.0) (7.9) (7.6)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue (after eliminations)6 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (7.7)1 (7.8)2 (8.0)3 (7.9)4 (7.6)5
Other:
Present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue 7 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1)
Total present value of future expenditures in excess of future
revenue8, 9, 10 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (71.0) (65.5) (59.1) (54.0) (49.0)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
69 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Statements of Social Insurance (Note 25), continued
Present Value of Long-Range (75 Years, except Black Lung) Actuarial Projections
(In trillions of dollars) 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Social Insurance Summary11
Participants who have attained eligibility age:
Revenue (e.g., contributions and dedicated taxes) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4.7 4.3 3.8 3.6 3.3
Expenditures for scheduled future benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (34.0) (31.6) (29.1) (27.2) (24.8)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of
future revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (29.3) (27.3) (25.3) (23.6) (21.5)
Participants who have not attained eligibility age:
Revenue (e.g., contributions and dedicated taxes) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 62.5 59.0 55.2 51.6 48.8
Expenditures for scheduled future benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (126.8) (118.7) (110.3) (101.9) (95.7)
Present value of future expenditures in excess of
future revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (64.3) (59.7) (55.1) (50.3) (46.9)
Closed-group – Total present value of future expenditures
in excess of future revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (93.6) (87.0) (80.4) (73.9) (68.4)
Future participants:
Revenue (e.g., contributions and dedicated taxes) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 55.8 52.9 49.9 45.1 43.3
Expenditures for scheduled future benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (33.2) (31.4) (28.6) (25.2) (23.9)
Present value of future revenue in excess of future
expenditure ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22.6 21.5 21.3 19.9 19.4
Open-group – Total present value of future expenditures in
excess of future revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (71.0) (65.5) (59.1) (54.0) (49.0)
1 The projection period for Social Security and Medicare is 1/1/2021 – 12/31/2095 and the valuation date is 1/1/2021.
2 The projection period for Social Security and Medicare is 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2094 and the valuation date is 1/1/2020.
3 The projection period for Social Security and Medicare is 1/1/2019 – 12/31/2093 and the valuation date is 1/1/2019.
4 The projection period for Social Security and Medicare is 1/1/2018 – 12/31/2092 and the valuation date is 1/1/2018.
5 The projection period for Social Security and Medicare is 1/1/2017 – 12/31/2091 and the valuation date is 1/1/2017.
6 These amounts represent the PV of the future transfers from the General Fund to the SMI Trust Funds. These future intra-governmental
transfers are included as income in both HHS’s and the CMS’s financial statements but, by accounting convention, are not income from the
government-wide perspective of this report.
7 Includes Railroad Retirement and Black Lung.
8 These amounts do not include the PV of the financial interchange between the railroad retirement and social security systems,
which is included as income in the Railroad Retirement Financial Report, but is not included from the government-wide perspective of this
report (See discussion of RRB in the unaudited RSI section of this report).
9 Does not include interest expense accruing on the outstanding debt of the BLDTF.
10 For information on the projection periods and valuation dates for the Railroad Retirement and Black Lung programs, refer to the financial
statements of RRB and DOL, respectively.
11 Current participants for the Social Security and Medicare programs are assumed to be the “closed-group†of individuals who are at least
15 years of age at the start of the projection period, and are participating as either taxpayers, beneficiaries, or both. Amounts shown exclude
the General Fund transfers for Medicare’s Parts B and D.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 70
United States Government
Statement of Changes in Social Insurance Amounts
for the Year Ended September 30, 2021 (Note 25)
Social Medicare Medicare
(In trillions of dollars) Security1 HI1 SMI1 Other2 Total
NPV of future revenue less future expenditures
for current and future participants (the “open group”)
over the next 75 years, beginning of the year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (19.7) (4.8) (40.9) (0.1) (65.5)
Reasons for changes in the NPV during the year:
Changes in valuation period ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.7) (0.1) (1.4) – (2.2)
Changes in demographic data, assumptions, and
methods ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.2 0.7 0.6 – 1.5
Changes in economic data, assumptions, and
methods ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (1.2) – – – (1.2)
Changes in law or policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (0.1) – (0.1) – (0.2)
Changes in methodology and programmatic data …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (1.2) – – – (1.2)
Changes in economic and other health care
assumptions ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – (1.0) (2.8) – (3.8)
Change in projection base ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – 0.2 1.4 – 1.6
Net change in open group measure …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (3.0) (0.2) (2.3) – (5.5)
Open group measure, end of year……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (22.7) (5.0) (43.2) (0.1) (71.0)
1 Amounts represent changes between valuation dates 1/1/2020 and 1/1/2021.
2 Includes Railroad Retirement changes between valuation dates 10/1/2019 and 10/1/2020 and Black Lung changes between 9/30/2020 and
9/30/2021.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
71 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
United States Government
Statement of Changes in Social Insurance Amounts
for the Year Ended September 30, 2020 (Note 25)
Social Medicare Medicare
(In trillions of dollars) Security1 HI1 SMI1 Other2 Total
NPV of future revenue less future expenditures
for current and future participants (the “open group”)
over the next 75 years, beginning of the year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (16.8) (5.4) (36.8) (0.1) (59.1)
Reasons for changes in the NPV during the year:
Changes in valuation period ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.6) (0.2) (1.4) – (2.2)
Changes in demographic data, assumptions, and
methods ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (0.4) 2.6 1.1 – 3.3
Changes in economic data, assumptions, and
methods ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (1.8) – – – (1.8)
Changes in law or policy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (0.3) (0.5) 0.2 – (0.6)
Changes in methodology and programmatic data …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.2 – – – 0.2
Changes in economic and other health care
assumptions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – (1.7) (3.7) – (5.4)
Change in projection base ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – 0.4 (0.3) – 0.1
Net change in open group measure …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (2.9) 0.6 (4.1) – (6.4)
Open group measure, end of year……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (19.7) (4.8) (40.9) (0.1) (65.5)
1 Amounts represent changes between valuation dates 1/1/2019 and 1/1/2020.
2 Includes Railroad Retirement changes between valuation dates 10/1/2018 and 10/1/2019 and Black Lung changes between 9/30/2019 and
9/30/2020.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 72
United States Government
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
2021, and 2020
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A. Reporting Entity
The government includes the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. This Financial Report
includes the financial status and activities related to the operations of the government. SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity
provides criteria for identifying organizations that are included in the Financial Report as consolidation entities or disclosure
entities. The determination as to whether an organization is a consolidation entity or disclosure entity is based on the
assessment of the following characteristics as a whole, the organization: a) is financed through taxes and other non-exchange
revenues; b) is governed by the Congress or the President; c) imposes or may impose risks and rewards to the government;
and d) provides goods and services on a non-market basis.
Consolidation entities are organizations that are consolidated in the financial statements. For disclosure entities, data is
not consolidated in the financial statements, instead information is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements
concerning: a) the nature of the federal government’s relationship with the disclosure entities; b) the nature and magnitude of
relevant activity with the disclosure entities during the period and balances at the end of the period; and c) a description of
financial and non-financial risks, potential benefits and, if possible, the amount of the federal government’s exposure to gains
and losses from the past or future operations of the disclosure entity or entities.
SFFAS No. 47 also provides guidance for identifying related parties and in determining what information to provide
about related party relationships of such significance that it would be misleading to exclude such information.
Based on the criteria in GAAP for federal entities, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac are not consolidated into the government’s consolidated financial statements. However, the values of the
investments in such entities, changes in value, and related activity with these entities are included in the government’s
consolidated financial statements. Although federal investments in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are significant, these entities
do not meet the GAAP criteria for consolidation entities.
Under SFFAS No. 47 criteria, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were owned or controlled by the federal government as a
result of a) regulatory actions (such as organizations in receivership or conservatorship); or b) other federal government
intervention actions. Under the regulatory or other intervention actions, the relationship with the federal government is not
expected to be permanent. These entities are classified as disclosure entities based on their characteristics as a whole (see
Note 28—Disclosure Entities and Related Parties for additional information on these disclosure entities).
Also, under GAAP criteria, the FR System and SPVs are not consolidated into the government’s consolidated financial
statements (see Note 8—Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles for additional information on SPVs and Note 28—
Disclosure Entities and Related Parties for additional information concerning the FR System).
For additional information regarding Reporting Entity, see Appendix A—Reporting Entity.
B. Basis of Accounting and Revenue Recognition
Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of the government are prepared in accordance with the standards established by
FASAB. As permitted by FASAB standards, certain components of the federal government prepare their financial statements
following the standards established by FASB. Information from those components is included within the government’s
consolidated financial statements without conversion to FASAB standards. Intra-governmental transactions are eliminated in
73 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
consolidation, except as described in the Other Information–Unmatched Transactions and Balances. See Note 1.U—
Unmatched Transactions and Balances for additional information. The consolidated financial statements include accrual-
based financial statements and sustainability financial statements, which are discussed in more detail below, and the related
notes to the consolidated financial statements. Collectively, the accrual-based financial statements, the sustainability financial
statements, and the notes represent basic information that is deemed essential for the financial statements and notes to be
presented in conformity with GAAP.
Accounting standards allow certain presentations and disclosures to be modified, if needed, to prevent the disclosure of
classified information. Accordingly, modifications may have been made to certain presentations and disclosures.
Accrual-Based Financial Statements
The accrual-based financial statements were prepared under the following principles:
• Expenses are generally recognized when incurred.
• Non-exchange revenue, including taxes, duties, fines, and penalties, are recognized when collected and adjusted for
the change in amounts receivable (modified cash basis). Related refunds and other offsets, including those that are
measurable and legally payable, are netted against non-exchange revenue.
• Exchange (earned) revenue is recognized when the government provides goods and services to the public for a price.
Exchange revenue includes user charges such as admission to federal parks and premiums for certain federal
insurance.
The basis of accounting used for budgetary purposes, which is primarily on a cash basis (budget deficit) and follows
budgetary concepts and policies, differs from the basis of accounting used for the financial statements which follow GAAP.
See the Reconciliations of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit in the Financial Statements section and Note 30—COVID-
19 Activity in the notes to the financial statements.
New Standards Issued in Prior and Current Years and Implemented in Current Year
In FY 2016, the government began implementing the requirements of new standards related to the reporting for
inventory and related property, net and general PP&E. These standards are available to each reporting entity once per line
item addressed in the standard. The standards being implemented are:
• FASAB issued SFFAS No. 48, Opening Balances for Inventory, Operating Materials and Supplies, and Stockpile
Materials. SFFAS No. 48 permits a reporting entity to apply an alternative valuation method in establishing opening
balances and applies when a reporting entity is presenting financial statements or one or more line items addressed
by this statement. SFFAS No. 48 was effective beginning in FY 2017. Early implementation was permitted. DOD
did partially implement in 2016 and select component entities have continued to implement in 2017, 2018, 2019,
2020 and 2021. DOD has not declared full implementation yet; therefore, this standard continues to be partially
implemented each year.
• FASAB issued SFFAS No. 50, Establishing Opening Balances for General Property, Plant and Equipment. SFFAS
No. 50 permits a reporting entity to apply an alternative valuation method in establishing opening balances and
applies when a reporting entity is presenting financial statements or one or more line items addressed by this
statement. SFFAS No. 50 was effective beginning in FY 2017. Early implementation was permitted. DOD did
partially implement in 2016 and select component entities have continued to implement in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
and 2021. DOD has not declared full implementation yet; therefore, this standard continues to be partially
implemented each year.
New Standards Issued and Not Yet Implemented
As of September 2021, FASAB has issued the following new standards that are applicable to the Financial Report, but
are not yet implemented at the government-wide level for FY 2021:
In April 2018, FASAB issued SFFAS No. 54, Leases: An Amendment of SFFAS No. 5, Accounting for Liabilities of the
Federal Government, and SFFAS No. 6, Accounting for Property, Plant, and Equipment. SFFAS No. 54 revises the financial
reporting standards for federal lease accounting. It provides a comprehensive set of lease accounting standards to recognize
federal lease activities in the reporting entity’s financial statements and includes appropriate disclosures. This statement
requires that federal lessees (for other than intra-governmental leases) recognize a lease liability and a right-to-use lease asset
at the commencement of the lease term, unless it meets any of the scope exclusions or the definition/criteria of short-term
leases, or contracts or agreements that transfer ownership, or intra-governmental leases. A federal lessor would recognize a
lease receivable and deferred revenue, unless it meets any of the scope exclusions or the definition/criteria of short-term
leases, contracts or agreements that transfer ownership, or intra-governmental leases. SFFAS No. 58, Deferral of the Effective
Date of SFFAS No. 54, Leases, issued in June 2020, defers the effective date of SFFAS No. 54 to FY 2024 and early
implementation is not permitted.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 74
In July 2021, FASAB issued SFFAS No. 59, Accounting and Reporting Government Land. Per SFFAS No. 59, starting
in FY 2026, land and permanent land rights will no longer be capitalized, and the previously capitalized amounts will be
removed from the Balance Sheet. Also, starting in FY 2026, SFFAS No. 59 requires certain disclosures in the notes to the
financial statements, including estimated acreage of land and permanent land rights and its predominant use. For FY 2022
through FY 2025, such disclosures are required to be presented as RSI. These include:
• Estimated acres of general PP&E land and stewardship land using three predominant use sub-categories:
o Conservation and preservation land;
o Operational land; and
o Commercial use land.
• Estimated acres of land held for disposal or exchange.
C. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable includes the amount of taxes receivable that consist primarily of uncollected tax assessments,
penalties, and interest when taxpayers have agreed, or a court has determined, the assessments are owed. Taxes receivable do
not include unpaid assessments when taxpayers or a court have not agreed that the amounts are owed (compliance
assessments) or the government does not expect further collections due to factors such as the taxpayer’s death, bankruptcy, or
insolvency (write-offs). Taxes receivable are reported net of an allowance for the estimated portion deemed to be
uncollectible. The allowance for uncollectible amounts represents the difference between gross taxes receivable and the
amounts estimated to be collectible.
Other accounts receivable represent claims to cash or other assets from entities outside the government that arise from
the sale of goods or services, duties, fines, certain license fees, recoveries, or other provisions of the law. Accounts receivable
are reported net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. An allowance is established when it is more likely than not the
receivables will not be totally collected. The allowance method varies among the entities in the government and is usually
based on past collection experience and is reestimated periodically as needed. Methods may include statistical sampling of
receivables, specific identification and intensive analysis of each case, aging methodologies, and percentage of total
receivables based on historical collection. See Note 3—Accounts Receivable, Net for additional information.
D. Loans Receivable, Net
Direct loans committed after FY 1991 are recognized as assets at the PV of their estimated net cash inflows. The
difference between the outstanding principal of the direct loans and the PV of their net cash inflows is recognized as a
subsidy cost allowance.
For direct loans disbursed during a fiscal year, a subsidy expense is recognized. The amount of the subsidy expense
equals the PV of estimated cash outflows over the life of the loans minus the PV of estimated cash inflows. For the fiscal year
during which new direct loans are disbursed, the components of the subsidy expense of those new direct loans are recognized
separately among interest subsidy costs, default costs, fees and other collections, and other subsidy costs. Credit programs
reestimate the subsidy cost allowance for outstanding direct loans by taking into account all factors that may have affected
the estimated cash flows. Any adjustment resulting from the reestimates is recognized as a subsidy expense (or a reduction in
subsidy expense).
Direct loans obligated before FY 1992 are valued under two different methodologies within the government: the
allowance-for-loss method and the PV method. Under the allowance-for-loss method, the outstanding principal of direct
loans is reduced by an allowance for uncollectible amounts. Under the PV method, the outstanding principal of direct loans is
reduced by an allowance equal to the difference between the outstanding principal and the PV of the expected net cash flows.
See Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities for additional information.
E. Loan Guarantee Liabilities
Loan guarantees committed after FY 1991 are recognized as liabilities at the PV of their estimated net cash outflows.
Disclosure is made of the face value of guaranteed loans outstanding, and the amount guaranteed.
For guaranteed loans disbursed during a fiscal year, a subsidy expense is recognized. The amount of the subsidy
expense equals the PV of estimated cash outflows over the life of the loans minus the PV of estimated cash inflows. The
75 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
subsidy cost is reestimated each year taking into account all factors that may have affected the estimated cash flows. Any
adjustment resulting from the reestimates is recognized as a subsidy expense (or a reduction in subsidy expense).
Loan guarantees committed before FY 1992 are valued under two different methodologies within the government: the
allowance-for-loss method and the PV method. Under the allowance-for-loss method the liability for loan guarantees is the
amount the entity estimates would more likely than not require future cash outflow to pay default claims. Under the PV
method, the liability for loan guarantees is the PV of expected net cash outflows due to the loan guarantees. See Note 4—
Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities for additional information.
F. Inventory and Related Property, Net
Inventory is tangible personal property that is: 1) held for sale, principally to federal entities; 2) in the process of
production for sale; or 3) to be consumed in the production of goods for sale or in the provision of services for a fee. OM&S
is tangible personal property to be consumed in normal operations and stockpile materials are strategic and critical materials
being held due to statutory requirements for use in national defense, conservation, or national emergencies.
SFFAS No. 3, Accounting for Inventory and Related Property, requires that inventories, OM&S, and stockpile materials
are valued using either historical cost or a method that reasonably approximates historical cost. Historical cost methods
include first-in-first-out, weighted average, and MAC. Historical cost includes all appropriate purchase and production costs
incurred to bring the items to their current condition and location. Any abnormal costs, such as excessive handling or rework
costs, are charged to operations of the period. Donated inventory and operating materials and supplies are valued at their FV
at the time of donation. Inventory as well as operating materials and supplies acquired through exchange of nonmonetary
assets (e.g., barter) are valued at the FV of the asset received at the time of the exchange. Any difference between the
recorded amount of the asset surrendered and the FV of the asset received is recognized as a gain or a loss.
Any other valuation method may be used if the results reasonably approximate one of the historical cost methods.
FASAB issued additional guidance SFFAS No. 48, Opening Balances for Inventory, Operating Materials and Supplies, and
Stockpile Materials, which permits a reporting entity to apply an alternative valuation method in establishing opening
balances for inventory, OM&S, and stockpile materials and is intended to provide an alternative valuation method when
historical records and systems do not provide a basis for valuation of opening balances in accordance with SFFAS No. 3.
As the largest contributor of inventory and related property, net; DOD values substantially all of its inventory available
and purchased for resale using the MAC method as of September 30, 2021. OM&S are valued using various methods
including MAC, standard price, historical cost, replacement price, and direct method. DOD uses both the consumption
method (expensed when issued to an end user for consumption in normal operations) and the purchase method (expensed
when purchased) of accounting for OM&S. See Note 5—Inventory and Related Property, Net, for additional information.
G. General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
General PP&E consists of tangible assets (e.g., buildings and structures, furniture and fixtures, equipment, and land)
that have an estimated useful life of two or more years, are not intended for sale in the ordinary course of business and are
intended to be used or available for use by the entity. General PP&E also includes software, land rights, and assets acquired
through capital leases.
SFFAS No. 6, Accounting for Property, Plant, and Equipment requires that general PP&E is recorded at cost. Cost
includes all costs incurred to bring the general PP&E to a form and location suitable for its intended use. General PP&E used
in government operations are carried at acquisition cost, with the exception of some DOD equipment. FASAB issued
additional guidance, SFFAS No. 50, Establishing Opening Balances for General Property, Plant, and Equipment, which
states that a reporting entity may choose one of three alternative methods for establishing an opening balance for general
PP&E. The alternative methods include using deemed cost to establish opening balances of general PP&E, selecting between
deemed cost and prospective capitalization of internal use software, and allowing an exclusion of land and land rights from
opening balances with disclosure of acreage information and expensing of future acquisitions. DOD has partially
implemented SFFAS No. 50 by electing to exclude certain land and land rights. For certain DOD components that have
implemented SFFAS No. 50, with respect to land and land rights, acreage information is disclosed, and such land and land
rights are not included on the Balance Sheet.
An entity electing to exclude land and land rights from its general PP&E opening balances must disclose, with a
reference on the Balance Sheet to the related disclosure, the number of acres held at the beginning of each reporting period,
the number of acres added during the period, the number of acres disposed of during the period, and the number of acres held
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 76
at the end of each reporting period. DOD usually records general PP&E at the estimated historical cost. However, when
applicable DOD will continue to adopt SFFAS No. 50.
Costs to acquire general PP&E, extend the useful life of existing general PP&E, or enlarge or improve its capacity, that
exceed federal entities’ capitalization thresholds are capitalized and depreciated or amortized. Depreciation and amortization
expense is recognized on all capitalized general PP&E, except land and land rights of unlimited duration. In the case of
constructed general PP&E, this is recorded as construction work in process until it is placed in service, at which time the
balance is transferred to general PP&E. See Note 6—General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net, for additional
information.
For financial reporting purposes, heritage assets (excluding multi-use heritage assets) and stewardship land are not
recorded as part of general PP&E. Since heritage assets are intended to be preserved as national treasures, it is anticipated
that they will be maintained in reasonable repair and that there will be no diminution in their usefulness over time. Many
assets are clearly heritage assets. For example, the National Park Service manages the Washington Monument, the Lincoln
Memorial and the Mall. Heritage assets that are predominantly used in general government operations are considered multi-
use heritage assets and are included in general PP&E. Stewardship land is also consistent with the treatment of heritage assets
in that much of the government’s land is held for the general welfare of the nation and is intended to be preserved and
protected. Stewardship land is land owned by the government but not acquired for or in connection with general PP&E.
Because most federal land is not directly related to general PP&E, it is deemed to be stewardship land and accordingly, it is
not reported on the Balance Sheet. Examples of stewardship land include national parks and forests. For additional
information on stewardship assets, see Note 27—Stewardship Property, Plant, and Equipment.
H. Investments
Most investments are held by component entities that apply FASB standards and are not converted to FASAB standards
in consolidation as permitted by SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity. These investments are reported at FV. FV is the estimate
of the price at which an orderly transaction to sell the asset would take place between market participants at the measurement
date under current market conditions. Market or observable inputs are used as the preferred source of values, followed by
assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in absence of market inputs. Certain investments are measured at FV using
NAV per share. NAV is the amount of net assets attributable to each share of capital stock (other than senior equity
securities, that is, preferred stock) outstanding at the close of the period. See Note 7—Investments for additional information.
I. Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles
Treasury invested in common stock warrants and equity investments in SPVs for the purpose of enhancing the liquidity
of the U.S. financial system. These equity investments are reported at FV. In addition to SPV investments, warrants are held
for the purchase of common stock received as compensation from recipients of financial assistance to support ongoing
employment of aviation workers during the pandemic under the CARES Act, coupled with the CAA and ARP enacted in FY
2021. The warrants are assets of the U.S. government and Treasury is precluded from using the cash proceeds realized from
the financial instruments received. These investment holdings are also reported at FV.
The valuation to estimate the investment’s FV incorporates forecasts, projections, and cash flow analyses. Changes in
valuation, including impairments, are deemed usual and recurring and thus are recorded as exchange transactions on the
Statement of Net Cost and investments in SPVs on the Balance Sheet. See Note 8—Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles
for additional information.
J. Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises
The senior preferred stock and associated warrants for the purchase of common stock in the GSEs (Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac) are presented at their FV. SPSPAs, which Treasury entered into with each GSE when they were placed under
conservatorship, can result in payments to the GSEs when, at the end of any quarter, the FHFA, acting as the conservator,
determines that the liabilities of either GSE exceed its respective assets. Such payments result in an increase to the liquidation
preference of investment in the GSEs’ senior preferred stock, with a corresponding decrease to cash held by Treasury for
government-wide operations. In addition, the liquidation preference of investments in the GSEs will increase, based on the
quarterly earnings of the GSEs, up to the adjusted capital reserve amounts set for each GSE.
77 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The valuation to estimate the investment’s FV incorporates forecasts, projections, and cash flow analyses. Changes in
valuation, including impairments, are deemed usual and recurring and thus are recorded as exchange transactions on the
Statement of Net Cost and investments in GSEs on the Balance Sheet. The government also records dividends related to these
investments as exchange transactions which are accrued when declared.
The potential liabilities to the GSEs, if any, are assessed annually and recorded at the gross estimated amount. For
additional information on investments in GSEs, refer to Note 9—Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises.
K. Federal Debt and Interest Payable
Federal debt is primarily comprised of Treasury securities, which are debt instruments issued to the public to raise
money needed to operate the federal government and pay off maturing obligations. Treasury issues these debt instruments to
the public in the form of marketable bills, notes, bonds, TIPS and FRNs, and in the form of nonmarketable securities
including Government Account Series securities, U.S. Savings Securities, and State and Local Government Series securities.
The amount of the debt, or principal, is also called the security’s face value or par value. To accurately reflect the federal
debt, Treasury records principal transactions with the public at par value at the time of the transaction. Certain Treasury
securities are issued at a discount or premium. These discounts and premiums are amortized over the term of the security
using an interest method for all long-term securities (term greater than one year) and the straight-line method for short-term
securities (term of one year or less). In addition, the principal for TIPS is adjusted daily based on the Consumer Price Index
for all Urban Consumers. Certain Treasury securities also pay interest. For marketable securities, Treasury issues notes and
bonds that pay semi-annual interest based on the security’s stated interest rate, while FRNs, which have interest rates that are
indexed to the highest accepted discount rate of the most recent Treasury 13-week bill auction, pay interest quarterly based
on the interest rate at the time of payment. TIPS, on the other hand, pay a semi-annual fixed rate of interest applied to the
inflation-adjusted principal. However, for all security types accrued interest is recorded as an expense when incurred, instead
of when paid. See Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest Payable for additional information.
L. Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable
Generally, federal employee and veteran benefits payable are recorded during the time employee services are rendered.
The related liabilities for defined benefit pension plans, veterans’ compensation, burial, education and training benefits, post-
retirement health benefits, and life insurance benefits, are recorded at estimated PV of future benefits, less any estimated PV
of future normal cost contributions. Normal cost is the portion of the actuarial PV of projected benefits allocated as an
expense for employee services rendered in the current year. Actuarial gains and losses (as well as prior service cost, if any)
are recognized immediately in the year they occur without amortization.
VA also provides certain veterans and/or their dependents with pension benefits, based on annual eligibility reviews, if
the veteran died or was disabled for nonservice-related causes. The pension program for veterans is not accounted for as a
“federal employee pension plan†under SFFAS No. 5, Accounting for Liabilities of the Federal Government, due to
differences between its eligibility conditions and those of federal employee pensions. Therefore, a future liability for pension
benefits is not recorded. These benefits are recognized as expenses when benefits are paid rather than when employee
services are rendered.
In accordance with 38 CFR § 17.36(c), the VA makes an annual enrollment decision that identifies which veterans, by
priority, will be treated for that fiscal year based on funds appropriated, estimated collections, usage, the severity index of
enrolled veterans, and changes in cost. While VA expects to continue to provide medical care to veterans in future years, an
estimate of this amount cannot be reasonably made. These medical care expenses are recognized in the period the medical
care services are provided.
The actuarial liability for FECA benefits is recorded at estimated PV of future benefits for injuries and deaths that have
already been incurred.
Gains and losses from changes in long-term assumptions used to estimate federal employee pensions, ORB, and OPEB
liabilities are reflected separately on the Statement of Net Cost and the components of the expense related to federal
employee pension, ORB, and OPEB liabilities are disclosed in Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable as
prescribed by SFFAS No. 33, Pensions, Other Retirement Benefits, and Other Postemployment Benefits: Reporting the Gains
and Losses from Changes in Assumptions and Selecting Discount Rates and Valuation Dates. In addition, SFFAS No. 33 also
provides a standard for selecting the discount rate assumption for PV estimates of federal employee pension, ORB, and
OPEB liabilities. See Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable for additional information.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 78
M. Environmental and Disposal Liabilities
Environmental and disposal liabilities are recorded at the estimated current cost of the cleanup plan, including the level
of restoration to be performed, the current legal or regulatory requirements, and the current technology. Cleanup costs are the
costs of removing, containing, or disposing of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is a solid, liquid, or gaseous waste that,
because of its quantity or concentration, presents a potential hazard to human health or the environment. Cleanup costs
include, but are not limited to, decontamination, decommissioning, site restoration, site monitoring, closure, and post-closure
costs. Where technology does not exist to clean up radioactive or hazardous waste, only the estimable portion of the liability
(typically monitoring and safe containment) is recorded. See Note 15—Environmental and Disposal Liabilities for additional
information.
N. Benefits Due and Payable
A liability for social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare, Railroad Retirement, Black Lung, and
Unemployment) is recognized for any unpaid amounts currently due and payable to beneficiaries or service providers as of
the reporting date. No liability is recognized for future benefit payments not yet due. See Note 16—Benefits Due and Payable
for additional information.
O. Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities
Insurance programs are authorized by law to financially compensate a designated population of beneficiaries by
accepting all or part of the risk for losses incurred as a result of an adverse event. Certain consolidation entities with
significant insurance and guarantee programs (i.e., PBGC, FDIC and FCSIC) apply FASB standards, and are not converted to
FASAB standards in consolidation, as permitted by SFFAS No. 47.
PBGC recognizes a single-employer program liability for trusteed, terminated and probable plan terminations. The
liability is PBGC’s best estimate of the losses, net of plan assets, and the PV of expected recoveries (from sponsors and
members of their controlled group) for plans that are likely to terminate in the future. PBGC recognizes a multiemployer
program liability for future financial assistance to insolvent plans and to plans deemed probable to becoming insolvent.
FDIC records a liability for FDIC-insured institutions that are likely to fail when the liability is probable and reasonably
estimable, absent some favorable event such as obtaining additional capital or merging. The FDIC liability is derived by
applying expected failure rates and loss rates to the institutions based on supervisory ratings, Balance Sheet characteristics,
and projected capital levels.
PBGC’s exposure to losses from plan terminations and FDIC’s exposure to losses from insured institutions that are
classified as reasonably possible are disclosed in Note 22—Contingencies.
All other insurance and guarantee programs are accounted for in the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with SFFAS No. 51, Insurance Programs.
Programs that administer direct loans and loan guarantees, qualify as social insurance, are authorized to engage in
disaster relief activities, provide grants, provide benefits or assistance based on an individual’s or a household income and/or
assets, assume the risk of loss arising from federal government operations, pay claims through an administrative or judicial
role for individuals or organizations who claim they have been harmed by a federal entity, indemnify contractors, agreement
partners, and other third parties for loss or damage incurred while or caused by work performed for a federal entity, or are
workers’ or occupational illness compensation programs that compensate current or former employees (or survivors) and
certain third parties for injuries and occupational diseases obtained while working for a federal entity are excluded from
insurance programs.
There are three categories of insurance programs: 1) exchange transaction insurance programs other than life insurance;
2) non-exchange transaction insurance programs; and 3) life insurance programs.
For exchange transaction insurance programs other than life insurance, revenues are recognized when earned over the
insurance arrangement period and liabilities are recognized for unearned premiums, unpaid insurance claims, and for losses
on remaining coverage. Losses on remaining coverage represent estimated amounts to be paid to settle claims for the period
after year-end through the end of insurance coverage in excess of the summation of unearned premiums and premiums due
after the end of the reporting period.
79 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For non-exchange transaction insurance programs, revenue is recognized the same as other non-exchange transaction
revenue, no unearned premium liability is recorded and a liability is only recognized for unpaid insurance claims.
For life insurance programs, revenue is recognized when due and liabilities are recognized for unpaid insurance claims
and future policy benefits. The liability for future policy benefits represents the expected PV of future claims to be paid to, or
on behalf of, existing policyholders, less the expected PV of future net premiums to be collected from those policyholders.
Life insurance programs are disclosed in Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable. See Note 17—Insurance
and Guarantee Program Liabilities for additional information.
P. Deferred Maintenance and Repairs
DM&R are maintenance and repairs that were not performed when they should have been or scheduled maintenance
and repairs that were delayed or postponed. Maintenance is the act of keeping fixed assets in acceptable condition, including
preventative maintenance, normal repairs, and other activities needed to preserve the assets, so they continue to provide
acceptable service and achieve their expected life. Maintenance and repairs exclude activities aimed at expanding the
capacity of assets or otherwise upgrading them to serve needs different from those originally intended. DM&R are not
expensed in the Statements of Net Cost or accrued as liabilities on the Balance Sheet. However, DM&R information is
disclosed in the unaudited RSI section of this report. Please see unaudited RSI—Deferred Maintenance and Repairs for
additional information including measurement methods.
Q. Commitments
Commitments reflect binding agreements that may result in the future expenditure of financial resources that are not
recognized or not fully recognized on the Balance Sheet and should be disclosed. Commitments may include, for example,
certain long-term leases, undelivered orders, P3s, international or other agreements in support of international economic
development, or agreements in support of financial market stability. See Note 21—Commitments for additional information.
R. Contingencies
Liabilities for contingencies are recognized on the Balance Sheet when both:
• A past transaction or event has occurred, and
• A future outflow or other sacrifice of resources is probable and measurable.
The estimated contingent liability may be a specific amount or a range of amounts. If some amount within the range is a
better estimate than any other amount within the range, then that amount is recognized. If no amount within the range is a
better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum amount in the range is recognized and the range and a description
of the nature of the contingency is disclosed.
A contingent liability is disclosed if any of the conditions for liability recognition do not meet the above criteria and
there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may be incurred. See Note 22—Contingencies for additional information.
S. Funds from Dedicated Collections
Generally, funds from dedicated collections are financed by specifically identified revenues, provided to the
government by non-federal sources, often supplemented by other financing sources that remain available over time. These
specifically identified revenues and other financing sources are required by statute to be used for designated activities,
benefits, or purposes, and must be accounted for separately from the government’s general revenues. The three required
criteria for a fund from dedicated collections are:
• A statute committing the government to use specifically identified revenues and/or other financing sources that are
originally provided to the government by a non-federal source only for designated activities, benefits, or purposes;
• Explicit authority for the fund to retain revenues and/or other financing sources not used in the current period for
future use to finance the designated activities, benefits, or purposes; and
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 80
• A requirement to account for and report on the receipt, use, and retention of the revenues and/or other financing
sources that distinguishes the fund from the government’s general revenues.
Funds from dedicated collections on the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position are presented on the
consolidated basis. The consolidated dedicated collections presentation eliminates balances and transactions between funds
from dedicated collections held by the entity. For additional information on funds from dedicated collections, see Note 23—
Funds from Dedicated Collections.
T. Sustainability Financial Statements
The sustainability financial statements were prepared based on the projected PV of the estimated future revenue and
estimated future expenditures, primarily on a cash basis, for a 75-year period.1 They include the SLTFP, covering all federal
government programs, and the SOSI and the SCSIA, covering social insurance programs (Social Security, Medicare,
Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung programs). These estimates are based on economic as well as demographic
assumptions presented in Notes 25—Social Insurance and 26—Long-Term Fiscal Projections. The sustainability financial
statements are not forecasts or predictions. The sustainability financial statements are designed to illustrate the relationship
between receipts and expenditures, if current policy is continued. For this purpose, the projections assume, among other
things, that scheduled social insurance benefit payments would continue after related trust funds are projected to be depleted,
contrary to current law, and that debt could continue to rise indefinitely without severe economic consequences.
SOSI and SCSIA are based on the selection of accounting policies and the application of significant accounting
estimates, some of which require management to make significant assumptions. Further, the estimates are based on current
conditions and expectations of future conditions. Actual results could differ materially from the estimated amounts. Each
statement includes information to assist in understanding the effect of changes in assumptions to the related information.
By accounting convention, General Fund transfers to Medicare Parts B and D reported in the SOSI are eliminated when
preparing the government-wide consolidated financial statements. The SOSI shows the projected General Fund transfer(s) as
eliminations that, under current law, would be used to finance the remainder of the expenditures in excess of revenues for
Medicare Parts B and D that is reported in the SOSI. The SLTFP include all revenues (including general revenues) of the
federal government.
U. Unmatched Transactions and Balances
The reconciliation of the change in net position requires that the difference between ending and beginning net position
equals the difference between revenue and cost, plus or minus prior-period adjustments. The unmatched transactions and
balances includes unmatched intra-governmental balances on the Balance Sheet and includes unmatched intra-governmental
current year transactions on the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position to reconcile the change in net position
to ensure beginning and ending net position equals the difference between revenue and cost, plus or minus prior-period
adjustments. Unresolved intra-governmental differences (i.e., unmatched transactions and balances) result in errors in the
consolidated financial statements. The ultimate effect on the accrual-based financial statements of resolving and correcting
these differences has not been fully determined and could be material.
The unmatched transactions and balances are needed to balance the accrual-based financial statements. The Statement
of Operations and Changes in Net Position and the Balance Sheet include specific lines for the unmatched transactions and
balances, while the unmatched transactions and balances are recorded in existing lines in the Statement of Net Cost. The
primary factors affecting this out of balance situation are:
• Unmatched intra-governmental transactions and balances between federal entities; and
• Errors and restatements in federal entities’ reporting.
As intra-governmental transactions and balances reduce to immaterial amounts, the corresponding individual lines in the
“Unmatched Transactions and Balances†table are adjusted to remove the differences for the fiscal year. Please refer to the
table of “Unmatched Transactions and Balances†in Other Information (Unaudited) for examples of the individual lines.
Materiality for these adjustments is considered in the absolute value, when at or below $0.1 billion.
Refer to the Other Information (unaudited)—Unmatched Transactions and Balances for additional information.
1 With the exception of the Black Lung program, which has a rolling 25-year projection period that begins on the September 30 valuation date each year.
81 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
V. Changes in Accounting Principle
A change in accounting principle results from either adopting a new accounting pronouncement or an entity adopting an
allowable alternative accounting principle on the basis that is preferable. Generally, as applicable, changes in accounting
principle are shown as an adjustment to beginning net position in the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position of
the period in which the change is implemented.
Adjustments to beginning net position in FY 2021 for changes in accounting principle was $0.7 billion, mostly due to
DOD’s continued implementation of SFFAS No. 48, Opening Balances for Inventory, Operating Materials and Supplies, and
Stockpile Materials and SFFAS No. 50, Establishing Opening Balances for General Property, Plant, and Equipment.
Also, in FY 2021 CAA required VA to record obligations for hospital care or medical services furnished at non-VA
facilities at the time of approval. VA accounted for this new authority as a retrospective change that is analogous to a change
in accounting principle by adjusting FY 2020 amounts on the Balance Sheet and other financial statements. These
restatements impacted the liabilities, costs, and net position of the government and are reflected on the following statements:
1) on the Balance Sheet, accounts payable, federal employee and veteran benefits payable, and net position for funds other
than those from dedicated collections; 2) on the Statement of Net Cost, gross cost; 3) on the Statement of Operations and
Changes in Net Position, funds other than those from dedicated collections and the total columns, net cost, and net position
end of period; and 4) on the Reconciliation of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit, net operating cost, federal employee
and veteran benefits payable, and accounts payable. In total, the government’s reported FY 2020 net cost increased by $0.2
billion and FY 2020 net position decreased by $0.1 billion as a result of VA’s retrospective changes. Refer also to the Note
12—Accounts Payable and Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable.
Adjustments to beginning net position in FY 2020 for changes in accounting principle was $12.5 billion between the
funds from dedicated collections and funds other than those from dedicated collections due to Note 23—Funds from
Dedicated Collections applying SFFAS No. 43, Funds from Dedicated Collections: Amending Statement of Federal
Financial Accounting Standards 27, Identifying and Reporting Earmarked Funds. SFFAS No. 43 is not a new standard but
does allow a reporting methodology change between combined (excluding eliminations between funds from dedicated
collections) and consolidated (including eliminations between funds from dedicated collections) when deemed necessary.
The reporting methodology was changed from combined in FY 2019 to consolidated in FY 2020. See Note 23—Funds from
Dedicated Collections for additional information.
W. Correction of Errors
Correction of errors in financial statements result from mathematical mistakes, mistakes in the application of accounting
principles, or oversight or misuse of facts that existed at the time financial statements were prepared. When preparing
comparative financial statements, if the material error occurred in the prior period presented and the effect is known, then the
affected line items of the prior period are restated.
DOD followed SFFAS No. 21, Reporting Corrections of Errors and Changes in Accounting Principle and corrected FY
2020 errors identified as part of a department-wide effort to improve financial reporting. These corrections resulted in
restatements of amounts in the consolidated financial statements, including a correction of error of $6.0 billion on the FY
2020 Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position. These restatements are reflected on the following statements: 1)
on the Balance Sheet; 2) on the Statement of Net Cost, gross cost; 3) on the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net
Position, funds other than those from dedicated collections and the total columns, net cost, unmatched transactions and
balances, correction of errors, and net position end of period; and 4) on the Reconciliation of Net Operating Cost and Budget
Deficit, net operating cost acquisition of capital assets, investments, inventory and related property, net, adjustment to
beginning net position, and all other reconciling items. In total, the government’s reported FY 2020 net cost increased by
$0.8 billion and FY 2020 net position increased by $4.9 billion. Refer also to Note 5—Inventory and Related Property, Net,
Note 6—General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net, Note 7—Investments, and Unmatched Transactions and Balances in
Other Information (unaudited).
For FY 2020, a restatement was made that decreased the other commitments for U.S. participation in the IMF reported
in Note 21—Commitments. Refer to the individual note for additional information.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 82
X. Changes in Presentation
Changes in presentation are done to improve clarity of the presentation of the Financial Report and include changes
since the prior year that are not the result of correction of errors or changes in accounting principles. In FY 2021, the
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position broke out the Unmatched transactions and balances from Net operating
(cost)/revenue line and is presented as a standalone line in the net position section. Also, in FY 2021 the Balance Sheet was
modified to present additional items separately including advances and prepayments, other deferred revenue, and liability for
advances and prepayments, which were previously reported in Note 11—Other Assets and Note 19—Other Liabilities.
Advances and prepayments is now reported in Note 10—Advances and Prepayments, other deferred revenue and liability for
advances and prepayments are reported in Note 18—Advances from Others and Deferred Revenue, and the corresponding
changes to Reconciliation of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit Statement. Further breakout of the all other reconciling
items for allocations of special drawing rights was included in the Reconciliation of Net Operating Cost and Budget Deficit
Statement. Statements of Changes in Cash Balance and Budget and Other Activities enhanced the presentation by breaking
out special purpose vehicle disbursements, repayments of special purpose vehicle investments, and allocations of special
drawing rights. In addition, refer to the following individual notes and other information for separate changes in presentation;
Note 5—Inventory and Related Property, Net, Note 7—Investments, Note 20—Collections and Refunds of Federal Revenue,
and Unmatched Transactions and Balances in Other Information (unaudited). The FY 2020 presentation was modified to
conform to the FY 2021 presentation. Refer to the individual notes and Other Information (unaudited) for additional
information.
Y. Fiduciary Activities
Fiduciary activities are the collection or receipt, as well as the management, protection, accounting, investment and
disposition by the government of cash or other assets in which non-federal individuals or entities have an ownership interest
that the government must uphold. Fiduciary cash and other fiduciary assets are not assets of the government and are not
recognized on the Balance Sheet. See Note 24—Fiduciary Activities, for additional information.
Z. Use of Estimates
The government has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues,
expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities to prepare these financial statements. There are a large number of factors
that affect these assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty arising from the likelihood
of future changes in general economic, regulatory, and market conditions. As such, actual results will differ from these
estimates and such differences may be material.
Significant transactions subject to estimates are included in the balance of loans receivable, net, federal employee and
veteran benefits payable, investments, investments in SPVs, investments in GSEs, tax receivables, loan guarantee liabilities,
depreciation, other actuarial liabilities, cost and earned revenue allocations, as well as contingencies and any related
recognized liabilities.
The government recognizes the sensitivity of credit reform modeling to slight changes in some model assumptions and
uses regular review of model factors, statistical modeling, and annual reestimates to reflect the most accurate cost of the
credit programs to the U.S. government. Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 loan receivables and loan guarantees are
disclosed in Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities.
Estimates are also used to determine the FV of investments in SPVs and GSEs. The FV of the SPV preferred equity
investments is estimated based on a discounted cash flow valuation methodology, whereby the primary input is the PV of the
projected annual cash flows associated with these investments. The value of the GSEs senior preferred stock is estimated by
first estimating the FV of the total equity of each GSE (which, in addition to the senior preferred stock, is comprised of other
equity instruments including common stock, common stock warrants, and junior preferred stock). The FV of the total equity
is based on a discounted cash flow valuation methodology, whereby the primary input is the PV of the projected quarterly
cash flows to equity holders. The FV of the GSEs’ other equity instruments are then deducted from its total equity, with the
remainder representing the FV of the senior preferred stock.
Factors impacting the FV of the GSE warrants include the nominal exercise price and the large number of potential
exercise shares, the market trading of the common stock that underlies the warrants as of September 30, the principal market,
83 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
and the market participants. Other factors impacting the FV include, the holding period risk related directly to the assumption
of the amount of time that it will take to sell the exercised shares without depressing the market. For additional information
on investments in SPVs and GSEs, see Note 8—Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles and Note 9—Investments in
Government-Sponsored Enterprises.
Treasury performs annual calculations, as of September 30, to assess the need for recording an estimated liability in
accordance with SFFAS No. 5, Accounting for Liabilities of The Federal Government, and to the government’s funding
commitment to the GSEs under the SPSPAs. For additional information on investments in GSEs and the amended SPSPAs,
see Note 9—Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises.
AA. Credit Risk
Credit risk is the potential, no matter how remote, for financial loss from a failure of a borrower or counterparty to
perform in accordance with underlying contractual obligations. The government takes on credit risk when it makes direct
loans or guarantees to non-federal entities, provides credits to foreign entities, or becomes exposed to institutions that engage
in financial transactions with foreign countries.
The government also takes on credit risk related to committed, but undisbursed direct loans, CARES Act Section 4003
COVID-19 credit program receivables, funding commitments to GSEs, CARES Act Section 4003 Section 13(3) funding
provided to CCF, MSF, MLF, TALF, and other activities. Many of these programs were developed or provided credit support
to the pandemic emergency relief programs of the Federal Reserve Board, to provide credit where borrowers are not able to
get access to credit with reasonable terms and conditions. These programs expose the government to potential costs and
losses. The extent of the risk assumed is described in more detail in the notes to the financial statements, and where
applicable, is factored into credit reform models and reflected in FV measurements.
AB. Treaties and Other International Agreements
For financial reporting purposes, treaties and other international agreements may be understood as falling into three
broad categories:
• No present or contingent obligation to provide goods, services, or financial support;
• Present obligation to provide goods, services, or financial support; or
• Contingent obligation to provide goods, services, or financial support.
The proper financial reporting of treaties and other international agreements depends on the probable future outflow or
other sacrifice of resources as a result of entering into the agreement.
In many cases, treaties and other international agreements establish frameworks that govern cooperative activities with
other countries, but leave to the discretion of the parties whether to engage in any such activities. In other cases, the
agreements may contemplate specific cooperative activities, but create no present or contingent obligations to engage in
them. Cooperative activities relevant to these treaties and other international agreements fall under the first category, which
does not result in the U.S. government incurring any financial liability. Since these treaties and other international agreements
have no financial impact, they are not reported or disclosed in this Financial Report.
Some treaties and other international agreements fall under the second category, and involve a present obligation, and
therefore result in liability recognition. Such present obligation may relate to the U.S. government providing financial and in-
kind support, including assessed contributions, voluntary contributions, grants, and other assistance to international
organizations in which it participates as a member. Examples of such agreements include those that establish international
organizations under which the U.S. government undertakes obligations to pay assessed dues to the organization; grant
agreements under which the U.S. government provides foreign assistance funds to other countries; and claims settlement
agreements under which the U.S. government agrees to pay specific sums of money to settle claims. For additional
information related to treaties and other international agreements that fall under the second category, refer to Note 21—
Commitments.
The last category encompasses those treaties or other international agreements which result in contingencies that may
require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. Such contingencies may stem from commitments in a treaty or
other international agreement to provide goods, services, or financial support when a future event occurs, or from litigation,
claims, or assessments forged by other parties to the agreement. For additional information related to treaties and other
international agreements that fall under the last category, refer to Note 22—Contingencies.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 84
AC. Public-Private Partnerships
Federal P3s are risk-sharing arrangements or transactions with expected lives greater than five years between public and
private sector entities. Such arrangements or transactions provide a service or an asset for government and/or general public
use where in addition to the sharing of resources, each party shares in the risks and rewards of said arrangements or
transactions. The P3s that are deemed material to the consolidated financial statements and have met the criteria of SFFAS
No. 49, Public-Private Partnerships, are disclosed. See Note 29—Public-Private Partnerships for additional information.
85 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2. Cash and Other Monetary Assets
Cash and Other Monetary Assets as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Unrestricted cash:
Cash held by Treasury for government-wide operations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 198.4 1,769.8
Other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5.7 5.0
Restricted …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 46.0 40.8
Total cash ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 250.1 1,815.6
International monetary assets ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 197.0 83.3
Gold and silver ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11.1 11.1
Foreign currency ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16.8 16.9
Total cash and other monetary assets …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 475.0 1,926.9
Unrestricted cash includes cash held by Treasury for government-wide operations (Operating Cash) and all other
unrestricted cash held by the federal entities. Operating Cash represents balances from tax collections, federal debt receipts,
and other various receipts net of cash outflows for federal debt repayments and other payments. Treasury checks outstanding
are netted against Operating Cash until they are cleared by the FR System. Other unrestricted cash not included in Treasury’s
Operating Cash balance includes balances representing cash, cash equivalents, and other funds held by entities, such as
undeposited collections, deposits in transit, demand deposits, amounts held in trust, and imprest funds. Operating Cash held
by Treasury decreased by $1,571.4 billion (a decrease of approximately 88.8 percent) in FY 2021 due to Treasury
maintaining an elevated cash balance in FY 2020 to maintain prudent liquidity in light of the size and relative uncertainty of
COVID-19 related outflows, combined with needing to reduce the cash balance to well under Treasury’s prudent policy level
at the end of FY 2021 due to debt ceiling constraints.
Restrictions on cash are due to the imposition on cash deposits by law, regulation, or agreement. Restricted cash is
primarily composed of cash held by the SAA, which executes Foreign Military Sales. The SAA included $38.6 billion and
$34.1 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
International monetary assets include the U.S. reserve position in the IMF and U.S. holdings of SDR. The U.S. reserve
position in the IMF had a U.S. dollar equivalent of $32.7 billion and $31.2 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020,
respectively. Only a portion of the U.S. financial subscription to the IMF is made in the form of reserve assets; the remainder
is provided in the form of a letter of credit. The balance available under the letter of credit totaled $83.0 billion and $85.0
billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020 respectively. The total amount of SDR holdings of the U.S. was the equivalent of
$163.9 billion and $51.7 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively. This increase was due to Treasury
receiving an additional 79.5 billion SDR valued at $112.8 billion in response to the global economic stress caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic. For more information regarding the U.S. participation in the IMF and SDR, see Treasury’s financial
statements and Note 28—Disclosure Entities and Related Parties.
Gold is valued at the statutory price of $42.2222 per fine troy ounce. The number of fine troy ounces of gold was
261,498,927 as of September 30, 2021, and 2020. The market value of gold on the London Fixing was $1,743 and $1,887 per
fine troy ounce as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively. In addition, silver is valued at the statutory price of
$1.2929 per fine troy ounce. The number of fine troy ounces of silver was 16,000,000 as of September 30, 2021, and 2020.
The market value of silver on the London Fixing was $21.53 and $23.73 per fine troy ounce as of September 30, 2021, and
2020, respectively. Gold totaling $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, was pledged as collateral for gold
certificates issued and authorized to the FRBs by the Secretary of the Treasury. Gold certificates were valued at $11.0 billion
as of September 30, 2021, and 2020. Treasury may redeem the gold certificates at any time. Please refer to the financial
statements of Treasury for additional information regarding gold reserves and Treasury’s liability for gold.
The foreign currency is maintained by Treasury’s ESF and various U.S. federal entities as well as foreign banks.
Foreign currency is translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at fiscal year-end.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 86
Note 3. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts Receivable, Net as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Taxes receivable:
Taxes receivable, gross ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 507.8 441.9
Allowance for uncollectible amounts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (196.6) (198.7)
Taxes receivable, net…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 311.2 243.2
Other accounts receivable:
Other accounts receivable, gross …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 140.7 113.0
Allowance for uncollectible amounts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (50.9) (35.0)
Other accounts receivable, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 89.8 78.0
Total accounts receivable, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 401.0 321.2
Taxes receivable is listed first above due to being the significant portion of total accounts receivable, and the rest are
referred to as other accounts receivable. Other accounts receivable, gross includes related interest receivable of $3.0 billion
and $2.8 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Treasury comprises approximately 76.0 percent of the government’s reported accounts receivable, net, as of September
30, 2021. Treasury accounts for nearly all the reported taxes receivable, which consist of unpaid assessments due from
taxpayers, unpaid taxes related to IRC section 965, and deferred payments resulting from the CARES Act. Examples of
unpaid assessments are the filing of a tax return without sufficient payment or a court ruling in favor of the IRS. Section
965(h) of the IRC requires taxpayers who are shareholders of certain specified foreign corporations to pay a transition tax on
foreign earnings as if those earnings had been repatriated to the U.S. IRC 965(h) allows taxpayers to elect to pay their tax on
an eight-year installment schedule. Pursuant to the CARES Act, employers can defer payment, without penalty, of their
portions of the Social Security segment of FICA and the employer’s and employee representative’s share of the Railroad
Retirement Tax. Treasury experienced a year to year increase of $67.0 billion principally due to the two-year payment
deferral of FICA Social Security taxes.
Other accounts receivable, gross increased significantly year to year, primarily as a result of DOL’s $18.6 billion
increase in benefit overpayments from programs related to COVID-19. Another substantial factor in the overall change was a
$7.0 billion increase in HHS receivables primarily due to Medicare.
The following entities are the main contributors to the government’s reported accounts receivable, net as of September
30, 2021. Refer to each entity’s financial statements for additional information:
• Treasury • DOD • TVA
• HHS • USDA • FDIC
• DHS • VA • HUD
• SSA • PBGC • USPS
• DOL • DOE • NCUA
• DOI • OPM • FCC
87 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 4. Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities
Loans Receivable, Net as of September 30, 2021
(In billions of dollars)
Loans
Receivable,
Gross
Interest
Receivable
Foreclosed
Property
Subsidy
Cost
Allowance
Loans
Receivable,
Net
Subsidy
Expense
(Income)
for the
Fiscal Year
Federal Direct Student Loans –
Education …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,292.2 86.5 – (273.9) 1,104.8 93.9
Disaster Assistance Loans –
SBA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 249.2 7.5 – (12.6) 244.1 2.9
Federal Family Education Loans
– Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 82.0 23.9 – (47.7) 58.2 0.6
Electric Loans – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 51.0 – – (2.6) 48.4 (0.8)
Rural Housing Services – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23.0 1.1 0.1 (2.5) 21.7 (0.1)
Federal Housing Admin Loans –
HUD ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 46.2 19.9 0.6 (17.6) 49.1 –
All other programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 136.4 2.1 0.8 (14.6) 124.7 1.4
Total loans receivable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,880.0 141.0 1.5 (371.5) 1,651.0 97.9
Loans Receivable, Net as of September 30, 2020
(In billions of dollars)
Loans
Receivable,
Gross
Interest
Receivable
Foreclosed
Property
Subsidy
Cost
Allowance
Loans
Receivable,
Net
Subsidy
Expense
(Income)
for the
Fiscal Year
Federal Direct Student Loans –
Education …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,224.8 92.1 – (216.4) 1,100.5 100.9
Disaster Assistance Loans –
SBA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 185.3 1.8 – (5.6) 181.5 5.4
Federal Family Education Loans
– Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 84.8 24.1 – (41.5) 67.4 2.2
Electric Loans – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48.9 – – (2.9) 46.0 0.9
Rural Housing Services – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23.6 1.2 – (3.0) 21.8 –
Federal Housing Admin Loans –
HUD ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 41.9 17.8 0.8 (17.1) 43.4 –
All other programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 130.9 2.3 0.7 (17.1) 116.8 0.1
Total loans receivable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,740.2 139.3 1.5 (303.6) 1,577.4 109.5
Loans receivable consists primarily of direct loans disbursed by the government, receivables related to guaranteed loans
that have defaulted, and certain receivables for guaranteed loans that the government has purchased from lenders. Direct
loans are used to promote the nation’s welfare by making financing available to segments of the population not served
adequately by non-federal institutions, or otherwise providing for certain activities or investments. For those unable to afford
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 88
credit at the market rate, federal credit programs provide subsidies in the form of direct loans offered at an interest rate lower
than the market rate.
The amount of the long-term cost of post-1991 direct loans equals the subsidy cost allowance for direct loans as of
September 30. The amount of the long-term cost of pre-1992 direct loans equals the allowance for subsidy amounts (or PV
allowance) for direct loans. The long-term cost is based on all direct loans disbursed in this fiscal year and previous years that
are outstanding as of September 30. It includes the subsidy cost of these direct loans estimated as of the time of loan
disbursement and subsequent adjustments such as modifications, reestimates, amortizations, and write-offs.
Loans receivable, net includes related interest and foreclosed property. Foreclosed property is property that is
transferred from borrowers to a federal credit program, through foreclosure or other means, in partial or full settlement of
post-1991 direct loans or as compensation for losses that the government sustained under post-1991 loan guarantees. Please
refer to the financial statements of HUD, USDA, and VA for additional information regarding foreclosed property.
The total subsidy expense/(income) is the cost recognized during the fiscal year. It consists of the subsidy
expense/(income) incurred for direct loans disbursed during the fiscal year, for modifications made during the fiscal year of
direct loans outstanding, and for upward or downward reestimates as of the end of the fiscal year. This expense/(income) is
included in the Statements of Net Cost.
Loans Receivable Programs
The majority of loans receivable programs are provided by Education, SBA, USDA, and HUD. For additional
information regarding the direct loan programs listed in the tables above, please refer to the financial statements of the
entities.
Education has loan programs that are authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The William D. Ford
Federal Direct Loan Program (referred to as the Direct Loan Program), was established in FY 1994 and offered four types of
educational loans: Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, and consolidation loans. With
this program, the government makes loans directly to students and parents through participating institutions of higher
education. Education disbursed approximately $104.8 billion in direct loans to eligible borrowers in FY 2021 and
approximately $117.4 billion in FY 2020. The COVID-19 relief legislation and administrative actions provided support for
student loan borrowers by temporarily suspending nearly all federal student loan payments interest free. In addition, all
federal wage garnishments and collections actions for borrowers with federally held loan in default were halted.
The SBA makes loans to microloan intermediaries and provides a direct loan program that assists homeowners, renters
and businesses recover from disasters. The CARES Act provides funding for SBA to offer low-interest EIDLs for working
capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 that can be used to pay fixed debts,
payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. These receivables increased to
$245.4 billion during FY 2021, stemming from a $62.7 billion increase in COVID-19 EIDLs.
USDA’s Rural Development offers direct loans with unique missions to bring prosperity and opportunity to rural areas.
The Rural Housing programs provide affordable, safe, and sanitary housing and essential community facilities to rural
communities. Rural Utility programs help improve the quality of life in rural areas through a variety of loan programs for
electric energy, telecommunications, and water and environmental projects.
HUD’s Office of Housing plays a vital role for the nation’s homebuyers, homeowners, renters, and communities
through its nationally administered programs. It includes FHA who administers active mortgage insurance programs which
are designed to make mortgage financing more accessible to the home-buying public and developers/owners of rental
housing and healthcare facilities. FHA insures private lenders against loss on mortgages which finance single family homes,
multifamily projects, healthcare facilities, property improvements, and manufactured homes. Prior to 1990, the Office of
Housing also provided direct loans for construction and rehabilitation of housing projects for the elderly and persons with
disabilities. Due to COVID-19 the CARES Act provided borrowers with federally backed mortgage loans a 60-day
foreclosure and eviction moratorium and a right to forbearance of loan payments for up to one year for homeowners
experiencing financial hardship. HUD and other federal entities extended the foreclosure and eviction moratorium
administratively through September 30, 2021, and extended the forbearance period for some borrowers to a maximum of 18
months.
89 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Loan Guarantee Liabilities as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Loan Guarantee
Liabilities
Principal Amount
of Loans Under
Guarantee
Principal
Amount
Guaranteed
by the U.S.
Subsidy Expense
(Income) for the
Fiscal Year
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Federal Housing Administration
Loans – HUD ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (17.9) (6.3) 1,503.6 1,544.4 1,344.4 1,379.7 (25.2) (20.6)
Veterans Housing Benefit
Programs – VA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10.9 7.3 862.2 816.0 218.3 206.3 0.6 (2.3)
Small Business Loans …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 227.8 512.7 459.6 646.0 435.3 621.7 296.8 526.8
Federal Family Education Loans
– Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.3 0.9 116.9 128.9 116.9 128.9 10.1 (3.5)
Rural Housing Services – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (1.1) 0.7 123.4 127.9 111.1 115.0 (2.3) 0.7
All other guaranteed loan
programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.7 4.8 85.2 93.9 79.8 88.8 (0.9) (0.2)
Total loan guarantee liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 230.7 520.1 3,150.9 3,357.1 2,305.8 2,540.4 279.1 500.9
Loan guarantee programs are also used to promote the nation’s welfare by making financing available to segments of
the population not served adequately by non-federal institutions, or otherwise providing for certain activities or investments.
For those to whom non-federal financial institutions are reluctant to grant credit because of the high risk involved, federal
credit programs guarantee the payment of these non-federal loans and absorb the cost of defaults.
The amount of the long-term cost of post-1991 loan guarantees outstanding equals the liability for loan guarantees as of
September 30. The amount of the long-term cost of pre-1992 loan guarantees equals the allowance for subsidy amounts (or
PV allowance) and the liability for loan guarantees. The long-term cost is based on all guaranteed loans disbursed in this
fiscal year and previous years that are outstanding as of September 30. It includes the subsidy cost of the loan guarantees
estimated as of the time of loan disbursement and subsequent adjustments such as modifications, reestimates, amortizations,
and write-offs.
The total subsidy expense/(income) is the cost of loan guarantees recognized during the fiscal year. It consists of the
subsidy expense/(income) incurred for guaranteed loans disbursed during the fiscal year, for modifications made during the
fiscal year of loan guarantees outstanding, and for upward or downward reestimates as of the end of the fiscal year of the cost
of loan guarantees outstanding. This expense/(income) is included in the Statements of Net Cost.
Loan Guarantee Liability Programs
The majority of the loan guarantee programs are provided by HUD, VA, SBA, Education and USDA. For additional
information regarding the guaranteed loan programs listed in the tables above, please refer to the financial statements of the
entities.
HUD’s Office of Housing promotes equal housing opportunities. It includes FHA who provides mortgage insurance on
mortgages for single family mortgage loans made by FHA-approved lenders and strives to meet the needs of many first-time
and minority homebuyers who, without the FHA guarantee, may find mortgage credit to be unaffordable or simply
unavailable.
VA operates the following loan guarantee programs: Housing Guaranteed Loans and Loan Sale Guarantees. The Home
Loans program provides loan guarantees to veterans, service members, qualifying dependents, and limited non-veterans to
purchase homes and retain homeownership with favorable market terms. During FY 2021, the face value of outstanding
principal on loans guaranteed by the VA increased by $46.2 billion. This increase was primarily due to $394.5 billion in new
loans guaranteed by the VA, partially offset by $225.3 billion in guaranteed loan terminations.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 90
The SBA provides guarantees that help small businesses obtain bank loans and licensed companies to make investments
in qualifying small businesses. The loan guarantee PPP provides loan forgiveness for amounts used for eligible expenses for
payroll and benefit costs, interest on mortgages, and rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured
property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
The loan guarantee liability for Small Business Loan Programs which includes the PPP decreased by $284.9 billion due to
PPP loan forgiveness that started taking place in FY 2021.
Education has loan programs that are authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The FFEL Program
was established in FY 1965 and operates through state and private, nonprofit guaranty agencies that provided loan guarantees
on loans made by private lenders to eligible students. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which was enacted as
part of the Health Care Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152), eliminated the authority to guarantee new
FFEL after June 30, 2010. The COVID-19 relief legislation and administrative actions provided support for student loan
borrowers by temporarily suspending nearly all federal student loan payments interest-free. In addition, all federal wage
garnishments and collections actions for borrowers with federally held loan in default were halted.
USDA’s Rural Development offers guaranteed loans with unique missions to bring prosperity and opportunity to rural
areas. The Rural Housing programs provide affordable, safe, and sanitary housing and essential community facilities to rural
communities.
For additional information regarding the CARES Act refer to the financial statements of SBA, Education, HUD and
Note 30—COVID-19 Activity.
91 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5. Inventory and Related Property, Net
Inventory and Related Property, Net as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Restated
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Inventory held for current sale ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 72.1 69.6
Inventory held in reserve for future sale ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.9 1.0
Inventory and operating material and supplies held for repair ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 77.1 57.8
Inventory—excess, obsolete, and unserviceable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.7 0.6
Operating materials and supplies held for use ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 158.2 149.0
Operating materials and supplies held in reserve for future use ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 28.6 43.0
Operating materials and supplies-excess, obsolete, and unserviceable ………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.7 3.1
Stockpile materials held in reserve for future use ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58.6 55.1
Stockpile materials held for sale ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7.0 7.5
Other related property …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4.5 5.3
Allowance for loss ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (9.2) (10.1)
Total inventory and related property, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 399.2 381.9
Inventory is tangible personal property that is either held for sale, in the process of production for sale, or to be
consumed in the production of goods for sale or in the provision of services for a fee. For FY 2021, a change in presentation
was identified. For FY 2021, inventory held in reserve for future sale is included as a separate amount in the table.
Inventory is categorized as one of the following:
• Held for current sale – includes items currently for sale or transfer to either entities outside the federal government,
or other federal entities.
• Held in reserve for future sale – includes items being held for sale or transfer to either entities outside the federal
government or other federal entities in the future.
• Held for repair – items that require servicing to make them suitable for sale or use. Inventory held for repair may be
treated in one of two ways: the allowance method or the direct method. Under the allowance method, inventory held
for repair is valued at the same value as a serviceable item. Under the direct method, inventory held for repair is
valued at the same value as a serviceable item less the estimated repair costs.
• Excess – stock that exceeds the demand expected in the normal course of operations because the amount on hand is
more than can be sold in the foreseeable future and that does not meet management’s criteria to be held in reserve
for future sale or use.
• Obsolete – items that are no longer needed due to changes in technology, laws, customs, or operations.
• Unserviceable – damaged items that are more economical to dispose of than to repair.
OM&S consists of tangible personal property to be consumed in normal operations and is categorized as one of the
above categories or in the additional listed category below:
• Held in reserve for future sale or use – items maintained because they are not readily available in the market or
because there is more than a remote chance that they will eventually be needed.
Stockpile materials are strategic and critical materials held due to statutory requirements for use in national defense,
conservation, or local/national emergencies. Refer to the financial statements of DOD, DOE and HHS for additional
information regarding stockpile materials.
Before selling any stockpile material, Congress must enact specific enabling legislation. When stockpile material is
authorized to be sold federal entities reclassify the material from held in reserve to held for sale and disclose as stockpile
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 92
material held for sale. Stockpile material held for sale includes ores, metals, alloys, and medical supplies authorized for sale.
Other related property consists of the following:
• Forfeited property consists of monetary instruments, intangible property, real property, and tangible personal
property acquired through forfeiture proceedings; property acquired by the government to satisfy a tax liability; and
unclaimed and abandoned merchandise. Please refer to the financial statements of DOJ and Treasury for additional
information regarding forfeited property.
• Goods acquired under price support and stabilization programs are referred to as commodities. Commodities are
items of commerce or trade having an exchange value. Please refer to the financial statements of USDA for
additional information regarding commodities.
• Seized property includes monetary instruments, real property and tangible personal property of others in the actual
or constructive possession of the custodial entity. For additional information on seized property, refer to the
financial statements of DOJ and Treasury.
• Foreclosed property consists of any asset received in satisfaction of a loan receivable or as a result of payment of a
claim under a guaranteed or insured loan (excluding commodities acquired under price support programs). For
additional information on foreclosed property, see Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities.
Also refer to the financial statements of USDA, VA, and HUD for additional information regarding foreclosed
property.
DOD comprises approximately 81.9 percent of the government’s inventory and related property, net, as of September
30, 2021. DOD followed SFFAS No. 21, Reporting Corrections of Errors and Changes in Accounting Principles and
corrected FY 2020 errors identified during the standalone audits of twenty-six component entities. As a result, FY 2020
OM&S has been restated to reflect the increase of $2.2 billion reported by DOD.
The following entities are the main contributors to the government’s reported inventory and related property, net of
$399.2 billion as of September 30, 2021. Refer to each entity’s financial statements for additional information.
• DOD
• DOE
• Treasury
• HHS
• DHS
93 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 6. General Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
General Property, Plant, and Equipment, net as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Cost
Accumulated
Depreciation/
Amortization Net Cost
Accumulated
Depreciation/
Amortization Net
Restated
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Buildings, structures, and facilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 674.1 381.3 292.8 791.5 487.9 303.6
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,424.3 846.1 578.2 1,390.7 809.6 581.1
Construction in progress ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 243.5 N/A 243.5 201.2 N/A 201.2
Internal use software …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 61.3 38.3 23.0 56.8 35.4 21.4
Land………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22.3 N/A 22.3 22.1 N/A 22.1
Other general property, plant, and equipment …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33.1 16.0 17.1 30.5 20.0 10.5
Total general property, plant, and equipment,
net ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2,458.6 1,281.7 1,176.9 2,492.8 1,352.9 1,139.9
Note: “N/A” indicates not applicable.
DOD comprises approximately 68.8 percent of the government’s reported general PP&E, as of September 30, 2021.
DOD continues to implement SFFAS No. 50, Establishing Opening Balances for General Property, Plant, and Equipment
which permits alternative methods in establishing opening balances for general PP&E and has elected to exclude land and
land rights. The total acreage excluded was 23,566,363 as of September 30, 2021 and 23,521,368 as of September 30, 2020.
DOD followed SFFAS No. 21, Reporting Corrections of Errors and Changes in Accounting Principles and corrected FY
2020 errors identified during the standalone audits of 26 component entities. As a result, FY 2020 total PP&E is restated to
reflect the decrease of $5.1 billion reported by DOD for the net book value of buildings, structures, facilities, construction-in-
progress, and other general PP&E.
The following entities are the main contributors to the government’s reported general PP&E net of $1,176.9 billion as of
September 30, 2021. Please refer to each entity’s financial statements for additional information.
• DOD
• DOE
• GSA
• DOC
• Treasury
• HHS
• DOI
• USPS
• DHS
• SI
• SSA
• NASA
• VA
• TVA
• State
• DOJ
• DOT
Certain PP&E are multi-use heritage assets, see Note 27—Stewardship Property, Plant, and Equipment for additional
information on multi-use heritage assets.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 94
Note 7. Investments
Investments as of September 30, 2021
(In billions of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other Total
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation:
Asset backed/mortgage backed securities………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 8.7 – – 8.7
Corporate bonds and other …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 24.4 – – 24.4
International fixed maturity securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – 7.9 – – 7.9
Equity securities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.5 0.1 – 13.2 15.8
Pooled funds ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.1 – – 5.9 6.0
Real estate and real estate investment trusts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.7 – – 0.5 2.2
Other securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – 7.3 0.2 2.7 10.2
Total Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.3 48.4 0.2 22.3 75.2
National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust:
U.S. equity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8.4 – – – 8.4
Non-U.S. equity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6.8 – – – 6.8
Private equity …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 4.0 4.0
Global fixed income …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.1 2.7 – 0.5 3.3
Global real assets……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.5 – – 2.2 2.7
Absolute return mandates …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 0.9 0.9
Opportunistic mandates ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 0.7 0.7
Total National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15.8 2.7 – 8.3 26.8
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Tennessee Valley Authority:
Commingled funds measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 3.0 3.0
Equity securities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.6 – – – 1.6
Corporate debt securities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 1.8 – – 1.8
Private equity measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – 1.7 1.7
Private real assets measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 1.0 1.0
Private credit measured at net asset value ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 0.4 0.4
Other securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1.5 1.5 0.1 0.5 3.6
Total Tennessee Valley Authority …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.1 3.3 0.1 6.6 13.1
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Department of the Treasury …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5.3 – – – 5.3
Department of Defense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 11.4 11.4
Smithsonian Institution …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.5 – – 2.4 2.9
All other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 0.1 0.4 0.5
Total investments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29.0 54.4 0.4 51.4 135.2
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
95 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investments as of September 30, 2020
(In billions of dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other
Restated
Total
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation:
Asset backed/mortgage backed securities………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 5.3 – – 5.3
Corporate bonds and other …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 20.6 – – 20.6
International fixed maturity securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – 9.2 – – 9.2
Equity securities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.8 0.9 – 20.2 23.9
Pooled funds ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.1 – – 0.8 0.9
Real estate and real estate investment trusts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.5 – – 1.3 2.8
Other securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – 10.3 – 2.4 12.7
Total Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.4 46.3 – 24.7 75.4
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust:
U.S. equity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.0 – – – 6.0
Non-U.S. equity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6.0 – – – 6.0
Private equity …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 2.8 2.8
Global fixed income …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.1 3.6 – 0.4 4.1
Global real assets……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.9 – – 2.2 3.1
Absolute return mandates …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 1.6 1.6
Total National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13.0 3.6 – 7.0 23.6
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Tennessee Valley Authority:
Commingled funds measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 2.4 2.4
Equity securities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.2 – – – 2.2
Corporate debt securities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – 1.8 – – 1.8
Private equity measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – 1.2 1.2
Private real assets measured at net asset value ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 0.8 0.8
Private credit measured at net asset value ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 0.2 0.2
Other securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.6 1.1 0.1 0.6 2.4
Total Tennessee Valley Authority …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.8 2.9 0.1 5.2 11.0
Department of the Treasury …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5.8 – – – 5.8
Department of Defense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 11.4 11.4
Smithsonian Institution …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.4 – – 1.8 2.2
All other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – 0.4 0.4
Total investments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26.4 52.8 0.1 50.5 129.8
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 96
PBGC, NRRIT, TVA, and Smithsonian Institution apply financial accounting and reporting standards issued by FASB
and such entities, as permitted by SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity are consolidated into the U.S. government’s consolidated
financial statements without conversion to accounting and reporting standards issued by the FASAB. PBGC, NRRIT, and
TVA also hold investments in Treasury securities which are not included in the above tables, as such investments are
eliminated in consolidation.
In FY 2021, a change in presentation occurred to provide clarity and traceability. The investment table reports security
level detail using FV measurement by entity and the table reporting securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, and
trading securities was removed.
DOD restated their FY 2020 other investments to $11.4 billion due to the investments being understated by $7.9 billion
previously. The correction was due to recording of the value of real property non-cash assets conveyed under long-standing
MHPI agreements, generally at the beginning of the individual agreement.
PBGC ensures pension benefits of participants in covered single-employer and multiemployer defined benefit pension
plans and values its financial assets at estimated FV consistent with the standards issued by FASB for pension plans. PBGC’s
investments are used to pay future benefits of covered participants.
NRRIT on behalf of the RRB, manages and invests railroad retirement assets that are to be used to pay retirement
benefits to the nation’s railroad workers under the RRP. As an investment company, NRRIT is subject to accounting
standards for investment companies issued by FASB.
TVA’s investments consist of amounts held in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust, Asset Retirement Trust,
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan. TVA’s qualified benefit pension plan is funded
with qualified plan assets.
Treasury’s investments consist of foreign currency holdings invested in interest bearing securities issued or held through
foreign governments or monetary authorities and include held-to-maturity debt and equity securities that are valued at net
investment.
Certain other investments reported by DOD represent joint ventures with private developers constructing or improving
military housing on behalf of the department.
Please refer to PBGC, NRRIT, TVA, Treasury, DOD, and Smithsonian’s financial statements for additional information
on these investments and FV measurement.
Fair Value Measurement
Investments are recorded at FV and have been categorized based upon a FV hierarchy, in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 820. FV is a market-based measurement. For some assets, observable market transactions or market information might
be available. For other assets, observable market transactions and market information might not be available. However, the
objective of a FV measurement in both cases is the same–to estimate the price at which an orderly transaction to sell the asset
would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions.
When a price for an identical asset is not observable, a reporting entity measures FV using another valuation technique
that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. Because FV is a market-
based measurement, it is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset,
including assumptions about risk. As a result, a reporting entity’s intention to hold an asset is not relevant when measuring
FV.
The measurement of FV of an asset is categorized with different levels of FV hierarchy as follows:
• Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the reporting entity can access at the
measurement date.
• Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included with Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or
indirectly.
• Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset.
• Other—This category is not part of the FV hierarchy and contains certain investments that are measured at FV using
NAV per share useful method, joint ventures, and held to maturity debt securities measured at amortized cost. Please
refer to PBGC, NRRIT, and TVA’s financial statements for additional information on investments priced by NAV
share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and DOD’s financial statements for additional information about joint
ventures.
97 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 8. Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles
Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles as of September 30, 2021
Cumulative
Gross Valuation
(In billions of dollars) Investments Gain (Loss) Fair Value
Main Street Lending Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16.6 (1.0) 15.6
Municipal Liquidity Facility ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6.3 0.2 6.5
Term Assets Lending Facility ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.5 – 3.5
Total investments in Special Purpose Vehicles 26.4 (0.8) 25.6
Common stock warrants1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.8
Total………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26.4
1Investments in common stock warrants are included due to the nature of funding and purpose of financial assistance to provide payroll
support to aviation workers during the pandemic. Common stock warrants gross investment cost is $0.9 billion.
Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles as of September 30, 2020
Cumulative
Gross Valuation
(In billions of dollars) Investments Gain (Loss) Fair Value
Corporate Credit Facilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37.5 (0.1) 37.4
Main Street Lending Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37.5 (4.3) 33.2
Municipal Liquidity Facility ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17.5 (0.2) 17.3
Term Assets Lending Facility ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10.0 (0.1) 9.9
Commercial Paper Funding Facility ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10.0 0.1 10.1
Total investments in Special Purpose Vehicles 112.5 (4.6) 107.9
Common stock warrants1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.5
Total………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 108.4
1Investments in common stock warrants are included due to the nature of funding and purpose of financial assistance to provide payroll
support to aviation workers during the pandemic. Common stock warrants gross investment cost is $0.4 billion
Pursuant to the CARES Act enacted in FY 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government invested in
SPVs established by the Federal Reserve Board through the FRBNY and FRBB for the purpose of enhancing the liquidity of
the U.S. financial system. SPV investments are accounted for as equity investments at FV, rather than as direct loans, as these
instruments do not meet the criteria of SFFAS No. 2, Accounting for Direct Loans and Loan Guarantees. Accordingly,
changes in the FV of these investments are recorded as gains or losses. In FY 2021, SPV gross investments decreased by
$86.1 billion partly from the result of Treasury and the Federal Reserve canceling or amending four of the five SPV
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 98
agreements, and the Federal Reserve returning $62.2 billion in equity investments to Treasury. The Federal Reserve also sold
its remaining investment in two of the SPVs and returned an additional $23.9 billion in equity investments to Treasury.
The FV of SPV equity investments is determined by using available market pricing data, risk-free discount rates, market
pricing of floating interest-rate swaps, and contractual instrument terms to estimate scenario-specific, risk-neutral cash flows
for the SPVs. For determining market pricing data, active market prices for the CCF and TALF programs that own publicly
traded securities, Bloomberg estimated prices for the MLF program which owns securities that do not have active market
prices but have estimated prices in Bloomberg, or market prices for baskets of comparable publicly traded bonds for the MSF
program, based on relevant bond attributes such as instrument credit rating, time to maturity, issuer industry, coupon rate, and
call provisions. Contractual instrument terms and market derived, risk-neutral loss rates and, where applicable, market
pricing of floating interest-rate swaps are used to estimate scenario specific, risk-neutral cash flows which are discounted
using risk-free discount rates.
In deriving the FV of SPV investments, Treasury relied upon market observed prices for SPV purchased assets and
collateral, market prices for comparable assets, asset valuations performed by third parties, historical asset data, discussions
with subject matter experts within Treasury, and other information pertinent to the valuation were relied on. Because the
instruments are not publicly traded, there is no comparable trading information available. The fair valuations rely on
significant unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about the expectations that market participants would use in pricing.
Under SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity criteria, SPVs were owned or established by the federal government. The
relationship with the federal government represents non-permanent intervention designed to help mitigate the economic
impacts. These entities are classified as disclosure entities based on their characteristics as a whole. Accordingly, these
entities are not consolidated into the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements; however, the value of the
investments in these entities, changes in value, and related activity with these entities are included in the U.S. government’s
consolidated financial statements.
The SPVs invest certain funds in Treasury issued nonmarketable SPV securities. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020,
the total amount of SPV securities outstanding was $22.0 and $96.0 billion in Treasury issued SPV securities respectively.
Please see Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest Payable. For additional information regarding COVID-19 relief, CARES Act
funding, and amendments of SPV agreements refer to Treasury’s financial statements and Note 30—COVID-19 Activity.
Corporate Credit Facilities LLC
On April 13, 2020, the FRBNY established the CCF as the SPV to facilitate both the PMCCF and the SMCCF programs
in support of providing the flow of credit to employers through corporate bond and loan issuances. The FRBNY lends to the
SPV on a recourse basis. The PMCCF was intended to purchase qualified bonds from eligible issuers and purchases portions
of syndicated loans or bonds at issuance, giving issuers access to credit so that they are better able to maintain business
operations and capacity during the period of disruption caused by COVID-19. The SMCCF supported the flow of credit to
employers by providing liquidity to the market for outstanding corporate bonds. The FRBNY loans are secured by all the
assets of the SPV. On December 29, 2020, Treasury’s undisbursed investment commitment of $37.5 billion was canceled
pursuant to the amended SPV LLC agreement, and excess funds of $23.6 billion were returned to Treasury on January 5,
2021. As of December 31, 2020, the SPV ceased purchasing of eligible notes. The FRBNY sold the credit holdings in the
SPV and on September 24, 2021, returned to Treasury the remaining outstanding equity contribution of $13.9 billion and
$17.0 million of interest earnings on special nonmarketable Treasury securities invested within the SPV. Final dissolution of
the CCF SPV is expected in early FY 2022, and Treasury will be entitled to an additional amount equal to 90.0 percent of the
cash balance in all of the other accounts of the SPV.
Main Street Lending Program
On May 18, 2020, the FRBB established the MSF to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in
sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and have good post-pandemic prospects. Using loans
from the FRBB, the SPV purchases 95.0 percent participations in loans originated by eligible lenders, while the lender retains
5.0 percent. Loans issued under the MSF program have a five-year maturity, principal payments are deferred for two years,
and interest payments are deferred for one year. Treasury had initially committed to contribute up to $75.0 billion in capital
in the single common SPV in connection with the MSF. On June 1, 2020, Treasury acquired an equity interest in the SPV by
transferring a combination of CARES Act appropriated and Treasury borrowed funds for an aggregate total of $37.5 billion
to the MSF to cover potential losses incurred by the FRBB in connection with this program. On December 29, 2020,
Treasury’s undisbursed investment commitment of $37.5 billion was canceled pursuant to the amended SPV LLC agreement,
and excess funds of $20.9 billion were returned on January 8, 2021. The SPV ceased purchasing of loan participations on
January 8, 2021.
99 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Municipal Liquidity Facility LLC
On May 1, 2020, the FRBNY established the MLF SPV to help state and local governments manage cash flow
pressures while continuing to serve households and businesses in their communities. The FRBNY lends to the MLF SPV, on
a recourse basis, to allow the facility to purchase short-term notes directly from eligible U.S. states (including the D.C.),
counties and cities. On May 26, 2020, Treasury acquired an equity interest in the SPV by transferring a combination of
CARES Act appropriated and Treasury borrowed funds for an aggregate total of $17.5 billion to the MLF LLC to cover
potential losses incurred by FRBNY in connection with this program. On December 29, 2020, Treasury’s undisbursed
investment commitment of $17.5 billion was canceled pursuant to the amended SPV LLC agreement, and excess funds of
$11.2 billion were returned to Treasury on January 5, 2021. The SPV ceased purchasing eligible notes on December 31,
2020.
Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility II LLC
FRBNY established the TALF SPV on March 23, 2020, to support the flow of credit to consumers and businesses for
purposes of stabilizing the U.S. financial system. The TALF facilitates the issuance of Asset Backed Securities backed by
student loans, auto loans, credit card loans, loans guaranteed by the SBA, commercial mortgages, and certain other assets. On
June 16, 2020, Treasury acquired an equity interest in the SPV by committing to and transferring a combination of CARES
Act appropriated and Treasury borrowed funds for an aggregate total of $10.0 billion to the TALF to cover potential losses
incurred by the FRBNY in connection with this program. On January 5, 2021, excess funds of $6.5 billion were returned to
Treasury pursuant to the amended SPV LLC agreement. No new credit extensions were made after December 31, 2020.
Commercial Paper Funding Facility II LLC
On March 30, 2020, the FRBNY established the CPFF to provide liquidity to short-term funding markets by purchasing
three-month unsecured and asset-backed commercial paper directly from eligible issuers. To cover potential losses incurred
by FRBNY in connection with this program, on April 13, 2020, Treasury made a capital contribution in the CPFF SPV by
transferring $10.0 billion of core ESF funds to the SPV in exchange for a preferred equity interest in the SPV. The SPV
ceased purchasing commercial paper on March 31, 2021. Commencing June 29, 2021 and concluding July 7, 2021, the
FRBNY made final distributions to Treasury for $10.0 billion of capital contribution. These investments were provided to
ESF, which reinvested them in overnight, nonmarketable U.S. Treasury securities. The CPFF SPV was terminated as of July
8, 2021.
Common Stock Warrants
Common stock warrants provide Treasury with the right to purchase shares of common stock or receive a cash payment.
The number of warrants required is equal to 10.0 percent of the principal amount of the note issued by the participant,
divided by an exercise price. The warrants are exercisable for a five-year term. In accordance with the warrant agreement
between Treasury and each recipient, Treasury acknowledges the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933
and may not be sold without such registration or an exemption. Additionally, the warrants received do not entitle Treasury to
any voting rights or other rights of a shareholder before the date of exercise. Common stock warrants are not considered to be
SPVs but are included here due to the nature of their funding and purpose.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 100
Note 9. Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Investments in GSEs as of September 30, 2021
Cumulative
Gross Valuation Fair
(In billions of dollars) Investments Gain/(Loss) Value
Fannie Mae senior preferred stock …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 158.7 (38.2) 120.5
Freddie Mac senior preferred stock ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 94.9 0.1 95.0
Fannie Mae warrants common stock ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.1 0.4 3.5
Freddie Mac warrants common stock ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.3 (0.4) 1.9
Total investments in GSEs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 259.0 (38.1) 220.9
Investments in GSEs as of September 30, 2020
Cumulative
Gross Valuation Fair
(In billions of dollars) Investments Gain/(Loss) Value
Fannie Mae senior preferred stock …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 137.8 (79.5) 58.3
Freddie Mac senior preferred stock ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 83.9 (46.0) 37.9
Fannie Mae warrants common stock ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.1 5.2 8.3
Freddie Mac warrants common stock ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.3 2.1 4.4
Total investments in GSEs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 227.1 (118.2) 108.9
Congress established Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as GSEs to provide stability and increase liquidity in the secondary
mortgage market and to promote access to mortgage credit throughout the nation. A key function of the GSEs is to purchase
mortgages, package those mortgages into securities, which are subsequently sold to investors, and guarantee the timely
payment of principal and interest on these securities.
Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-289) in July 2008 in response to the
financial crisis that year and the increasingly difficult conditions in the housing market which challenged the soundness and
profitability of the GSEs and thereby threatened to undermine the entire housing market. This act created FHFA, with
enhanced regulatory authority over the GSEs, and provided the Secretary of the Treasury with certain authorities intended to
ensure the financial stability of the GSEs, if necessary. In September 2008, FHFA placed the GSEs under conservatorship
and Treasury invested in the GSEs by entering into a SPSPA with each GSE. These actions were taken to preserve the GSEs’
assets, ensure a sound and solvent financial condition, and mitigate systemic risks that contributed to market instability.
The purpose of such actions is to maintain the solvency of the GSEs so they can continue to fulfill their vital roles in the
mortgage market while the Administration and Congress determine what structural changes should be made to the housing
finance system. Draws under the SPSPAs would result in an increased investment in the GSEs as further discussed below.
Under SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity criteria, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were owned or controlled by the federal
government only as a result of: a) regulatory actions (such as organizations in receivership or conservatorship); or b) other
federal government intervention actions. Under the regulatory or other intervention actions, the relationship with the federal
government was and is not expected to be permanent. These entities are classified as disclosure entities based on their
characteristics as a whole. Accordingly, these entities are not consolidated into the U.S. government’s consolidated financial
101 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
statements; however, the value of the investments in these entities, changes in value, and related activity with these entities
are included in the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements.
Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements
In return for committing to maintain the GSEs’ solvency by making a quarterly advance of funds to each GSE in an
amount equal to any excess of the GSEs’ total liabilities over its total assets as of the end of the previous quarter, Treasury
initially received from each GSE: 1) 1,000,000 shares of non-voting variable liquidation preference senior preferred stock
with a liquidation preference value of $1,000 per share; and 2) a non-transferable warrant for the purchase, at a nominal cost,
of 79.9 percent of common stock on a fully-diluted basis. The warrants expire on September 7, 2028. Treasury was entitled to
distributions on the senior preferred stock equal to 10.0 percent per annum fixed rate dividend on the total liquidation
preference (as discussed below). This dividend structure was changed in the third amendment in August 2012 to a variable
equivalent to the GSEs’ positive net worth above a capital reserve amount. The capital reserve amount was initially set at
$3.0 billion for calendar year 2013 and, upon nearing its scheduled decline to zero, was reset at $3.0 billion in calendar year
2017. On September 27, 2019, Treasury and FHFA amended the SPSPAs to increase the capital reserve amounts of Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac to $25.0 billion and $20.0 billion, respectively. In exchange, Treasury’s liquidation preference in each
GSE was scheduled to gradually increase up to the adjusted capital reserve amounts based on the quarterly earnings of each
GSE.
On January 14, 2021, Treasury and FHFA further amended the SPSPAs to replace the prior variable dividend with an
alternative compensation plan for Treasury that permits the GSEs to continue their recapitalization efforts, as prescribed by
the GSE capital framework finalized by FHFA in 2020. Under the amended SPSPAs, each GSE is permitted to retain capital
until the GSE has achieved its regulatory minimum capital requirement, including buffers (i.e., the capital reserve end date),
at which point its cash dividend obligations will resume along with the obligation to pay a periodic commitment fee. As
compensation to Treasury for the replacement of the variable dividend, the liquidation preference of Treasury’s senior
preferred stock in each GSE will increase by the amount of retained capital until each GSE has achieved its capital reserve
end date.
Additionally, the January 14 amendment, among other things, imposed restrictions on certain GSE business activities,
including purchases of loans backed by investment properties, second homes, and multifamily properties, and on purchases
of loans with multiple high-risk characteristics or for cash consideration. On September 14, 2021, Treasury and FHFA agreed
to suspend certain business activity restrictions added to the SPSPAs by the January 14 amendment while FHFA undertakes a
review of the extent to which these requirements are redundant or inconsistent with existing FHFA standards, policies, and
directives. The suspension will terminate on the later of one year after September 14, 2021 or six months after Treasury
notifies the GSEs. Upon conclusion of FHFA’s review, Treasury expects FHFA to propose more permanent changes to the
affected covenants, which may include recalibration of the restrictions or outright termination.
As of September 30, 2021, Treasury’s liquidation preference in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increased by $20.9 billion
and $11.0 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, Treasury’s liquidation preference in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
increased by $10.8 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively. The GSEs will not pay a quarterly dividend until after the capital
reserve end date. Treasury received no cash dividends for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, as the GSEs
had not achieved their capital reserve end date as of September 30, 2021, and their positive net worth was below the
permitted capital reserve amounts as of September 30, 2020.
The SPSPAs, which have no expiration date, require that Treasury will disburse funds to either GSE if, at the end of any
quarter, the FHFA determines that the liabilities of either GSE exceed its assets. Draws from Treasury under the SPSPAs are
designed to ensure that the GSEs maintain positive net worth, with a fixed maximum amount available to each GSE under
this agreement established as of December 31, 2012 (refer to the “Contingent Liability to GSEs†section below and Note
22—Contingencies). Draws against the funding commitment of the SPSPAs do not result in the issuance of additional shares
of senior preferred stock; instead, they increase the liquidation preference of the initial 1,000,000 shares by the amount of the
draw. The combined cumulative liquidation preference totaled $254.0 billion and $222.0 billion as of September 30, 2021
and 2020, respectively. There were no payments to the GSEs for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
Senior Preferred Stock and Warrants for Common Stock
In determining the FV of the senior preferred stock and warrants for common stock, Treasury relied on the GSEs’
public filings and press releases concerning their financial statements, as well as non-public, long-term financial forecasts,
monthly summaries, quarterly credit supplements, independent research regarding preferred stock trading, independent
research regarding the GSEs’ common stock trading on the OTC Bulletin Board, discussions with each of the GSEs and
FHFA, and other information pertinent to the valuations. Because the senior preferred stock is not publicly traded, there is no
comparable trading information available. The fair valuation of the senior preferred stock relies on significant unobservable
inputs that reflect assumptions about the expectations that market participants would use in pricing.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 102
The FV of the senior preferred stock considers forecasted cash flows to equity holders and the traded prices of the other
equity securities, including the GSEs’ common stock and junior preferred stock. The FV of the senior preferred stock-as
measured by unobservable and observable inputs-increased as of September 30, 2021 when compared to September 30, 2020.
The increase primarily is due to higher projected cash flows, a decrease in the market value of the GSEs’ other equity
securities that comprise the GSEs’ total equity, and a lower discount rate.
Factors impacting the FV of the warrants include the nominal exercise price and the large number of potential exercise
shares, the market prices and trading volumes of the underlying common stock as of September 30, the principal market, and
the market participants. Other factors impacting the FV include, among other things, the holding period risk related directly
to the assumption of the amount of time that it will take to sell the exercised shares without depressing the market. The FV of
the warrants-as measured by observable inputs-decreased at the end of FY 2021, when compared to FY 2020, primarily due
to decreases in the Level 1 FV measurement of the market price of the underlying common stock of each GSE.
Estimation Factors
Treasury’s forecasts concerning the GSEs may differ from actual experience. Estimated senior preferred values and
future draw amounts will depend on numerous factors that are difficult to predict including, but not limited to, changes in
government policy with respect to the GSEs, the business cycle, inflation, home prices, unemployment rates, interest rates,
changes in housing preferences, home financing alternatives, availability of debt financing, market rates of guarantee fees,
outcomes of loan refinancings and modifications, new housing programs, and other applicable factors.
Contingent Liability to GSEs
As part of the annual process undertaken by Treasury, a series of long-term financial forecasts are prepared to assess, as
of September 30, the likelihood and magnitude of future draws to be required by the GSEs under the SPSPAs within the
forecast time horizon. Treasury used 25-year financial forecasts prepared through years 2046 and 2045 in assessing if a
contingent liability was required as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. If future payments under the SPSPAs are
deemed to be probable within the forecast horizon, and Treasury can reasonably estimate such payment, Treasury will accrue
a contingent liability to the GSEs to reflect the forecasted equity deficits of the GSEs. Treasury does not discount this accrued
contingent liability, nor take into account any of the offsetting dividends that could be received, as the dividends, if any,
would be owed directly to the General Fund. Treasury will adjust such recorded accruals in subsequent years as new
information develops or circumstances change.
Based on Treasury’s annual assessment, there were no probable future funding draws as of September 30, 2021 and
2020, and thereby accrued no contingent liability. However, as of September 30, 2021, it is reasonably possible that a period
of sustained economic and housing market volatility could potentially cause the GSEs to generate quarterly losses of
sufficient magnitude to result in future funding draws against the funding commitment. Due to challenges quantifying future
market volatility or the timing, magnitude, and likelihood of such events, Treasury could not estimate the total amount of this
reasonably possible future funding liability as of September 30, 2021 and 2020. There were no payments to the GSEs for
fiscal years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. At September 30, 2021 and 2020, the maximum remaining contractual
commitment to the GSEs for the remaining life of the SPSPAs was $254.1 billion. Subsequent funding draws will reduce the
remaining commitments. Refer to Note 21—Commitments for a full description of other commitments and risks.
In assessing the need for an estimated contingent liability, Treasury relied on the GSEs’ public filings and press
releases, including their financial statements, monthly business summaries, and quarterly credit supplements, as well as non-
public, long-term financial forecasts, the FHFA House Price Index, discussions with each of the GSEs and FHFA, and other
information pertinent to the liability estimates. The forecasts prepared in assessing the need for an estimated contingent
liability as of September 30, 2021 include two potential scenarios, with varying assumptions regarding the continuation of the
GSEs’ new business activities, including purchasing mortgage loans and issuing new guaranteed MBS. The forecasts as of
September 30, 2021, also assumed the maintenance of the GSEs’ retained mortgage portfolios below the maximum permitted
under the amended SPSPAs.
Regulatory Environment
To date, Congress has not passed legislation nor has FHFA taken action to end the GSEs’ conservatorships. The GSEs
continue to operate under the direction of FHFA as conservator.
The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-78) was funded by an increase of ten basis points
in the GSEs’ guarantee fees (referred to as “the incremental feesâ€) which began in April 2012, and is effective through
September 30, 2021. The incremental fees are remitted to Treasury and not retained by the GSEs and, thus, do not affect the
profitability of the GSEs. For fiscal years ended 2021 and 2020, the GSEs remitted to Treasury the incremental fees totaling
$4.9 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively.
103 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 10. Advances and Prepayments
Advances and Prepayments as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Department of the Treasury ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 256.1 68.9
Department of Health and Human Services ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 70.1 106.1
Department of Defense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20.7 20.5
Department of Labor ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13.0 8.2
All other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9.4 14.9
Total advances and prepayments ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 369.3 218.6
In FY 2021, the presentation for advances and prepayments was modified to present the line item separately on the
Balance Sheet. The FY 2020 presentation was modified to conform to the FY 2021 presentation. Advances and prepayments
are assets that represent funds disbursed in contemplation of the future performance of services, receipt of goods, the
incurrence of expenditures, or the receipt of other assets. These include advances to contractors, grantees, Medicare
providers, and state, local, territorial, and tribal governments; travel advances; and prepayments for items such as rents, taxes,
insurance, royalties, commissions, and supplies.
Until such time as the goods or services are received, contract terms are met or progress has been made, or prepaid
expenses expired these should be recorded as assets. Any amounts that are subject to a refund at the time of completion
should be transferred to accounts receivable.
Treasury had the largest increase, $187.2 billion, to advances and prepayments for FY 2021. During FY 2020, Treasury
disbursed $149.5 billion in COVID-19 funds for financial assistance payments to state, local, territorial, and tribal
governments to cover eligible costs incurred as a result of the pandemic. Treasury disbursed an additional $276.7 billion in
FY 2021. The amounts disbursed during FY 2020 and FY 2021 were initially recorded as advances. The advances balance is
subsequently reduced as eligible costs are incurred. Funding for healthcare providers and suppliers under HHS’s AAP during
FY 2020 of $103.6 billion were recorded as advances. Pursuant to the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other
Extensions Act, CMS delayed repayment of these advances for one year from the date each provider or supplier’s AAP was
issued. Collections of these amounts began in April 2021, which reduced the advances balance.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 104
Note 11. Other Assets
Other Assets as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Regulatory assets……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17.5 20.0
Investments in Multilateral Development Banks …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8.5 8.2
Buildout/enhancement of nationwide public safety broadband network……………………………………………………………………………………. 5.3 4.8
DOE’s operating non-federal generation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.4 3.5
Other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.0 6.2
Total other assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38.7 42.7
In FY 2021, the presentation for other assets was modified to remove advances and prepayments and report that
information in a separate note, Note 10—Advances and Prepayments.
DOE and TVA record regulatory assets in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 980, Regulated Operations. The
provisions of this standard require that regulated enterprises reflect rate actions of the regulator in their financial statements,
when appropriate. These rate actions can provide reasonable assurance of the existence of an asset, reduce or eliminate the
value of an asset, or impose a liability on a regulated enterprise. In order to defer incurred costs under FASB ASC Topic 980,
a regulated entity must have the statutory authority to establish rates that recover all costs, and those rates must be charged to
and collected from customers. If rates should become market-based, FASB ASC Topic 980 would no longer be applicable,
and all the deferred costs under that standard would be expensed. DOE’s BPA is responsible for repaying Treasury for
transmission and power-generating assets owned by other entities based on this deferred cost. Other regulatory assets for
DOE include BPA’s fixed schedule of benefit payments for investor-owned utility customers, repayment of debt for
terminated nuclear projects, and deferred energy conservation measures relating to fish and wildlife. TVA’s regulatory assets
represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.
On behalf of the U.S., Treasury invests in certain MDB, through subscriptions to capital, which allows the MDB to
issue loans at market-based rates to middle-income developing countries. These paid-in capital investments are
nonmarketable equity investments valued at cost.
DOC’s cost contribution to buildout/continuing enhancement of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband network
embodies future economic benefits to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Achieving this
important mission will ensure the operation and maintenance of the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network
dedicated to public safety. Please refer to Note 29—Public-Private Partnerships for additional information.
DOE’s BPA is party to long-term contracts to acquire all the generating nuclear and hydroelectric capability of Energy
Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station and Lewis County Public Utility District’s Cowlitz Falls Hydroelectric Project.
These contracts require that BPA meet all the facilities’ operating, maintenance, and debt service costs until their license
termination dates.
Items included in Other are derivative assets, FDIC receivables from resolution activity, non-federal nuclear
decommissioning trusts, and the balance of assets held by the experience rated carriers participating in the Health Benefits
and Life Insurance Programs (pending disposition on behalf of OPM).
105 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12. Accounts Payable
Accounts Payable as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Adjusted
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Department of Defense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39.4 36.1
Security Assistance Accounts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17.5 1.5
Department of Veterans Affairs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13.7 12.8
Department of the Treasury ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.3 4.4
General Services Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5.5 4.0
Department of Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5.0 3.8
Department of Energy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4.8 4.3
Department of State ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.3 2.7
Department of Justice …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.6 3.7
Department of Homeland Security ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.6 3.1
U.S. Agency for International Development ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2.6 2.5
Department of Agriculture …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.4 3.7
U.S. Postal Service …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.3 2.1
All other……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14.1 14.3
Total accounts payable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 123.1 99.0
Accounts payable includes amounts due for goods and property ordered and received, services rendered by other than
federal employees, cancelled appropriations for which the U.S. government has contractual commitments for payment, and
non-debt related interest payable.
For FY 2020, VA reported a retrospective change in accounting regarding obligations for hospital care or medical
services. The accounts payable balance was adjusted from $18.9 billion to $12.8 billion and was previously reported in Note
14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 106
Note 13. Federal Debt and Interest Payable
Federal Debt and Interest Payable as of September 30, 2021, and 2020 (held by the public)
Average Interest
Net Rate
(In billions of dollars) 2020 Change 2021 2021 2020
Treasury securities:
Marketable securities:
Treasury bills …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5,028.1 (1,315.2) 3,712.9 0.1% 0.2%
Treasury notes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10,655.9 1,914.6 12,570.5 1.4% 1.9%
Treasury bonds …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,668.1 672.7 3,340.8 3.1% 3.5%
Treasury inflation-protected
securities (TIPS) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
1,522.4 129.6 1,652.0
0.5% 0.7%
Treasury floating rate notes
(FRN) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
478.3 101.0 579.3
0.4% 0.3%
Total marketable Treasury
securities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
20,352.8 1,502.7 21,855.5
Nonmarketable securities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 666.0 (238.6) 427.4 1.3% 1.1%
Net unamortized
premiums/(discounts) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(26.7) (0.1) (26.8)
Total Treasury securities, net
(public) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
20,992.1 1,264.0 22,256.1
Agency securities:
Tennessee Valley Authority …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19.8 (0.5) 19.3
All other agencies ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.1 (0.1) –
Total agency securities, net of
unamortized premiums and
discounts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
19.9 (0.6) 19.3
Accrued interest payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 70.9 (1.5) 69.4
Total federal debt and interest
payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
21,082.9 1,261.9 22,344.8
Types of marketable securities:
Bills–Short-term obligations issued with a term of 1 year or less.
Notes–Medium-term obligations issued with a term of 2-10 years.
Bonds–Long-term obligations of more than 10 years.
TIPS–Term of 5 years or more.
FRN–Term of 2 years.
Federal debt held by the public consists of securities outside the government by individuals, corporations, state or local
governments, FRBs, foreign governments, and other non-federal entities. The above table details government borrowing
primarily to finance operations and shows marketable and nonmarketable securities at face value less net unamortized
premiums and discounts including accrued interest.
Securities that represent federal debt held by the public are issued primarily by Treasury and include:
• Interest-bearing marketable securities (bills, notes, bonds, inflation-protected, and FRN).
107 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
• Interest-bearing nonmarketable securities (Government Account Series held by fiduciary and certain deposit funds,
foreign series, state and local government series, domestic series, and savings bonds).
• Non-interest-bearing marketable and nonmarketable securities (matured and other).
In FY 2020, Treasury expanded its domestic series to include a new special nonmarketable Treasury security, known as
a SPV security. Treasury issued these securities to SPVs, which were established by the Federal Reserve to implement its
emergency lending facilities under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The
total amount of SPV redemptions in FY 2021 was $74.0 billion and there were no issuances. An SPV security is a demand
deposit certificate of indebtedness for which interest accrues daily and is paid at redemption. As of September 30, 2021 and
2020, the total amount of SPV securities outstanding were $22.0 and $96.0 billion, respectively.
Gross federal debt, with some adjustments, is the sum of debt held by the public and intra-governmental debt holdings
(discussed on the next page) and is subject to a statutory ceiling (i.e., the debt limit). Prior to 1917, Congress approved each
debt issuance. In 1917, to facilitate planning in World War I, Congress and the President first enacted a statutory dollar
ceiling for federal borrowing. With the Public Debt Act of 1941 (P.L. 77-7), Congress and the President set an overall limit of
$65.0 billion on Treasury debt obligations that could be outstanding at any one time; since then, Congress and the President
have enacted a number of debt limit increases.
On August 2, 2019, the BBA of 2019 (P.L. 116-37) was enacted suspending the statutory debt limit through July 31,
2021. A delay in raising the statutory debt limit occurred from August 1, 2021 through December 15, 2021. During the period
of August 2, 2021 through December 15, 2021, Treasury departed from their normal debt management operations and
undertook extraordinary measures to avoid exceeding the statutory debt limit. On October 14, 2021, P.L. 117-50 was enacted
which raised the statutory debt limit by $480.0 billion, from $28,401.5 billion to $28,881.5 billion. Even with this increase,
extraordinary measures continued in order for Treasury to manage below the debt limit. On December 16, 2021, P.L. 117-73
was enacted, raising the debt limit by $2.5 trillion from $28,881.5 billion to $31,381.5 billion. On this date, Treasury
discontinued its use of extraordinary measures and resumed normal debt management operations.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, debt subject to the statutory debt limit was $28,401.4 billion and $26,920.4
billion, respectively. The debt subject to the limit includes Treasury securities held by the public and government guaranteed
debt of federal entities (shown in the table above) and intra-governmental debt holdings (shown in the following table). As
noted above, a delay in raising the statutory debt limit existed as of September 30, 2021. Many extraordinary measures taken
by Treasury during the period of August 2, 2021, through September 30, 2021, resulted in federal debt securities not being
issued to certain federal government accounts. See Note 19—Other Liabilities, Note 24—Fiduciary Activities and Note 31—
Subsequent Events for additional information.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 108
Intra-governmental Debt Holdings: Federal Debt Securities
Held as Investments by Government Accounts as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Net
(In billions of dollars) 2020 Change 2021
Social Security Administration, Federal Old-Age and Survivors
Insurance Trust Fund……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2,811.2 (55.4) 2,755.8
Department of Defense, Military Retirement Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 916.3 115.7 1,032.0
Office of Personnel Management, Civil Service Retirement
and Disability Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
962.1 (36.3) 925.8
Department of Defense, Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health
Care Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
268.9 20.8 289.7
Department of Health and Human Services, Federal
Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
87.5 83.2 170.7
Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Hospital
Insurance Trust Fund……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
133.7 2.5 136.2
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Deposit Insurance
Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
108.9 6.6 115.5
Social Security Administration, Federal Disability Insurance
Trust Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
97.2 0.8 98.0
Department of Housing and Urban Development, FHA, Mutual
Mortgage Insurance Capital Reserve Account …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
67.9 26.2 94.1
Department of Energy, Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54.7 0.6 55.3
Department of Labor, Unemployment Trust Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 50.5 2.6 53.1
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 45.6 4.7 50.3
Office of Personnel Management, Employees Life Insurance
Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
49.1 1.1 50.2
Office of Personnel Management, Postal Service Retiree
Health Benefits Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
41.9 (3.1) 38.8
Office of Personnel Management, Employees Health Benefits
Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28.3 (0.3) 28.0
U.S. Postal Service, Postal Service Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15.0 9.7 24.7
Department of the Treasury, ESF ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11.2 11.6 22.8
Department of State, Foreign Service Retirement and
Disability Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20.0 0.3 20.3
National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16.6 1.9 18.5
Department of Transportation, Airport and Airway Trust Fund……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.9 8.0 15.9
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Deposit Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12.9 2.1 15.0
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Guarantees
of Mortgage-Backed Securities Capital Reserve Account …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8.4 5.8 14.2
Department of Commerce, Public Safety Trust Fund, NTIA ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.7 4.5 12.2
Department of Transportation, Highway Trust Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12.1 (0.1) 12.0
All other programs and funds ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90.9 5.8 96.7
Subtotal …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5,926.5 219.3 6,145.8
Total net unamortized premiums/(discounts) for intra-
governmental ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
72.3 13.9 86.2
Total intra-governmental debt holdings, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5,998.8 233.2 6,232.0
109 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Intra-governmental debt holdings represent the portion of the gross federal debt held as investments by government
entities such as trust funds, revolving funds, and special funds. As noted above, the delay in raising the debt limit still existed
as of September 30, 2021. As such, suspension of certain investments of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund
contributed to the decrease in the intra-governmental debt holdings balance for the fund.
Government entities that held investments in Treasury securities include trust funds that have funds from dedicated
collections. For additional information on funds from dedicated collections, see Note 23─Funds from Dedicated Collections.
These intra-governmental debt holdings are eliminated in the consolidation of these financial statements.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 110
Note 14. Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable
Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Adjusted
Civilian Military Total Total
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Pension benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,361.8 2,214.1 1,933.6 1,799.3 4,295.4 4,013.4
Veterans compensation and burial
benefits……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
N/A
N/A
4,302.3
3,863.1
4,302.3
3,863.1
Post-retirement health benefits ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 427.3 418.7 868.7 848.6 1,296.0 1,267.3
Veterans education and training benefits………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – 151.2 133.1 151.2 133.1
Life insurance benefits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 60.1 57.6 4.5 5.1 64.6 62.7
FECA benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29.2 30.6 7.7 7.8 36.9 38.4
Unfunded leave ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10.3 10.0 16.8 15.7 27.1 25.7
Liability for other benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.7 1.6 7.8 10.2 9.5 11.8
Total federal employee and veteran
benefits payable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,890.4 2,732.6 7,292.6 6,682.9 10,183.0 9,415.5
Note: “N/A” indicates not applicable.
The government offers its employees retirement and other benefits, as well as health and life insurance. The liabilities
for these benefits, which include both actuarial amounts and amounts due and payable to beneficiaries and health care
carriers, apply to current and former civilian and military employees. The actuarial accrued liability represents an estimate of
the PV of the cost of benefits that have accrued, determined based on future economic and demographic assumptions.
Actuarial accrued liabilities can vary widely from year to year, due to actuarial gains and losses that result from changes to
the assumptions and from experience that has differed from prior assumptions.
OPM administers the largest civilian pension and post-retirement health benefits plans. DOD and VA administer the
military pension and post-retirement health benefit plans. Other significant pension plans with more than $10.0 billion in
actuarial accrued liability include those of the Coast Guard (DHS), Foreign Service (State), TVA, and HHS’s Public Health
Service Commissioned Corps Retirement System. Please refer to the financial statements of the entities listed for additional
information regarding their pension plans and other benefits.
In accordance with SFFAS No. 33, Pension, Other Retirement Benefits, and Other Postemployment Benefits: Reporting
the Gains and Losses from Changes in Assumptions and Selecting Discount Rates and Valuation Dates, entities are required
to separately present gains and losses from changes in long-term assumptions used to estimate liabilities associated with
pensions, ORB, and OPEB on the Statement of Net Cost. SFFAS No. 33 also provides a standard for selecting the discount
rate assumption for PV estimates of federal employee pension, ORB, and OPEB liabilities. The SFFAS N o . 33 standard for
selecting the discount rate assumption requires it be based on a historical average of interest rates on marketable Treasury
securities consistent with the cash flows being discounted. Additionally, SFFAS No. 33 provides a standard for selecting
the valuation date for estimates of federal employee pension, ORB, and OPEB liabilities that establishes a consistent method
for such measurements. This SFFAS No. 33 does not apply to the FECA program.
To provide a sustainable, justifiable data resource for the affected entities, Treasury developed a model and
methodology for developing these interest rates in FY 2014.2 The model is based on the methodology used to produce the
HQM Yield Curve pursuant to the Pension Protection Act of 2006. As of July 2014, Treasury began releasing interest rate
yield curve data using this new Treasury’s TNC yield curve, which is derived from Treasury notes and bonds. The TNC
yield curve provides information on Treasury nominal coupon issues and the methodology extrapolates yields beyond
30 years through 100 years maturity. The TNC yield curve is used to produce a Treasury spot yield curve (a zero coupon
curve), which provides the basis for discounting future cash flows.
In addition to the benefits presented in this note, federal, civilian, and military employees and federal entities contribute
to the TSP. The TSP is administered by an independent government entity, the FRTIB, which is charged with operating the
2 Treasury’s HQM resource is available at: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/economic-policy/corp-bond-yield/Pages/TNC-YC.aspx
111 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TSP prudently and solely in the interest of the participants and their beneficiaries. Please refer to Note 24—Fiduciary
Activities for additional information on the TSP.
For FY 2020, VA reported a retrospective change in accounting regarding obligations for hospital care or medical
services. This change in accounting principle increased the prior year liability for other benefits line by $6.2 billion. In FY
2020, the $6.2 billion was previously reported in Note 12—Accounts Payable.
Pension Benefits
Change in Pension Benefits
Civilian Military Total
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Actuarial accrued pension liability,
beginning of fiscal year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,214.1 2,094.1 1,799.3 1,759.2 4,013.4 3,853.3
Pension expense:
Prior (and past) service costs from plan
amendments or new plans …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
– – – – – –
Normal costs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 51.7 44.4 38.4 37.2 90.1 81.6
Interest on liability ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 65.6 65.7 57.0 59.2 122.6 124.9
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
experience) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
46.2
16.3
47.4
19.4
93.6
35.7
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
assumption changes) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
80.8
88.7
53.9
(15.0)
134.7
73.7
Other ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – 0.1 – – – 0.1
Total pension expense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 244.3 215.2 196.7 100.8 441.0 316.0
Less benefits paid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (96.6) (95.2) (62.4) (60.7) (159.0) (155.9)
Actuarial accrued pension liability, end of
fiscal year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,361.8 2,214.1 1,933.6 1,799.3 4,295.4 4,013.4
Significant Long-Term Economic Assumptions Used in Determining Pension
Liability and the Related Expense
Civilian Military
2021 2020 2021 2020
FERS CSRS FERS CSRS
Rate of interest …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.10% 2.40% 3.30% 2.70% 2.90% 3.20%
Rate of inflation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1.70% 1.70% 1.70% 1.70% 1.60% 1.60%
Projected salary increases ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.30% 1.30% 1.20% 1.20% 2.00% 1.80%
Cost of living adjustment ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.50% 1.70% 1.50% 1.70% 1.60% 1.60%
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 112
Civilian Employees’ Pension
OPM administers the largest civilian pension plan, which covers substantially all full-time, permanent civilian federal
employees. This plan includes two components of defined benefits, the CSRS and the FERS. The basic benefit components
of the CSRS and the FERS are financed and operated through the CSRDF, a trust fund. CSRDF monies are generated
primarily from employees’ contributions, federal entity contributions, payments from the General Fund, and interest on
investments in Treasury securities. As of September 30, 2021, USPS has accrued, but not paid OPM, $14.6 billion in CSRS
and FERS retirement benefit expenses since 2014. In order for USPS to preserve liquidity and to ensure the ability to fulfill
its primary universal service mission was not placed at undue risk, USPS has not made any of the required payments for
FERS or CSRS amortization. The cost of each year’s payment, including defaulted payments, along with other benefit
program costs, are included in USPS’ net cost for that year in the consolidated Statements of Net Cost. The liability is not
included on the government-wide Balance Sheet due to the USPS liability being eliminated with OPM’s corresponding
receivable due from USPS recording a loss allowance for doubtful accounts for the unpaid balances.
The civilian pension liability increased by $147.7 billion, primarily due to less favorable than assumed plan experience
and the declining interest rate assumption.
Military Employees’ Pensions
The Military Retirement System consists of a funded, noncontributory, defined benefit plan for military personnel
(Services of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force) with an entry date prior to January 1, 2018 and the
BRS, generally for military personnel with an entry date on or after January 1, 2018. The defined benefit plan includes non-
disability retired pay, disability retired pay, survivor annuity programs, and Combat-Related Special Compensation. The
Service Secretaries may approve immediate non-disability retired pay at any age with credit of at least 20 years of active duty
service. Reserve retirees must be at least 60 years old and have at least 20 qualifying years of service before retired pay
commences; however, in some cases, the age can be less than 60 if the reservist performs certain types of active service. P.L.
110-181 provides for a 90-day reduction in the reserve retirement age from age 60 for every three months of certain active
duty service served within a fiscal year for service after January 28, 2008 (not below age 50). There is no vesting of defined
benefits before non-disabled retirement. There are distinct non-disability benefit formulas related to four populations within
the Military Retirement System: Final Pay, High-3, Career Status Bonus/Redux, and the BRS enacted in the NDAA for FY
2016, effective January 1, 2018. The BRS is a retirement benefit merging aspects of both a defined benefit annuity with a
defined contribution account, through the TSP. The date an individual enters the military generally determines which
retirement system they would fall under and if they have the option to select, via a one-time irrevocable election, their
retirement system. Military personnel with a start date on or after January 1, 2018 are automatically enrolled in BRS.
Although all members serving as of December 31, 2017 were grandfathered under the prior retirement system, Active Duty,
National Guard and Reserve personnel meeting established criteria may have opted into BRS during calendar year 2018.
Under the BRS, retiring members are given the option to receive a portion of their retired pay annuity in the form of a lump
sum distribution. For additional information on these benefits, see DOD’s Office of Military Compensation website
https://militarypay.defense.gov.
The DOD MRF was established by P.L. 98-94 (currently 10 U.S.C. §1461-1467) and accumulates funds to finance, on
an accrual basis, the liabilities of DOD military retirement and survivor benefit programs. This fund receives income from
three sources: monthly normal cost payments from the Services to pay for DOD’s portion of the current year’s service cost;
annual payments from Treasury to amortize the unfunded liability and pay for the increase in the normal cost attributable to
Concurrent Receipt (certain beneficiaries with combat-related injuries who are receiving payments from VA) per P.L. 108-
136; and investment income.
DOD’s Office of the Actuary calculates the actuarial liability annually using economic and demographic assumptions
about the future (e.g., mortality and retirement rates). The $134.3 billion increase in the Military Retirement Pension liability
is primarily attributable to changes in assumptions and less favorable than assumed plan experience.
The NDAA for FY 2021, §§ 8224-8225 requires the USCG be covered by the MRF no later than the beginning of FY
2023. The USCG actuarial liability will be included on DOD’s September 30, 2022 financial statements.
The VA also provides certain veterans and/or their dependents with pension benefits, based on annual eligibility
reviews. The pension program for veterans is not accounted for as a “federal employee pension plan†under SFFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Liabilities of the Federal Government due to differences between its eligibility conditions and those of federal
employee pensions. Therefore, a future liability for pension benefits is not recorded. VA pension liabilities are recognized
when due and payable. The projected amounts of future payments for pension benefits (presented for informational purposes
only) as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, was $130.1 billion and $110.6 billion, respectively.
113 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Veterans Compensation and Burial Benefits
Change in Veterans Compensation and Burial Benefits
Compensation Burial Total
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Actuarial accrued liability,
beginning of fiscal year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3,854.3 3,122.7 8.8 7.1 3,863.1 3,129.8
Current year expense:
Interest on the liability balance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 124.5 106.8 0.3 0.2 124.8 107.0
Prior (and past) service costs from
program amendments or new programs
during the period ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26.3 43.3 1.1 – 27.4 43.3
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
experience) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 47.7 107.7 (0.2) 1.3 47.5 109.0
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
assumption changes) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 349.5 574.9 0.9 0.5 350.4 575.4
Total current year expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 548.0 832.7 2.1 2.0 550.1 834.7
Less benefits paid ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (110.6) (101.1) (0.3) (0.3) (110.9) (101.4)
Actuarial accrued liability, end of fiscal
year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4,291.7 3,854.3 10.6 8.8 4,302.3 3,863.1
Significant Economic Assumptions Used in Determining Veterans Compensation and
Burial Benefits as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
2021 2020
Rate of interest …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.95% 3.23%
Rate of inflation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.32% 2.16%
The government compensates disabled veterans and their survivors. Veterans’ compensation is payable as a disability
benefit or a survivor’s benefit. Entitlement to compensation depends on the veteran’s disabilities incurred in or aggravated
during active military service, death while on duty, or death resulting from service-connected disabilities after active duty.
Eligible veterans who die or are disabled during active military service-related causes, as well as their dependents, and
dependents of service members who died during active military service, receive compensation benefits. In addition, service
members who die during active military service and veterans who separated under other than dishonorable conditions are
provided with a burial flag, headstone/marker, and grave liner for burial in a VA national cemetery or are provided a burial
flag, headstone/marker and a plot allowance for burial in a private cemetery. These benefits are provided under 38 U.S.C.,
Part 2, §2301-2308, in recognition of a veteran’s military service and are recorded as a liability in the period the requirements
are met.
The liability for veterans’ compensation and burial benefits payable is based on an actuarial estimate of future
compensation and burial payments. The liability increased by $439.2 billion in FY 2021 primarily due to assumption changes
and interest on the liability balance. The total loss from assumption changes was mainly impacted by a decrease in the
discount rate assumptions, increase in the COLA rate assumptions, and by changes in other assumptions such as life
expectancy, new case rates, and mortality improvement rate. The interest on liability cost of $124.8 billion is based on the
prior year liability balance multiplied by the single weighted average discount rate used to compute the liability for veterans’
compensation and burial benefits payable in the prior year.
Several significant actuarial assumptions were used in the valuation of compensation and burial benefits to calculate the
PV of the liability. A liability was recognized for the projected benefit payments to: 1) those beneficiaries, including veterans
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 114
and survivors, currently receiving benefit payments; 2) current veterans who are expected in the future to become
beneficiaries of the compensation program; and 3) a proportional share of those in active military service as of the valuation
date who are expected to be future veterans and to become beneficiaries of the compensation program. Future benefit
payments to survivors of those veterans in classes 1, 2, and 3 above are also incorporated into the projection.
In FY 2021, there were several regulatory changes impacting the prior year service cost component of the veterans’
compensation and burial benefits payable liability. During FY 2021, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans
Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-315) contained various provisions for VA to care for homeless
veterans during a covered public health emergency, to carry out a retraining assistance program for unemployed veterans, and
other purposes. Several sections of this law affected the compensation and burial liability model. There were also two
procedural advisory changes that impacted the liability:
• The section that addresses the musculoskeletal system within the VA’s schedule for rating disabilities was revised to
ensure the rating schedule uses current medical terminology, thus providing updated criteria for the evaluation of
musculoskeletal disabilities; and
• VA amended its adjudication regulations to establish presumptive service connection for three chronic respiratory
health conditions, i.e., asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis, including rhinosinusitis, based on exposure to fine, particulate
matter.
These regulatory changes resulted in a combined increase of $26.3 billion in the compensation liability and an increase
of $1.1 billion in the burial liability as of September 30, 2021.
The changes in experience related to compensation benefits resulted from an increase in the number of beneficiaries
receiving compensation benefits.
The veterans’ compensation and burial benefits liability is developed on an actuarial basis. It is impacted by interest on
the liability balance, experience gains or losses, changes in actuarial assumptions, prior service costs, and amounts paid for
costs included in the liability balance.
Post-Retirement Health Benefits
Change in Post-Retirement Health Benefits
Civilian Military Total
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020
Actuarial accrued post-retirement health
benefits liability, beginning of fiscal year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 418.7 415.1 848.6 830.2 1,267.3 1,245.3
Post-Retirement health benefits
expense:
Prior (and past) service costs from plan
amendments or new plans ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. –
– – – – –
Normal costs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19.8 17.7 25.5 23.0 45.3 40.7
Interest on liability ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14.0 14.4 28.4 29.4 42.4 43.8
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
experience) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (16.1) (16.6) (40.4) (9.8) (56.5) (26.4)
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from
assumption changes) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7.3 4.5 28.9 (2.4) 36.2 2.1
Total post-retirement health benefits
expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25.0 20.0 42.4 40.2 67.4 60.2
Less claims paid …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (16.4) (16.4) (22.3) (21.8) (38.7) (38.2)
Actuarial accrued post-retirement health
benefits liability, end of fiscal year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 427.3 418.7 868.7 848.6 1,296.0 1,267.3
115 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Significant Long-Term Economic Assumptions Used in Determining
Post-Retirement Health Benefits and the Related Expense
Civilian Military
2021 2020 2021 2020
Rate of interest ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.20% 3.40% 3.00% 3.30%
Single equivalent medical trend rate ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.40% 4.40% 4.11% 4.06%
Ultimate medical trend rate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.20% 3.20% 3.60% 3.60%
Civilian Employees’ Post-Retirement Health Benefits
The post-retirement civilian health benefit liability is an estimate of the government’s future cost of providing post-
retirement health benefits to current employees and retirees. Although active and retired employees pay insurance premiums
under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, these premiums cover only a portion of the costs. The OPM actuary
applies economic and demographic assumptions to historical cost information to estimate the liability.
As of September 30, 2021, the USPS has accrued but not paid to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund $57.0
billion in payments required under the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-435, Title VIII). In
order for USPS to preserve liquidity and to ensure the ability to fulfill its primary universal service mission was not placed at
undue risk, USPS has not made these required payments. The cost for each year’s payment, including defaulted payments,
along with all other benefit program costs, are included in USPS’ net cost for that year in the consolidated Statements of Net
Cost. The liability is not included on the government-wide Balance Sheet due to the USPS liability being eliminated with the
OPM’s corresponding receivable due from USPS recording a loss allowance for doubtful accounts for the unpaid balances.
The post-retirement civilian health benefit liability increased $8.6 billion. This increase is due to the accruing cost of
benefits and interest on the existing liability, largely offset by actuarial gains attributable to favorable plan experience.
Military Employees’ Post-Retirement Health Benefits
Military retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare (and their non-Medicare eligible dependents) are eligible for
post-retirement medical coverage provided by DOD. Depending on the benefit plan selected, retirees and their eligible
dependents may receive care from MTF on a space-available basis or from civilian providers through TRICARE. This
TRICARE coverage is available as Select (a preferred provider organization a health plan that contracts with medical
providers to create a network of participating providers; member cost-shares are typically higher for services received out-of-
network) and Prime (a health maintenance organization a health plan that limits services to a specific network of medical
personnel and facilities and usually by requiring referral by a primary-care physician for specialty care; coverage is also
available for non-referred and out-of-network care, subject to higher cost-sharing). These post-retirement medical benefits are
paid by the DOD Defense Health Program on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Since FY 2002, DOD has provided medical coverage to Medicare-eligible retirees (and their eligible Medicare-eligible
dependents). This coverage, called TFL, is a Medicare Supplement plan which includes inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy
coverage. Enrollment in Medicare Part B is required to maintain eligibility in TFL. Retirees with TFL coverage can obtain
care from MTF on a space-available basis or from civilian providers.
10 U.S.C., Chapter 56 created the DOD MERHCF, which became operative on October 1, 2002. The purpose of this
fund is to account for and accumulate funds for the health benefit costs of Medicare-eligible military retirees, and their
dependents and survivors who are Medicare eligible. The Fund receives revenues from three sources: interest earnings on
MERHCF assets, Uniformed Services normal cost contributions, and Treasury contributions. The DOD Medicare-Eligible
Retiree Health Care Board of Actuaries (the MERHCF Board) approves the methods and assumptions used in actuarial
valuations of the MERHCF for the purpose of calculating the per capita normal cost rates (to fund the annual accrued
benefits) and determining the unfunded liability amortization payment (Treasury contribution). The Secretary of Defense
directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make DOD’s normal cost payments. The MERHCF pays for medical costs incurred
by Medicare-eligible beneficiaries at MTF and civilian providers (including payments to U.S. Family Health Plans for
grandfathered beneficiaries), plus the costs associated with claims administration.
DOD’s Office of the Actuary calculates the actuarial liabilities annually using assumptions and experience (e.g.,
mortality and retirement rates, health care costs, medical trend rates, and the discount rate). Actuarial liabilities are calculated
for all DOD retiree medical benefits, including both the benefits funded through the MERHCF and the benefits for pre-
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 116
Medicare retirees who are paid on a pay-as-you-go basis. Military post-retirement health and accrued benefits payable
increased $20.1 billion. The increase is primarily attributable to the normal operation of the plan – the cost of benefit accruals
and interest on the liability less benefits paid. The actuarial gain from experience of $40.4 billion is primarily due to increases
in Military Retirement Health Benefits and MERHCF.
In addition to the health care benefits the federal government provides for civilian and military retirees and their
dependents, the VA also provides medical care to veterans on an “as available†basis, subject to the limits of the annual
appropriations. For the FYs 2017 through 2021, the average medical care cost per year was $80.9 billion.
Veterans Education and Training Benefits
Change in Veterans Education and Training Benefits
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Actuarial accrued liability, beginning of fiscal year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 133.1 105.9
Current year expense:
Prior (and past) service costs from plan amendments or new plans ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 14.3 –
Interest on liability ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.6 3.8
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from experience) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17.4 9.4
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from assumption changes) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (4.1) 27.3
Total current year expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 31.2 40.5
Less benefits paid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (13.1) (13.3)
Actuarial accrued liability, end of fiscal year ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 151.2 133.1
For eligible Veterans and their dependents, the VA provides four education/retraining type programs:
• Post 9/11 GI Bill;
• VR&E;
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance; and
• Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty.
Based on the actuarial estimates of future payments, the total liability for the four education and training programs
increased by $18.1 billion in FY 2021. The $18.1 billion increase is primarily attributable to experience gains and prior
service costs offset by benefits paid.
In FY 2021, VA conducted experience studies for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational
Assistance and VR&E programs, which made up the decrease of $4.1 billion from assumption changes. The more significant
changes included within this amount consisted of the change in the duration of the Post 9/11 GI Bill model was reduced to 30
years compared to 62 years used in the prior year, which decreased the liability by $13.8 billion, which is offset by an
increase of $8.1 billion due to changes in the initial enrollment assumption.
In addition, P.L. 116-315 § 1025 eliminated the period of eligibility for training and rehabilitation for certain veterans
with service-connected disabilities. Prior to this legislation, all veterans were required to use their benefits within 12 years of
discharge or release from military service. This resulted in an increase of $14.3 billion in the VR&E liability. The change in
legislation increased the current year expenses and is included in the prior (and past) service costs from plan amendments or
new plans.
For additional information regarding actuarial assumptions and the four education and training type programs, please
refer to VA’s financial statements.
117 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Life Insurance Benefits
Civilian Employees’ Life Insurance Benefits
Change in Civilian Life Insurance Benefits
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Actuarial accrued life insurance benefits liability, beginning of fiscal year ………………………………………………………………………………… 57.6 54.6
Life insurance benefits expense:
New entrant expense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.7 0.5
Interest on liability ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.6 1.9
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from experience) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (0.3) 0.1
Actuarial (gains)/losses (from assumption changes) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.2 1.0
Total life insurance benefits expense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.2 3.5
Less costs paid ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (0.7) (0.5)
Actuarial accrued life insurance benefits liability, end of fiscal year ………………………………………………………………………………………… 60.1 57.6
Significant Long-Term Economic Assumptions Used in Determining Life Insurance
Benefits and the Related Expense
Civilian
2021 2020
Rate of interest …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.90% 3.10%
Rate of increase in salary ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.30% 1.20%
One of the other significant employee benefits is the FEGLI Program. Employee and annuitant contributions and
interest on investments fund a portion of this liability. The actuarial life insurance liability is the expected PV of future
benefits to pay to, or on behalf of, existing FEGLI participants, less the expected PV of future contributions to be collected
from those participants. The OPM actuary uses salary increase and interest rate yield curve assumptions that are generally
consistent with the pension liability.
As of September 30, 2021, the total amount of FEGLI insurance in-force is estimated at $770.3 billion ($664.4 billion
for employees and $105.9 billion for annuitants).
Veterans’ Life Insurance Benefits
The largest veterans’ life insurance programs consist of the following:
• National Service Life Insurance covers policyholders who served during World War II.
• Veterans’ Special Life Insurance was established in 1951 to meet the insurance needs of veterans who served during
the Korean Conflict and through the period ending January 1, 1957.
• Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program was established in 1951 to meet the insurance needs of veterans who
received a service-connected disability rating.
Death benefit liabilities consist of reserves for permanent plan and term policies as well as policy benefits for Veterans
Mortgage Life Insurance. Disability income and waiver liabilities consist of reserves to fund the monthly payments to
disabled insureds under the Total Disability Income Provision and the policy premiums waived for qualifying disabled
veterans. Insurance dividends payable consists of dividends left on deposit with VA and dividends payable to policyholders.
Unpaid policy claims consist of insurance claims that are pending at the end of the reporting period, an estimate of claims
that have been incurred but not yet reported, and disbursements in transit. The veteran’s life insurance liability for future
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 118
policy benefits as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, was $4.5 billion and $5.1 billion, respectively. For additional
information on veteran’s life insurance liability, please refer to VA’s financial statements.
The VA supervises SGLI and Veterans Group Life Insurance programs that provide life insurance coverage to members
of the uniformed armed services, reservists, and post-Vietnam Veterans as well as their families. VA has entered into a group
policy with the Prudential Insurance Company of America to administer and provide the insurance payments under these
programs. All SGLI insureds are automatically covered under the Traumatic Injury Protection program, which provides for
insurance payments to veterans who suffer a serious traumatic injury in service.
The amount of insurance in-force is the total face amount of life insurance coverage provided by each administered and
supervised program at the end of the fiscal year. It includes any paid-up additional coverage provided under these policies.
The supervised programs’ policies and face values are not reflected in VA’s liabilities because the risk of loss on these
programs is assumed by Prudential and its reinsurers through the terms and conditions of the group policy. As a result, the
information provided for the supervised programs is for informational purposes only and is unaudited. The face value for
supervised programs as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, was $1,219.0 billion and $1,183.7 billion, respectively. The face
value for administered programs as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, was $5.3 billion and $6.0 billion, respectively.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act Benefits
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
DOL determines both civilian and military entities’ liabilities for future workers’ compensation benefits for civilian
federal employees, as mandated by the FECA, for death, disability, medical, and miscellaneous costs for approved
compensation cases, and a component for incurred, but not reported, claims. Effective March 12, 2021, the ARP, Section
4016, “Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Federal Employees Diagnosed with COVID-19,†mandates that
accepted COVID-19 claims (or other accepted claims resulting from a coronavirus pandemic) be paid by the fund and are not
billable to other federal entities; related administrative costs, including the fair share costs of non-appropriated entities, are to
be paid by the fund and are not billable. Beginning in FY 2021, the actuarial liability includes claims covered by Section
4016 of the ARP.
The FECA liability is determined annually using historical claim data and benefit payment patterns related to injury
years to predict the future payments. The actuarial methodology provides for the effects of inflation and adjusts liability
estimates to constant dollars by applying wage inflation factors (COLA) and medical inflation factors (CPIM) to the
calculation of projected benefits. DOL selects the COLA factors and CPIM factors by averaging over five years the COLA
rates and CPIM rates, respectively. The FY 2021 methodology for averaging the COLA rates used OMB provided rates; the
FY 2021 methodology for averaging the CPIM rates used OMBâ€provided rates and information obtained from the Bureau of
Labor Statistics public releases for CPI. Using averaging renders estimates that reflect trends over five years instead of
conditions that exist in one year.
The COLAs and CPIMs used in the projections for FY 2021 are listed below in the table.
DOL selects the discount rates by averaging interest rates for the current and prior four years. Using averaging renders
estimates that reflect historical trends over five years instead of conditions that exist in one year. DOL selected the interest
rate assumptions whereby projected annual payments were discounted to PV based on interest rate assumptions on the TNC
Yield Curve to reflect the average duration of income payments and medical payments. The average durations for income
payments and medical payments were 15 years and 11 years, respectively. Based on averaging the TNC Yield Curves for the
current and prior four years, the interest rate assumptions for income payments and medical payments were 2.2 percent and
2.1 percent, respectively.
For the COLAs, CPIMs, average durations, and interest rate assumptions used in the projections for FY 2020, refer to
the FY 2020 Financial Report.
119 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Unfunded Leave
Unfunded leave are the amounts recorded by an employer federal entity for unpaid leave earned that an employee is
entitled to upon separation and that will be funded by future years’ budgetary resources. The unfunded leave total as of
September 30, 2021 and 2020, was $27.1 billion and $25.7 billion, respectively.
Liability for Other Benefits
Liability for other benefits includes several programs. The largest program is VA’s Community Care Program, with an
estimated liability of $6.1 billion as of September 30, 2021.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 120
Note 15. Environmental and Disposal Liabilities
Environmental and Disposal Liabilities as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Department of Energy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 515.6 512.3
Department of Defense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 82.0 75.0
All other entities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15.7 15.4
Total environmental and disposal liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 613.3 602.7
After World War II, the U.S. developed a massive industrial complex to research, produce, and test nuclear weapons
and commercial nuclear power reactors. The nuclear complex was comprised of nuclear reactors, chemical-processing
buildings, metal machining plants, laboratories, and maintenance facilities.
At all sites where these activities took place, some environmental contamination occurred. This contamination was
caused by the production, storage, and use of radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals, which resulted in contamination
of soil, surface water, or groundwater. The environmental legacy of nuclear weapons production also includes thousands of
contaminated buildings and large volumes of waste and special nuclear materials requiring treatment, stabilization, and
disposal.
Estimated cleanup costs at sites for which there are no current feasible remediation approaches are excluded from the
estimates, although applicable stewardship and monitoring costs for these sites are included. DOE has not been required
through regulation to establish remediation activities for these sites.
Estimating DOE’s environmental cleanup liability requires making assumptions about future activities and is inherently
uncertain. The future course of DOE’s environmental cleanup and disposal will depend on a number of fundamental technical
and policy choices, many of which have not been made. Some contaminated sites and facilities could be restored to a
condition suitable for any desired use or could be restored to a point where they pose no near-term health risks to the
surrounding communities. Achieving the former condition of the sites and facilities would have a higher cost which may or
may not warrant the cost or be legally required. The environmental and disposal liability estimates include contingency
estimates intended to account for the uncertainties associated with the technical cleanup scope of the program. Congressional
appropriations at lower-than anticipated levels or lack of Congressional approval, unplanned delays in project completions
including potential delays due to COVID-19, unforeseen technical issues, obtaining regulatory approval, among other things,
could cause increases in life-cycle costs.
DOE’s environmental and disposal liabilities also include the estimated cleanup and post-closure responsibilities,
including surveillance and monitoring activities, soil and groundwater remediation, and disposition of excess material for
sites. DOE is responsible for the post-closure activities at many of the closure sites as well as other sites. The costs for these
post-closure activities are estimated for a period of 75 years after the Balance Sheet date, i.e., through 2096 in FY 2021 and
through 2095 in FY 2020. While some post-cleanup monitoring and other long-term stewardship activities post-2096 are
included in the liability, there are others DOE expects to continue beyond 2096 for which the costs cannot reasonably be
estimated.
A portion of DOE’s environmental liability at various field sites includes anticipated costs for facilities managed by
DOE’s ongoing program operations, which will ultimately require stabilization, deactivation, and decommissioning. The
estimates are largely based upon a cost-estimating model. Site specific estimates are used in lieu of the cost-estimating
model, when available. Cost estimates for ongoing program facilities are updated each year. For facilities newly
contaminated since FY 1997, cleanup costs allocated to the periods benefiting from the operations of the facilities. Facilities’
cleanup costs allocated to future periods and not included in the environmental and disposal liabilities amounted to $1.1
billion and $0.9 billion for fiscal years ending September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
DOD has cleanup requirements for DERP for active installations, Base Realignment Closure installations, and Formerly
Used Defense Sites. DOD has additional cleanup requirements for active installations not covered by DERP, weapon systems
programs, and chemical weapons disposal programs. The weapons system program consists of chemical weapons disposal,
121 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
nuclear powered aircraft carriers, nuclear powered submarines, and other nuclear ships. All cleanup efforts are performed in
coordination with regulatory entities, other responsible parties, and current property owners, as applicable.
DOD follows the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, CERCLA, RCRA or other applicable federal or
state laws to clean up contamination. The CERCLA and RCRA require DOD to clean up contamination in coordination with
regulatory entities, current owners of property damaged by DOD, and third parties that have a partial responsibility for the
environmental restoration. Failure to comply with agreements and legal mandates puts the DOD at risk of incurring fines and
penalties.
DOD uses engineering estimates and independently validated models to estimate environmental costs. The engineering
estimates are based upon extensive data obtained during the remedial investigation/feasibility phase of the environmental
project.
For general PP&E placed into service after September 30, 1997, DOD expenses associated environmental costs
systematically over the life of the asset using two methods: physical capacity for operating landfills and life expectancy in
years for all other assets. DOD expenses the full cost to clean up contamination for stewardship PP&E and certain other
general PP&E at the time the asset is placed into service. DOD has expensed cleanup costs for general PP&E placed into
service before October 1, 1997, except for costs intended to be recovered through user charges. As costs are recovered DOD
expenses cleanup costs associated with the asset life that has passed since the general PP&E was placed into service. DOD
systematically recognizes the remaining cost over the remaining life of the asset. The unrecognized portion of the estimated
total cleanup costs associated with disposal of general PP&E was $4.9 billion and $4.3 billion for fiscal years ending
September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
DOD is responsible for environmental restoration and corrective action for buried chemical munitions and agents;
however, a reasonable estimate is indeterminable because the extent of the buried chemical munitions and agents is unknown.
DOD has ongoing studies for the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program and will update its estimate as additional
information is identified. DOD has the potential to incur costs for restoration initiatives in conjunction with returning
overseas DOD facilities to host nations. DOD continues its efforts to reasonably estimate required restoration costs.
Environmental liabilities are subject to changes in laws and regulations, agreements with regulatory entities, and
advances in technology. DOD is unaware of pending changes affecting its estimated cleanup costs. DOD revised estimates
resulting from previously unknown contaminants, reestimation based on different assumptions, and other changes in project
scope.
Please refer to the financial statements of the main contributing entities, DOD and DOE, for additional information
regarding environmental and disposal liabilities, including cleanup costs.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 122
Note 16. Benefits Due and Payable
Benefits Due and Payable as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance – SSA ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 87.4 83.7
Grants to states for Medicaid – HHS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52.7 45.8
Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance (Medicare Parts B and D) – HHS ……………………………………………………………………………. 43.8 39.4
Federal Hospital Insurance (Medicare Part A) – HHS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 35.9 30.8
Federal Disability Insurance – SSA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20.5 21.4
Unemployment Insurance – DOL ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19.2 16.5
All other benefits programs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14.4 18.7
Total benefits due and payable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 273.9 256.3
Benefits due and payable are amounts owed to program recipients or medical service providers as of September 30 that
have not been paid. Please refer to the financial statements of HHS, SSA, and DOL for more information.
123 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 17. Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities
Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities:
Single-Employer Pension Plan – Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 108.9 120.4
Federal Crop Insurance – Department of Agriculture …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14.2 7.7
Multiemployer Pension Plan – Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation …………………………………………………………………………………….. 3.0 66.9
Other insurance and guarantee programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.7 4.3
Total insurance and guarantee program liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 129.8 199.3
The federal government incurs liabilities related to various insurance and guarantee programs as detailed in the table
above. Note 22—Contingencies includes a discussion of contingencies and other risks related to significant insurance and
guarantee programs. Insurance information, and related liability, concerning federal employee and veteran benefits is
included in Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable. Social insurance and loan guarantees are not
considered insurance programs under SFFAS No. 51, Insurance Programs, and are accounted for under SFFAS No. 17,
Accounting for Social Insurance, and SFFAS No. 2, Accounting for Direct Loans and Loan Guarantees. Loan guarantees are
disclosed in Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities, and social insurance information is included
primarily in the sustainability financial statements and in Note 25—Social Insurance.
Insurance and guarantee program liabilities are recognized for known losses and contingent losses to the extent that the
underlying contingency is deemed probable and a loss amount is reasonably measurable. Please see Note 22—Contingencies
for discussion on the meaning of “probable†depending on the accounting framework used by each significant consolidation
entity. As discussed in Note 1.O—Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities, certain significant consolidation entities (i.e.,
PBGC, FDIC, and FCSIC) apply FASB standards, and such entities, as permitted by SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity, are
consolidated into the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements without conversion to FASAB standards. PBGC,
which insures defined benefit pensions, applies FASB standards and has the largest insurance and guarantee program
liability.
PBGC insures pension benefits for participants in covered defined benefit pension plans. The FY 2021 decrease of
$75.4 billion in PBGC’s liability for its two separate insurance programs is comprised of: 1) a decrease of $11.5 billion in the
single-employer program liability; and 2) a decrease of $63.9 billion in the multiemployer program liability. As of September
30, 2021, and 2020, PBGC had total liabilities of $122.8 billion and $194.9 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2021,
PBGC’s total assets exceeded its total liabilities by $31.4 billion, and in FY 2020 its total liabilities exceeded its total assets
by $48.3 billion, respectively. The majority of the change in liability from FY 2020 to FY 2021 occurred in the
multiemployer program and was due to the enactment of the ARP on March 11, 2021. ARP established the SFA program for
distressed multiemployer pension plans that meet specific eligibility criteria therefore, this resulted in the majority of the
$63.9 billion decrease in the liability mentioned above. The SFA program is administered by PBGC and paid in a lump sum
rather than in period payments. An application under ARP must be filed by the eligible plans no later than December 31,
2025. Unlike PBGC’s insolvency insurance program for multiemployer plans, which is funded by insurance premiums, the
SFA program is funded by appropriations from the General Fund. The SFA program is intended to enable eligible plans to
pay benefits and administrative expenses for the next 30 years, and as a result, the vast majority of PBGC’s liability for
traditional financial assistance recognized in previous years for ongoing plans that were previously expected to become
insolvent has been reversed (i.e., unbooked). PBGC intends to publish a final regulation in FY 2022. Refer to PBGC’s
financial statements for additional information and to Note 22—Contingencies for additional information regarding insurance
contingencies and exposure.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, $14.2 billion and $7.7 billion, respectively, pertain to USDA’s Federal Crop
Insurance Program. The Federal Crop Insurance Program is administered by the FCIC, which provides insurance to reduce
agricultural producers’ economic losses due to natural disasters. The Federal Crop Insurance increase of $6.5 billion was
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 124
attributed to higher coverage amount as the result of higher crop prices, increased participation in insurance products and
higher level of losses caused by widespread drought.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, $3.4 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, pertain to the DHS NFIP, which are
included in other insurance and guarantee programs. The NFIP insurance program liability represents an estimate based on
the loss and loss adjustment expense factors inherent to the NFIP Insurance Underwriting Operations, including trends in
claim severity and frequency. The estimate is driven primarily by flooding activity in the U.S. and can vary significantly year
over year depending on the timing and severity of flooding activity.
125 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 18. Advances from Others and Deferred Revenue
Advances from Others and Deferred Revenue as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Security Assistance Accounts ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 125.7 100.2
Department of Energy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48.8 47.1
All other ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27.5 26.9
Total advances from others and deferred revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 202.0 174.2
In FY 2021, the presentation for advances from others and deferred revenue was modified to present the line item
separately on the Balance Sheet. The FY 2020 presentation was modified to conform to the FY 2021 presentation. Advances
from others and deferred revenue consists of payments received in advance of performance of activities for which revenue
has not been earned and other deferred revenue or income received but not yet earned not otherwise classified as advances or
repayments. Some examples include deferred project revenue funded in advance, funds received in advance under the terms
of a settlement agreement, prepaid postage, and unearned fees, assessments, and surcharges.
SAA contracts authorize progress payments based on cost and increased to $125.7 billion during FY 2021, compared to
$100.2 billion in FY 2020. This increase was due to improved financial reporting from a large Navy case management
system. In accordance with contract terms, specific rights to the contractors’ work vest when a specific type of contract
financing payment is made. Due to the probability the contractors will complete their efforts and deliver satisfactory
products, and because the amount of potential future payments are estimable, the SAA has recognized a contingent liability
for estimated future payments which are conditional pending delivery and government acceptance.
The DOE’s Nuclear Waste Fund collects revenues from owners or generators of high-level radioactive waste and SNF
to pay their share of disposal costs. These revenues are recognized as a financing source as costs are incurred, and revenues
that exceed the expenses are considered deferred revenue.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 126
Note 19. Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Other liabilities without related budgetary obligations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 258.2 97.5
Allocation of special drawing rights …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 161.8 49.7
Other liabilities with related budgetary obligations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 66.2 67.3
Actuarial liabilities for Treasury-managed benefits program ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 51.0 45.8
Contingent liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 46.4 46.5
Accrued funded payroll and leave…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26.4 24.5
Other miscellaneous liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 67.1 62.7
Total other liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 677.1 394.0
Other liabilities are the amounts owed to the public and are not reported elsewhere in the Balance Sheet. A change in
presentation was identified to improve clarity of the Financial Report. To conform with the FY 2021 presentation of the
Financial Report, other deferred revenue and liability for advances and prepayments are now reported under Note 18—
Advances from Others and Deferred Revenue.
• Other liabilities without related budgetary obligations represent those unfunded liabilities for which congressional
action is needed before budgetary resources can be provided. The largest contributor to this category is Treasury
which incurred a liability in FY 2021 for the restoration of federal debt principal and interest. This resulted from
debt management measures taken during the delay in raising the statutory debt limit, which included suspending
investments in Treasury debt securities by the Government Securities Investment Fund of the FERS TSP. As a result
of Treasury securities not being issued to the TSP’s G Fund, Treasury reported other liabilities, as of September 30,
2021, in the amount of $157 billion that represent uninvested principal and related interest for the TSP’s G Fund that
would have been reported in Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest Payable had there not been a delay in raising the
statutory debt limit as of September 30, 2021 and had the securities been issued. For additional information related
to the impact on the TSP, see Note 24—Fiduciary Activities and Note 31—Subsequent Events. Also contributing to
this category are SAA’s liability to offset non-entity cash and DOE’s contractor-sponsored pension plans and other
post-retirement benefits.
• Allocation of SDR is the amount of corresponding liability representing the value of the reserve assets allocated by
the IMF to meet global needs to supplement existing reserve assets. SDR derive their quality as reserve assets from
the undertakings of the members to accept them in exchange for “freely useable†currencies (the U.S. dollar,
European euro, Japanese yen, and British pound sterling). Treasury is the sole contributor. During FY 2021, the
government increased its commitment to hold additional SDR to help provide liquidity to the global economic
system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a $112.1 billion year to year increase. For additional
information, refer to Note 30—COVID-19 Activity and Note 28—Disclosure Entities and Related Parties.
• Other liabilities with related budgetary obligations are amounts of liabilities for which there is a related budgetary
obligation. Grant accruals, subsidies, and unpaid obligations related to assistance programs are all part of this
category. The largest contributors are DOT, HHS, and USDA.
• Actuarial liabilities for Treasury-managed benefit programs are the amounts recorded by Treasury for actuarial
liabilities of future benefit payments to be paid from programs such as the D.C. Federal Pension Fund and the D.C.
Judicial Retirement Fund. The only contributors are DOL and Treasury.
• Contingent liabilities are amounts that are recognized as a result of a past event where a future outflow or sacrifice
of resource is probable and measurable. These consist of a wide variety of administrative proceedings, legal actions,
and tort claims which may ultimately result in settlements or decisions adverse to the federal government. DOE and
HHS are the top contributors.
127 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
• Accrued funded payroll and leave are the estimated amounts of liabilities for salaries, wages and funded annual
leave and sick leave that have been earned but are unpaid. The most substantial contribution is from DOD.
• Other miscellaneous liabilities are the liabilities not otherwise classified above. Many entities reported relatively
small amounts.
The following entities are the main contributors to the government’s reported other liabilities as of September 30, 2021.
Refer to each entity’s financial statements for additional information:
• Treasury • DOD • PBGC
• DOE • DOT • Education
• DOL • USPS • DOJ
• SAA • USDA • TVA
• HHS • DHS • VA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 128
Note 20. Collections and Refunds of Federal Revenue
Collections of Federal Tax Revenue for the Year Ended September 30, 2021
Federal Tax Year to Which Collections Relate
Tax
Revenue Prior
(In billions of dollars) Collections 2021 2020 2019 Years
Individual income tax and tax withholdings ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3,593.9 2,283.0 1,231.8 43.8 35.3
Corporate income taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 419.0 254.8 130.5 4.3 29.4
Excise taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 83.6 63.2 19.9 0.2 0.3
Unemployment taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 50.4 41.6 8.7 – 0.1
Customs duties ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 85.6 79.3 6.3 – –
Estate and gift taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28.1 1.5 21.1 2.7 2.8
Railroad retirement taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5.3 4.2 1.1 – –
Fines, penalties, interest, and other revenue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4.2 4.0 0.2 – –
Subtotal ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4,270.1 2,731.6 1,419.6 51.0 67.9
Less: amounts collected for non-federal entities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.5)
Total ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4,269.6
Treasury is the government’s principal revenue-collecting entity. Collections of individual income and tax withholdings
include FICA/SECA and individual income taxes. These taxes are characterized as non-exchange revenue.
Excise taxes, also characterized as non-exchange revenue, consist of taxes collected for various items, such as airline
tickets, gasoline products, distilled spirits and imported liquor, tobacco, firearms, and others.
Tax and other revenues reported reflect the effects of tax expenditures, which are special exclusions, exemptions,
deductions, tax credits, preferential tax rates, and tax deferrals that allow individuals and businesses to reduce taxes they may
otherwise owe. The Budget Act (P.L. 93-344) requires that a list of tax expenditures be included in the annual Budget. Tax
expenditures may be viewed as alternatives to other policy instruments, such as spending or regulatory programs. For
example, the government supports college attendance through both spending programs and tax expenditures. The government
uses Pell Grants to help low- and moderate-income students afford college and allows certain funds used to meet college
expenses to grow tax free in special college savings accounts.
Tax expenditures include deductions and exclusions, which reduce the amount of income subject to tax. Examples are
the deduction for mortgage interest on personal residences and the exclusion of interest on state and local bonds. Tax
expenditures also include tax credits, which reduce tax liability dollar for dollar for the amount of credit. In taxable year
2021, taxpayers may claim a credit for up to $3,600 per child under age six and up to $3,000 per child age six through 17.
Other credits are targeted at business activity, such as credits for producing electricity from renewable energy or the research
and experimentation credit, which encourages businesses in the U.S. to increase investment in research activities. In addition,
tax expenditures include some provisions that allow taxpayers to defer tax liability. Examples include provisions that allow
immediate expensing or accelerated depreciation of certain capital investments, and others that allow taxpayers to defer their
tax liability, such as the deferral of recognition of income on contributions to and income accrued within qualified retirement
plans.
The total revenues reported in the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position and the related information
reported in this note, do not include explicit line items for tax expenditures, but the total revenue amounts and budget results
reflect the effect of these expenditures. Tax expenditures are discussed in this note, the unaudited MD&A, and in the
unaudited Other Information section of the Financial Report.
129 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Federal Tax Refunds Disbursed and Other Payments for the Year Ended September 30, 2021
Tax Year to Which Refunds Relate
Refunds Prior
(In billions of dollars) Disbursed 2021 2020 2019 Years
Individual income tax and tax withholdings ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,081.2 533.3 496.9 38.3 12.7
Corporate income taxes……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53.1 3.9 6.4 13.7 29.1
Other taxes, fines, and penalties ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11.3 3.4 4.5 2.2 1.2
Total ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1,145.6 540.6 507.8 54.2 43.0
Reconciliation of Revenue to Tax Collections for the Year
Ended September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Total collections of federal tax revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4,269.6
3,628.9
Refunds of federal taxes and other payments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (1,145.6) (744.1)
Individual and other tax credits ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 804.2 436.8
Federal Insurance Contributions Act – Tax ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (16.4) (15.4)
Federal Reserve earnings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 100.1 81.9
Change in taxes receivable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 68.0 91.7
Nontax-related fines and penalties reported by entities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 81.4 75.4
Nontax-related earned revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 94.6 16.4
Consolidated revenue per the Statement of Operations and Changes
in Net Position …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4,255.9 3,571.6
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Consolidated revenue in the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position is presented on a modified cash basis,
net of tax refunds, and includes other non-tax related revenue. Refunds of federal taxes and other payments and individual
and other tax credits in FY 2021 and FY 2020 include the CARES Act, CAA and ARP stimulus disbursements of $569.5
billion and $274.7 billion, respectively, to eligible taxpayers. Individual and other tax credits amounts are included in gross
cost in the Statements of Net Cost. Refer to Note 3—Accounts Receivable, Net for further explanation of line changes in
taxes receivable. The FICA – tax paid by federal entities is included in the individual income and tax withholdings line in the
Collections of Federal Tax Revenue; however, it is not reported on the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position
as these collections are intra-governmental revenue and eliminated in consolidation. The table above reconciles total revenue
to federal tax collections. The above table reflects a change in presentation for FY 2021. The table presentation was
reconfigured to reconcile Collections of Federal Tax Revenue to the Consolidated revenue per the Statement of Operations
and Changes in Net Position.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 130
Collections of Federal Revenue for the Year Ended September 30, 2020
Federal Tax Year to Which Collections Relate
Tax
Revenue Prior
(In billions of dollars) Collections 2020 2019 2018 Years
Individual income tax and tax
withholdings ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3,127.6 1,947.9 1,118.5 33.7 27.5
Corporate income taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 263.6 152.0 89.0 10.0 12.6
Excise taxes ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 96.4 72.2 23.9 0.1 0.2
Unemployment taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 40.8 34.5 6.2 – 0.1
Customs duties ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 74.4 67.2 7.2 – –
Estate and gift taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18.2 2.6 11.8 2.1 1.7
Railroad retirement taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5.2 3.8 1.4 – –
Fines, penalties, interest and other
revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3.2 3.1 0.1 – –
Subtotal ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3,629.4 2,283.3 1,258.1 45.9 42.1
Less: amounts collected for non-
federal entities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… (0.5)
Total ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3,628.9
Federal Tax Refunds Disbursed and Other Payments for the Year Ended September 30, 2020
Tax Year to Which Refunds Relate
Refunds Prior
(In billions of dollars) Disbursed 2020 2019 2018 Years
Individual income tax and tax withholdings ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 673.4 335.6 299.3 31.0 7.5
Corporate income taxes……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 59.5 4.0 14.0 20.2 21.3
Other taxes, fines, and penalties ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11.2 3.3 5.6 1.3 1.0
Total ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 744.1 342.9 318.9 52.5 29.8
131 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21. Commitments
Long-Term Operating Leases as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
General Services Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25.8 24.0
Department of Veterans Affairs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4.9 4.3
Department of Health and Human Services ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.3 1.2
Department of State ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.3 1.4
Other operating leases ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3.3 3.8
Total long-term operating leases ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37.6 34.7
The government has entered into contractual commitments that require future use of financial resources. It has
significant amounts of long-term lease obligations. Long-Term Operating Leases in this note refer to those leases in which
federal entities do not assume the risks of ownership of the underlying general PP&E, and payments are expensed over the
lease term. The lease liabilities and assets arising from operating leases for FASB-reporting entities who early-implemented
FASB ASC 842, Leases, are recorded on the Balance Sheet in other liabilities and PP&E, respectively, and thus are not
included in this Commitments note.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 132
Undelivered Orders and Other Commitments as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
Restated
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Undelivered Orders – Unpaid:
Department of Defense ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 411.5 395.0
Department of Education ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 321.4 138.6
Department of Health and Human Services ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 288.8 187.2
Department of Transportation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 141.1 125.3
Department of Housing and Urban Development ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 93.4 59.8
Department of Agriculture …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 84.5 78.4
Department of Homeland Security ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 81.0 60.6
Security Assistance Accounts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 37.3 55.3
Department of Energy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 33.9 31.7
Department of State …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26.8 28.4
Environmental Protection Agency …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20.7 15.0
U.S. Agency for International Development ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20.5 19.5
Small Business Administration ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20.1 21.6
All other entities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 149.9 252.1
Total undelivered orders – unpaid …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,730.9 1,468.5
Other Commitments:
GSE Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 254.1 254.1
U.S. participation in the International Monetary Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 162.6 123.4
Callable capital subscriptions for Multilateral Development Banks ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 125.6 123.3
All other commitments …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18.1 19.0
Total other commitments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 560.4 519.8
Undelivered Orders and Other Commitments
Undelivered Orders – Unpaid
Undelivered orders, included in this note disclosure, represent the value of goods and services ordered that have not yet
been received and that have not been prepaid. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the total reported undelivered orders
were $1,730.9 billion and $1,468.5 billion, respectively. Undelivered orders had a net increase of $262.4 billion from 2020 to
2021. While Treasury, which is included in All other entities in the above table, had a decrease in undelivered orders,
Education, HHS and HUD all experienced increases. Treasury’s decrease in undelivered orders from $120.5 billion in FY
2020 to $5.9 billion in FY 2021, was primarily the result of a $114.6 billion de-obligation of undisbursed but previously
committed CARES Act funds. Refer to Note 8—Investments in Special Purpose Vehicles for additional information.
Education had a $182.8 billion increase that resulted primarily from an increase in unpaid, undelivered orders related to
COVID-19. HHS had a $101.6 billion increase primarily due to COVID-19 activity. HUD also had an increase of $33.6
billion primarily the result of COVID-19 activity.
GSE Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the maximum remaining potential commitment to the GSEs for the remaining life
of the SPSPAs was $254.1 billion, which was established on December 31, 2012. Refer to Note 9—Investments in
Government-Sponsored Enterprises for a full description of the SPSPAs related commitments and contingent liability, if any,
as well as additional information.
133 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. Participation in the International Monetary Fund
The government participates in the IMF through a quota subscription and certain borrowing arrangements that
supplement IMF resources. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the financial commitment under the U.S. quota and
borrowing arrangements was $162.6 billion and $123.4 billion, respectively. The financial commitment of the U.S.
participation in the IMF for FY 2020 was restated to reduce the amount from $156.3 billion to $123.4 billion. This
restatement was due to erroneously reporting drawn amounts of the U.S. participation versus the undrawn amount remaining.
Refer to Note 2—Cash and Other Monetary Assets and Note 28—Disclosure Entities and Related Parties for additional
information regarding the U.S. participation in the IMF.
Callable Capital Subscriptions for Multilateral Development Banks
The government has callable subscriptions in certain MDB, which are international financial institutions that finance
economic and social development projects in developing countries. Callable capital in the MDB serves as a supplemental
pool of resources that may be redeemed and converted into ordinary paid in shares, if the MDB cannot otherwise meet certain
obligations through its other available resources. MDB are able to use callable capital as backing to obtain favorable
financing terms when borrowing from international capital markets. To date, there has never been a call on this capital at any
MDB and none is anticipated. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the capital commitment to MDB was $125.6 billion and
$123.3 billion, respectively.
Other Risks
U.S. Contributions to International Organizations
The U.S. government enters into agreements to pay future contributions to international organizations in which it
participates as a member. These contributions may include financial and in-kind support, including assessed contributions,
voluntary contributions, grants, and other assistance to international organizations. Following are examples of international
organizations and their underlying missions that are supported by U.S. contributions:
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established to safeguard the rights and
well-being of refugees;
• International Committee of the Red Cross, which provides humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of
armed conflict and other situations of violence;
• International Organization for Migration, which supports migration programs and the U.S. Refugee Assistance
Program;
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which promotes conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes;
• United Nations, which enables the world’s nations to work together toward freedom, democracy, peace, and human
rights;
• World Food Program, which provides emergency nutrition programming;
• Global Environment Facility, which is a multilateral trust fund that provides grants for global environmental
projects;
• Green Climate Fund, which was established to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the
challenge of climate change;
• United Nations Children’s Fund, which promotes humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and
mothers in developing countries; and
• WHO, which provides international health activities within the United Nations system and aids in health systems;
including activities that address non-communicable and communicable diseases; environmental health; and natural
and man-made emergencies.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 134
Note 22. Contingencies
Loss contingencies are existing conditions, situations, or sets of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss
to an entity. The uncertainty will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The
government is subject to loss contingencies related to:
• Legal and environmental and disposal;
• Insurance and guarantees; and
• Other Contingencies.
The government is involved in various litigation, including administrative proceedings, legal actions, and tort claims,
which may ultimately result in settlements or decisions adverse to the government. In addition, the government is subject to
loss contingencies for a variety of environmental cleanup costs for the storage and disposal of hazardous material as well as
the operations and closures of facilities at which environmental contamination may be present. Refer to the Legal
Contingencies and Environmental and Disposal Contingencies section of this note for additional information.
The government provides insurance and guarantees via a variety of programs. At the time an insurance policy or
guarantee is issued, a contingency arises. The contingency is the risk of loss assumed by the insurer, that is, the risk of loss
from events that may occur during the term of the policy. For additional information, refer to the Insurance and Guarantees
sections of this note.
Other contingencies include those related to the government’s establishment of construction budgets without receiving
appropriations from Congress for such projects, appeals of Medicaid audit and program disallowances by the states, potential
draws by GSEs, and whistleblower awards. The government is also a party to treaties and other international agreements.
These treaties and other international agreements address various issues including, but not limited to, trade, commerce,
security, and law enforcement that may involve financial obligations or give rise to possible exposure to losses. For
additional information on the government’s other loss contingencies, refer to the Other Contingencies section of this note.
Financial Treatment of Loss Contingencies
The reporting of loss contingencies depends on the likelihood that a future event or events will confirm the loss or
impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability and the likelihood of loss can range from probable to remote. SFFAS
No. 5, Accounting for Liabilities of the Federal Government, identifies the probability classifications used to assess the range
for the likelihood of loss as probable, reasonably possible, and remote. Loss contingencies where a past event or exchange
transaction has occurred, and where a future outflow or other sacrifice of resources is assessed as probable and measurable,
are accrued in the financial statements. Loss contingencies that are assessed to be at least reasonably possible are disclosed in
this note, and loss contingencies that are assessed as remote are neither reported in the financial statements, nor disclosed in
the notes. The following table provides criteria for how federal entities are to account for loss contingencies, based on the
likelihood of the loss and measurability.3
3 In addition, a third condition must be met to be a loss contingency: a past event or an exchange transaction must occur.
135 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Likelihood of future
outflow or other
sacrifice of resources
Loss amount can be
reasonably measured
Loss range can be
reasonably measured
Loss amount or range
cannot be reasonably
measured
Probable
Future confirming
event(s) are more likely
to occur than not.4
Accrue the liability.
Report on Balance Sheet
and Statement of Net
Cost.
Accrue liability of best
estimate or minimum
amount in loss range if
there is no best estimate,
and disclose nature of
contingency and range of
estimated liability.
Disclose nature of
contingency and include
a statement that an
estimate cannot be
made.
Reasonably possible
Possibility of future
confirming event(s)
occurring is more than
remote and less than likely.
Disclose nature of
contingency and
estimated amount.
Disclose nature of
contingency and
estimated loss range.
Disclose nature of
contingency and include
a statement that an
estimate cannot be
made.
Remote
Possibility of future
event(s) occurring is
slight.
No action is required. No action is required. No action is required.
Loss contingencies arise in the normal course of operations and their ultimate disposition is unknown. Based on
information currently available, however, it is management’s opinion that the expected outcome of these matters, individually
or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial statements, except for the litigation and insurance
described in the following sections, which could have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.
Certain significant consolidation entities apply financial accounting and reporting standards issued by FASB, and such
entities, as permitted by SFFAS No. 47, Reporting Entity, are consolidated into the U.S. government’s consolidated financial
statements without conversion to financial and reporting standards issued by FASAB.5 Generally, under FASAB standards, a
contingency is considered “probable†if the future event or events are more likely than not to occur. Under FASB standards, a
contingency is considered “probable†if the future event or events are likely to occur. “Likely to occur†is considered to be
more certain than “more likely than not to occur.†Under both accounting frameworks, a contingency is considered
“reasonably possible†if occurrence of the future event or events is more likely than remote, but less likely than “probableâ€
(“probable†as defined within each corresponding accounting framework).
4 For pending or threatened litigation and unasserted claims, the future confirming event or events are considered “probable†if such events are likely to
occur.
5 Significant consolidation entities that apply FASB standards without conversion to FASAB standards are FCSIC, FDIC, NRRIT, PBGC, Smithsonian
Institution, TVA, and USPS.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 136
Legal Contingencies and Environmental and Disposal Contingencies
Legal Contingencies and Environmental and Disposal Contingencies as of
September 30, 2021, and 2020
2021 2020
Estimated Range of Loss Estimated Range of Loss
for Certain Cases 2 for Certain Cases 2
Accrued Accrued
(In billions of dollars) Liabilities 1 Lower End Upper End Liabilities 1 Lower End Upper End
Probable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39.7 39.6 42.7 40.1 39.4 41.9
Reasonably possible ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. N/A 25.9 52.0 N/A 9.7 33.9
1 Accrued liabilities are recorded and presented in other liabilities on the Balance Sheet.
2 Does not reflect the total range of loss; many cases assessed as reasonably possible of an unfavorable outcome did not include
estimated losses that could be determined.
Note: “N/A” indicates not applicable.
Management and legal counsel have determined that it is “probable†that some legal actions, litigation, tort claims, and
environmental and disposal contingencies will result in a loss to the government and the loss amounts are reasonably
measurable. The estimated liabilities for “probable†cases against the government are $39.7 billion and $40.1 billion as of
September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and are included in “Other Liabilities†on the Balance Sheet. For example, the
U.S. Supreme Court 2012 decision in Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter, and subsequent cases related to contract support
costs have resulted in increased claims against the Indian Health Service, which is a component within HHS. As a result of
this decision, many tribes have filed claims. Some claims have been paid and others have been asserted but not yet settled. It
is expected that some tribes will file additional claims for prior years. The estimated amount recorded for contract support
costs is $5.8 billion in FY 2021 and $5.5 billion in FY 2020.
There are also administrative claims and legal actions pending where adverse decisions are considered by management
and legal counsel as “reasonably possible†with an estimate of potential loss or a range of potential loss. The estimated
potential losses reported for such claims and actions range from $25.9 billion to $52.0 billion as of September 30, 2021, and
from $9.7 billion to $33.9 billion as of September 30, 2020. The estimated lower and upper range of potential loss for
reasonably possible claims and actions increased by $16.2 billion and $18.1 billion, respectively, from FY 2020 to FY 2021.
The increase is primarily due to new legal cases, along with the net change between legal cases with a change in the
likelihood of loss, the amount of potential loss, and legal cases that are no longer pending.
In accordance with the NWPA, DOE entered into more than 69 standard contracts with utilities in which, in return for
payment of fees into the Nuclear Waste Fund, DOE agreed to begin disposal of SNF by January 31, 1998. Because DOE has
no facility available to receive SNF under the NWPA, it has been unable to begin disposal of the utilities’ SNF as required by
the contracts. Significant litigation claiming damages for partial breach of contract has ensued as a result of this delay. Based
on settlement estimates, the total liability estimate as of September 30, 2021 is $39.9 billion. After deducting the cumulative
amount paid of $9.0 billion as of September 30, 2021 under settlements, and as a result of final judgments, the remaining
liability is estimated to be approximately $30.9 billion, compared to approximately $30.6 billion as of September 30, 2020.
A number of class action and/or multiple plaintiff tort suits have been filed against current and former DOE contractors
in which the plaintiffs seek damages for alleged exposures to radioactive and/or toxic substances as a result of the historic
operations of DOE’s nuclear facilities. Collectively, in these cases, damages of $1.2 billion are currently sought.
Numerous litigation cases are pending where the outcome is uncertain or it is reasonably possible that a loss has been
incurred and where estimates cannot be made. There are other litigation cases where the plaintiffs have not made claims for
specific dollar amounts, but the settlement may be significant. The ultimate resolution of these legal actions for which the
potential loss could not be determined may materially affect the U.S. government’s financial position or operating results.
137 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A number of cases were filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and U.S. District Courts in which the plaintiffs allege,
among other things, that the U.S. government took their property, breached contractual rights of preferred and common
stockholders, and breached fiduciary duties when the third amendments to the SPSPAs between Treasury and each GSE were
executed in August 2012 (please refer to Note 9—Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises). One case also alleges
that the U.S. government took plaintiffs’ property and contractual rights when the GSEs were placed into conservatorship and
entered into the SPSPAs with Treasury in September 2008. In the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the plaintiffs seek just
compensation and other damages from the U.S. government. With respect to certain cases pending before the U.S. Court of
Federal Claims, the U.S. government’s motion to dismiss was granted with respect to certain claims and denied with respect
to certain other claims. The parties have appealed, and the appeals are still pending. In the U.S. District Courts, the plaintiffs
seek to set aside the third amendments to the SPSPAs as well as damages, and in some cases a declaration that the FHFA’s
structure violates the separation of powers. A case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas was dismissed
by that District Court; and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of all claims against Treasury but allowed
one claim against FHFA to proceed. In June 2021, the Supreme Court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claim that FHFA lacked
statutory authority to enter into the Third Amendment, held that the FHFA director could be removed at will by the President,
and held that the statutory limitation that the FHFA director can only be removed for cause is an unconstitutional violation of
separation of powers but does not invalidate the third amendments. The Court also left open the possibility that the plaintiffs
may be entitled to retrospective relief if the unconstitutional provision inflicted “compensable harmâ€, and further proceedings
are anticipated in the lower court. A case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota was dismissed, and the
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in part and reversed in part. A case in the U.S. District Court for the Western
District of Michigan was dismissed, and an appeal is pending. A case in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania remains in
litigation, and a motion to dismiss is pending. Treasury is unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an
estimate of potential loss in these cases at this time.
Insurance and Guarantees
As discussed in Note 1.O—Insurance and Guarantee Program Liabilities, certain consolidation entities with significant
insurance and guarantee programs apply FASB standards, while other insurance programs are accounted for in the
consolidated financial statements pursuant to FASAB standards. Please refer to Note 17—Insurance and Guarantee Program
Liabilities for insurance and guarantee liabilities and Note 14—Federal Employee and Veteran Benefits Payable for insurance
related to federal employee and veteran benefits.
Entities Reporting under FASB
PBGC, FCSIC, and FDIC are the main contributing consolidation entities with significant insurance or guarantee
programs that apply FASB standards. Insurance in-force estimates and a discussion on the PBGC coverage are disclosed to
provide an understanding on the magnitude of the programs. Current conditions indicate it is unlikely that losses equal to the
maximum risk exposure described below would be incurred.
PBGC insures pension benefits for participants in covered defined benefit pension plans. Under current law, PBGC’s
liabilities may be paid only from PBGC’s assets. Accordingly, PBGC’s liabilities are not backed by the full faith of the U.S.
government. As of September 30, 2021, PBGC’s single-employer and multiemployer pension insurance programs had $150.7
billion and $3.5 billion in total assets, respectively. In FY 2020, PBGC reported pension insurance program total assets for
single-employer and multiemployer of $143.5 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively.
PBGC operates two separate pension insurance programs: a single-employer program and a multiemployer program.
The single-employer program covered about 22.7 million people (excluding those in plans that PBGC has trusteed) in FY
2021, down from about 23.5 million people in FY 2020, and the maximum guaranteed annual benefit for participants who are
in a plan that terminated in FY 2021 and commence benefits at age 65 is $72,409. The maximum guaranteed benefit for
single-employer plan participants varies with a number of factors such as the date of the sponsoring employer’s bankruptcy
and the age at which the participant commences benefits. The number of covered ongoing plans at the end of FY 2021 was
about 23,900.
The multiemployer program covers about 10.9 million participants in about 1,360 insured plans and the maximum
annual benefit is $12,870 to a participant who worked for 30 years in jobs covered by the plan. The maximum benefit for
multiemployer plan participants varies with covered service and would be lower if the participant worked less than 30 years
and higher if the participant worked more than 30 years. On March 11, 2021 the President signed into law the ARP. The ARP
established a new multiemployer SFA program resulting in a new source of financing from the General Fund. PBGC will
receive appropriated SFA funds to disburse to multiemployer plans that meet certain criteria. Unlike traditional financial
assistance where PBGC provided assistance to the multiemployer plans in the form of a loan, the new special financial
assistance will be provided via a transfer (pass through of funds) with no obligation of repayment. Prior to enactment of the
ARP, PBGC’s multiemployer program was projected to become insolvent in FY 2026. By providing special financing
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 138
assistance to the most financially troubled multiemployer plans, ARP significantly extends the solvency of PGBC’s
multiemployer program. New projections show a median projected insolvency in FY 2055. Please refer to PBGC financial
statements for additional information.
FCSIC insures the timely payment of principal and interest on Systemwide Debt Securities. Systemwide Debt Securities
are the general unsecured joint and several obligations of the Farm Credit System Banks. Systemwide Debt Securities are not
obligations of and are not guaranteed by the U.S. government. As stated in the Farm Credit Quarterly Information Statement
of the Farm Credit System, outstanding Systemwide Debt Securities reported by the Farm Credit System Banks totaled
$329.0 billion and $309.1 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020 respectively. The insurance provided by FCSIC is also
not an obligation of and is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. Under current law, if FCSIC does not have sufficient
funds to pay unpaid principal and interest on insured Systemwide Debt Securities, the Farm Credit System Banks will be
required to make payments under joint and several liability. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, FCSIC reported an
Insurance Fund balance of $5.8 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively.
FDIC insures bank and savings association deposits, which exposes FDIC to various risks. FDIC has estimated total
insured deposits of $9,577.1 billion and $8,926.6 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020 respectively, for the DIF. The
increase in insured deposits is due in part to the result of actions taken by monetary and fiscal authorities, and individuals,
businesses, and financial market participants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in FY 2020. Additional rounds of
federal stimulus payments, and elevated personal savings contributed to the increase in insured deposits in FY 2021.
The government has guarantee contingencies that are reasonably possible in the amount of $105.9 billion and $185.6
billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
PBGC reported $105.7 billion and $185.5 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively, for the estimated
aggregate unfunded vested benefits exposure to PBGC for private-sector single-employer and multiemployer defined benefit
pension plans that are classified with a reasonably possible exposure to loss. As of September 30, 2021, PBGC’s estimate of
its single-employer reasonably possible exposure decreased to $105.4 billion.6 The single-employer program contingencies
decrease of $70.8 billion is largely due to the positive investment results on plan assets during calendar year 2020 and the
decline in the number of companies with lower than investment grade bond ratings and/or credit scores. PBGC’s estimate of
its multiemployer reasonably possible exposure decreased to $0.3 billion in FY 2021. The $9.0 billion decrease in the
multiemployer program contingency exposure is primarily due to the removal of thirteen larger plans that are no longer
classified as reasonably possible and the decline in the reasonably possible small plan bulk reserve due to adjustments made
to account for the new SFA program.
FDIC reported $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion as of September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively for additional risk
identified in the financial services industry that could result in additional loss to the DIF should potentially vulnerable insured
institutions ultimately fail. Actual losses, if any, will largely depend on future economic and market conditions.
Entities Reporting under FASAB
The total amount of coverage provided by an insurer as of the end of the reporting period is referred to as insurance in-
force. Insurance in-force represents the total amount of unexpired insurance arrangements for the corresponding program as
of a given date. Insurance in-force is presented to provide the reader with a better understanding of the unexpired insurance
arrangements that are not considered a liability. It is extremely unlikely that losses equal to the maximum risk exposure
would be incurred. The table below shows the estimate of insurance in-force for consolidation entities with significant
insurance programs that apply FASAB standards in accordance with SFFAS No. 51, Insurance Programs.
6 The estimate of the reasonably possible exposure to loss for the single-employer plans was measured as of December 31, 2020.
139 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Insurance In-force as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Insurance In-force:
Ginnie Mae – HUD ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,125.6 2,117.7
National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund – NCUA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1,600.0 1,400.0
National Flood Insurance Program – DHS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1,341.3 1,338.9
Federal Crop Insurance – USDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 150.0 127.0
Ginnie Mae insures MBS and commitments, which exposes Ginnie Mae to various risks. Ginnie Mae’s MBS program
guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on securities backed by pools of mortgage loans insured by FHA,
Public and Indian Housing, Rural Housing Service, and VA. Accordingly, Ginnie Mae’s credit risk related to outstanding
MBS is greatly mitigated by guarantees discussed in Note 4—Loans Receivable, Net and Loan Guarantee Liabilities.
NCUA operates and manages the NCUSIF, insuring the deposits of over 128.6 million account holders in all federal
credit unions and the majority of state-chartered credit unions. The $200.0 billion increase in the NCUSIF as of September
30, 2021 was primarily due to elevated savings rates, declining unemployment, rising wages, federal stimulus payments, and
the continuation of various loan forbearance programs. NCUSIF insures the balance of each members’ accounts, dollar-for-
dollar, up to at least the standard maximum share insurance amount of $250,000.
NFIP, managed by FEMA, is considered an exchange transaction insurance program and pays claims to policy holders
who experience flood damage due to flooding within the NFIP rules and regulations. FEMA is authorized to secure
reinsurance coverage from private reinsurance and capital markets to maintain the financial ability of the program to pay
claims from major flooding events.
FEMA, a component of DHS, is authorized to borrow from Treasury up to $30.4 billion to fund the payment of flood
insurance claims and claims-related expenses of the NFIP. This authority is used only as needed to pay existing obligations
for claims and expenses. Insurance premiums collected are used to pay insurance claims and to repay borrowings. As of
September 30, 2021, and 2020, FEMA had drawn from Treasury $20.5 billion, leaving $9.9 billion available to be borrowed.
Premiums collected by FEMA for the NFIP based on subsidized rates are not sufficient to cover the debt repayments. Given
the current premium rate structure, FEMA will not be able to generate sufficient resources from premiums to repay its debt.
The Federal Crop Insurance Program, administered by USDA’s FCIC, is considered a short-duration exchange
transaction insurance program. The crop insurance policies insure against unexpected declines in yield and/or price due to
natural causes. There were approximately 1.2 million and 1.1 million crop insurance policies in force for crop years 2021,
and 2020, respectively. The insurance policies are structured as a contract between Approved Insurance Providers and
producers, with the FCIC providing reinsurance to Approved Insurance Providers. Crop insurance policies automatically
renew each year unless producers cancel them by a published annual deadline. The insurance protection in force increased
$23.0 billion in crop year 2021 primarily due to higher crop prices, and the widespread drought which had a significant
impact to projected losses for crops in the western states and the northern plains.
FCIC may request the Secretary of Agriculture to provide borrowing authority funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation if at any time the amounts in the insurance fund are insufficient to allow FCIC to carry out its duties. Even
though the authority exists, FCIC did not request Commodity Credit Corporation funds in the reporting period. USDA has a
permanent indefinite appropriation for the crop insurance program used to cover premium subsidy, delivery expenses, losses
in excess of premiums, and research and delivery costs. FCIC has no outstanding borrowing as of September 30, 2021.
Please refer to the financial statements of the main contributing entities, HUD, NCUA, DHS, and USDA for additional
information.
The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as amended, created TRIP, which requires participating insurers to make
insurance available for losses resulting from certified acts of terrorism and provides a federal government backstop for the
insurers’ resulting financial exposure. This statute was enacted following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 to
address disruptions in the market for terrorism risk insurance, to help ensure the continued availability and affordability of
commercial property and casualty insurance for terrorism risk, and to allow for the private markets to stabilize and build
insurance capacity to absorb any future losses for terrorism events. Most recently, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program
Reauthorization Act of 2019 authorized TRIP until December 31, 2027. The claims process under TRIP commences once the
Secretary of the Treasury (in consultation with the Secretary of the DHS and the U.S. Attorney General) certifies an event as
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 140
an “act of terrorism.†In the event of certification of an “act of terrorism†insurers may be eligible to receive reimbursement
from the U.S. government for associated insured losses assuming an aggregate insured loss threshold (“Program Triggerâ€)
has been reached once a particular insurer has satisfied its designated deductible amount. For calendar years 2021 and 2020,
the Program Trigger amount was $200.0 million. The Program Trigger will remain at $200.0 million each year through the
expiration of TRIP in 2027. Insured losses above insurer deductibles will be shared between insurance companies and the
U.S. government. TRIP includes both mandatory and discretionary authority for Treasury to recoup federal payments made
under TRIP through policyholder surcharges under certain circumstances, and contains provisions designed to manage
litigation arising from or relating to a certified “act of terrorism.†There were no claims under TRIP as of September 30, 2021
or 2020.
Other Contingencies
DOT, HHS, Treasury, and SEC reported the following other contingencies:
FHWA has a reasonably possible contingency due to their authority to approve projects using advance construction
under 23 U.S.C. § 115(a) and 23 CFR 630.701-630.709. FHWA does not guarantee the ultimate funding to the states for
these “advance construction†projects and, accordingly, does not obligate any funds for these projects. The state may submit
a written request to FHWA that a project be converted to a regular federal aid project at any time provided that sufficient
federal aid funds and obligation authority are available. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, FHWA has $68.8 billion and
$68.7 billion, respectively, of advanced construction authorizations that could be converted to federal obligations subject to
the availability of funds. These authorizations have not been recognized in the DOT consolidated financial statements.
Contingent liabilities have been accrued as a result of Medicaid audit and program disallowances that are currently
being appealed by the states. The Medicaid amounts are $3.7 billion for fiscal years ending September 30, 2021, and 2020.
The states could return the funds through payments to HHS, or HHS could recoup the funds by reducing future grant awards
to the states. Conversely, if the appeals are decided in favor of the states, HHS will be required to pay these amounts. In
addition, certain amounts for payment have been deferred under the Medicaid program when there is reasonable doubt as to
the legitimacy of expenditures claimed by a state. There are also outstanding reviews of the state expenditures in which a
final determination has not been made.
Treasury has a contingency for future draws by the GSEs. There were no probable future draws accrued as of
September 30, 2021, and 2020, and the total amount of reasonably possible future draws is not estimable as of September 30,
2021. Refer to Note 9—Investments in Government-Sponsored Enterprises for additional information.
SEC’s Division of Enforcement program, Office of the Whistleblower, rewards individuals who provide the entity with
tips that lead to successful enforcement actions. SEC has accrued contingent liabilities of $131.9 million and $254.8 million
as of September 30, 2021, and 2020 respectively, for whistleblower awards. The Investor Protection Fund provides funding
for the payment of whistleblower awards as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of
2010. Please refer to the SEC financial statements for additional information regarding whistleblower awards.
When a contingency originates from the U.S. government’s involvement in a treaty or other international agreement, the
responsible reporting entity must establish a contingent liability or include a required note disclosure to its financial
statements in accordance with guidance in SFFAS No. 5. Refer to Note 21—Commitments for additional information
concerning commitments related to treaties and other international agreements.
141 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 23. Funds from Dedicated Collections
Funds from Dedicated Collections as of September 30, 2021
Federal Federal Federal
Old-Age and Disability Medicare All Other Total Funds Total Funds
Survivors Insurance Insurance Funds from from Funds from from
Insurance Trust Trust Funds Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated
Trust Fund Fund (Part A, B, D) Collections Collections Collections Collections
(In billions of dollars) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined)2 Eliminations (Consolidated)3
Assets:
Cash and other monetary
assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 182.2 182.2 – 182.2
Accounts receivable, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.1 3.1 15.6 26.1 46.9 – 46.9
Loans receivable, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 2.3 2.3 – 2.3
Inventory and related
property, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – 1.5 1.5 – 1.5
General property, plant
and equipment, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – 0.3 36.8 37.1 – 37.1
Investments ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 35.3 35.3 – 35.3
Other assets4 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – 67.0 30.5 97.5 – 97.5
Investments in Treasury
securities, net of
unamortized
premiums/discounts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2,755.9 98.0 306.8 238.7 3,399.4 – 3,399.4
Other federal assets …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16.6 0.7 233.1 290.1 540.5 (175.7) 364.8
Total assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2,774.6 101.8 622.8 843.5 4,342.7 (175.7) 4,167.0
Liabilities and net
position:
Accounts payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 0.1 5.0 5.1 – 5.1
Federal employee and
veteran benefits payable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 7.0 7.0 – 7.0
Environmental and
disposal liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 26.1 26.1 – 26.1
Benefits due and payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 87.4 20.5 79.8 17.6 205.3 – 205.3
Insurance and guarantee
program liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 3.5 3.5 – 3.5
Other liabilities4 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 0.8 266.1 266.9 – 266.9
Federal liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.2 0.8 132.2 202.8 342.0 (175.7) 166.3
Total liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 93.6 21.3 212.9 528.1 855.9 (175.7) 680.2
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 142
Funds from Dedicated Collections as of September 30, 2021, continued¹
Federal Federal Federal
Old-Age and Disability Medicare All Other Total Funds Total Funds
Survivors Insurance Insurance Funds from from Funds from from
Insurance Trust Trust Funds Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated
Trust Fund Fund (Part A, B, D) Collections Collections Collections Collections
(In billions of dollars) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined)2 Eliminations (Consolidated)3
Net position:
Total net position …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2,681.0 80.5 409.9 315.4 3,486.8 – 3,486.8
Total liabilities and net
position ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,774.6 101.8 622.8 843.5 4,342.7 (175.7) 4,167.0
Change in net position:
Net position, beginning of
period ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,741.0 78.6 364.9 289.9 3,474.4 – 3,474.4
Adjustments to beginning
net position
Beginning net position,
adjusted ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,741.0 78.6 364.9 289.9 3,474.4 – 3,474.4
Individual income taxes
and tax withholdings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 831.1 141.2 302.0 – 1,274.3 – 1,274.3
Other taxes and
miscellaneous earned
revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
– – (0.8) 124.6 123.8 – 123.8
Other changes in fund
balance (e.g.,
appropriations, transfers) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
26.8 (1.9) 468.5 200.3 693.7 – 693.7
Federal non-exchange
revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 69.0 2.7 6.1 28.3 106.1 – 106.1
Total financing sources ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 926.9 142.0 775.8 353.2 2,197.9 – 2,197.9
Program gross costs and
non-program expenses ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 986.9 140.1 853.4 402.9
2,383.3
(1.5) 2,381.8
Less: program revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – (122.6) (75.2) (197.8) 1.5 (196.3)
Net cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 986.9 140.1 730.8 327.7 2,185.5 – 2,185.5
Ending net position…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,681.0 80.5 409.9 315.4 3,486.8 – 3,486.8
1By law, certain expenses (costs), revenues, and other financing sources related to the administration of the above funds are not charged
to the funds and are therefore financed and/or credited to other sources.
2The combined presentation does not eliminate intra-entity balances or transactions between funds from dedicated collections held by the
entity.
3The consolidated dedicated collections presentation eliminates balances and transactions between funds from dedicated collections
held by the entity, but does not eliminate balances or transactions between funds from dedicated collections and funds from other than
dedicated collections.
4Other assets and other liabilities include multiple line items on the Balance Sheet.
143 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Funds from Dedicated Collections as of September 30, 2020
Federal Federal Federal
Old-Age and Disability Medicare All Other Total Funds Total Funds
Survivors Insurance Insurance Funds from from Funds from from
Insurance Trust Trust Funds Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated
Trust Fund Fund (Part A, B, D) Collections Collections Collections Collections
(In billions of dollars) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined)2 Eliminations (Consolidated)3
Assets:
Cash and other monetary
assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 69.9 69.9 – 69.9
Accounts receivable, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.1 3.3 12.3 22.4 40.1 – 40.1
Loans receivable, net ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – – 2.7 2.7 – 2.7
Inventory and related
property, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – 1.6 1.6 – 1.6
General property, plant
and equipment, net …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – 0.2 35.5 35.7 – 35.7
Investments ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 41.9 41.9 – 41.9
Other assets4 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… – – 103.6 28.0 131.6 – 131.6
Investments in Treasury
securities, net of
unamortized
premiums/discounts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2,811.2 97.2 221.2 197.9 3,327.5 – 3,327.5
Other federal assets …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17.7 0.5 183.5 272.0 473.7 (159.9) 313.8
Total assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2,831.0 101.0 520.8 671.9 4,124.7 (159.9) 3,964.8
Liabilities and net
position:
Accounts payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 0.1 6.8 6.9 – 6.9
Federal employee and
veteran benefits payable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 2.8 2.8 – 2.8
Environmental and
disposal liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 25.9 25.9 – 25.9
Benefits due and payable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 83.7 21.4 70.1 13.5 188.7 – 188.7
Insurance and guarantee
program liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. – – – 9.0 9.0 – 9.0
Other liabilities4 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 0.5 152.2 152.7 – 152.7
Federal liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.3 1.0 85.2 171.8 264.3 (159.9) 104.4
Total liabilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90.0 22.4 155.9 382.0 650.3 (159.9) 490.4
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 144
Funds from Dedicated Collections as of September 30, 2020, continued¹
Federal Federal Federal
Old-Age and Disability Medicare All Other Total Funds Total Funds
Survivors Insurance Insurance Funds from from Funds from from
Insurance Trust Trust Funds Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated
Trust Fund Fund (Part A, B, D) Collections Collections Collections Collections
(In billions of dollars) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined) (Combined)2 Eliminations (Consolidated)3
Net position:
Total net position …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2,741.0 78.6 364.9 289.9 3,474.4 – 3,474.4
Total liabilities and net
position ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2,831.0 101.0 520.8 671.9 4,124.7 (159.9) 3,964.8
Change in net position:
Net position, beginning of
period ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,740.2 78.6 297.9 387.9 3,504.6 12.5 3,517.1
Adjustments to beginning
net position
Changes in accounting
principle………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – – – – (12.5) (12.5)
Beginning net position,
adjusted ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,740.2 78.6 297.9 387.9 3,504.6 – 3,504.6
Individual income taxes
and tax withholdings …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 841.7 142.9 299.1 0.1 1,283.8 – 1,283.8
Other taxes and
miscellaneous earned
revenue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
– 0.1 (1.3) 107.0 105.8 – 105.8
Other changes in fund
balance (e.g.,
appropriations, transfers) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
29.5 (1.0) 429.6 98.0 556.1 (0.5) 555.6
Federal non-exchange
revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 74.6 2.8 2.1 28.2 107.7 – 107.7
Total financing sources ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 945.8 144.8 729.5 233.3 2,053.4 (0.5) 2,052.9
Program gross costs and
non-program expenses ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 945.0
144.8
779.8 392.5
2,262.1
0.4 2,262.5
Less: program revenue ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. – – 117.3 61.2 178.5 0.9 179.4
Net cost ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 945.0 144.8 662.5 331.3 2,083.6 (0.5) 2,083.1
Ending net position…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2,741.0 78.6 364.9 289.9 3,474.4 – 3,474.4
1By law, certain expenses (costs), revenues, and other financing sources related to the administration of the above funds are not charged
to the funds and are therefore financed and/or credited to other sources.
2The combined presentation does not eliminate intra-entity balances or transactions between funds from dedicated collections held by the
entity.
3The consolidated dedicated collections presentation eliminates balances and transactions between funds from dedicated collections
held by the entity, but does not eliminate balances or transactions between funds from dedicated collections and funds from other than
dedicated collections.
4Other assets and other liabilities include multiple line items on the Balance Sheet.
145 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Generally, funds from dedicated collections are financed by specifically identified revenues, often supplemented by
other financing sources, provided to the government by non-federal sources, which remain available over time. These
specifically identified revenues and other financing sources are required by statute to be used for designated activities,
benefits, or purposes and must be accounted for separately from the government’s general revenues. Funds from dedicated
collections generally include trust funds, public enterprise revolving funds (not including credit reform financing funds), and
special funds. Funds from dedicated collections specifically exclude any fund established to account for pensions, ORB,
OPEB, or other benefits provided for federal employees (civilian and military). In the federal budget, the term “trust fundâ€
means only that the law requires a particular fund to be accounted for separately, used only for a specified purpose, and
designated as a trust fund. A change in law may change the future receipts and the terms under which the fund’s resources are
spent. In the private sector, trust fund refers to funds of one party held and managed by a second party (the trustee) in a
fiduciary capacity. The activity of funds from dedicated collections differs from fiduciary activities primarily in that assets
within funds from dedicated collections are government-owned. For additional information related to fiduciary activities, see
Note 24—Fiduciary Activities.
Public enterprise revolving funds include expenditure accounts authorized by law to be credited with offsetting
collections, mostly from the public, that are generated by and dedicated to finance a continuing cycle of business-type
operations. Some of the financing for these funds may be from appropriations.
Special funds are federal funds dedicated by law for a specific purpose. Special funds include the special fund receipt
account and the special fund expenditure account.
Total assets represent the unexpended balance from all sources of receipts and amounts due to the funds from dedicated
collections, regardless of source, including related governmental transactions. These are transactions between two different
entities within the government or intradepartmental (for example, monies received by one entity of the government from
another entity of the government).
The federal assets are comprised of fund balances with Treasury, investments in Treasury securities—including
unamortized amounts, and other assets that include the related accrued interest receivable on federal investments. These
amounts were excluded in preparing the principal financial statements. The non-federal assets include activity with
individuals and organizations outside of the government.
Most of the assets within funds from dedicated collections are invested in intra-governmental debt holdings. The
government does not set aside assets to pay future benefits or other expenditures associated with funds from dedicated
collections. The cash receipts collected from the public for funds from dedicated collections are deposited in the General
Fund, which uses the cash for general government purposes. Treasury securities are issued to federal entities as evidence of
its receipts. Treasury securities are an asset to the federal entities and a liability to Treasury and, therefore, they do not
represent an asset or a liability in the Financial Report. These securities require redemption if a fund’s disbursements exceeds
its receipts. Redeeming these securities will increase the government’s financing needs and require more borrowing from the
public (or less repayment of debt), or will result in higher taxes than otherwise would have been needed, or less spending on
other programs than otherwise would have occurred, or some combination thereof. See Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest
Payable for additional information related to the investments in federal debt securities.
Below is a description of the major funds from dedicated collections, which also identifies the government entities that
administer each particular fund. For additional information regarding funds from dedicated collections, please refer to the
financial statements of the corresponding administering entities. For additional information on the benefits due and payable
liability associated with certain funds from dedicated collections, see Note 16—Benefits Due and Payable.
Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund
The OASI Trust Fund, administered by SSA, provides retirement and survivors benefits to qualified workers and their
families.
Payroll and self-employment taxes primarily fund the OASI Trust Fund. Interest earnings on Treasury securities, federal
entities’ payments for the Social Security benefits earned by military and federal civilian employees, and Treasury payments for
a portion of income taxes collected on Social Security benefits provide the fund with additional income. The law establishing the
OASI Trust Fund and authorizing the depositing of amounts to the credit of the fund is set forth in 42 U.S.C. § 401.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 146
Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund
The DI Trust Fund, administered by SSA, provides assistance and protection against the loss of earnings due to a wage
earner’s disability in form of monetary payments.
Like the OASI Trust Fund, payroll taxes primarily fund the DI Trust Fund. The fund also receives income from interest
earnings on Treasury securities, federal entities’ payments for the Social Security benefits earned by military and federal
civilian employees, and Treasury payments for a portion of income taxes collected on Social Security benefits. The law
establishing the DI Trust Fund and authorizing the depositing of amounts to the credit of the fund is set forth in 42 U.S.C. §
401.
Federal Medicare Insurance Trust Funds
(Medicare Parts A, B and D)
The HI Trust Fund, administered by HHS, finances Medicare Part A. This program funds the cost of inpatient hospital
and related care for individuals age 65 or older who meet certain insured status requirements and individuals younger than
age 65 with certain disabilities.
The HI Trust Fund is financed primarily by payroll taxes, including those paid by federal entities. It also receives
income from interest earnings on Treasury securities, a portion of income taxes collected on Social Security benefits,
premiums paid by, or on behalf of, aged uninsured beneficiaries, and receipts from fraud and abuse control activities. Section
1817 of the Social Security Act established the Medicare Hospital Trust Fund.
The SMI Trust Fund, administered by HHS, finances the Medicare Part B and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
Program (Medicare Part D). These programs provide SMI benefits for enrolled eligible participants to cover physician and
outpatient services not covered by Medicare Part A and to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage, respectively. Medicare
Part B financing is not based on payroll taxes; it is primarily based on monthly premiums, income from the General Fund,
and interest earnings on Treasury securities. The Medicare SMI Trust Fund was established by Section 1841 of the Social
Security Act.
Medicare Part D was created by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173). Medicare Part D financing is
similar to Part B; it is primarily based on monthly premiums and income from the General Fund, not on payroll taxes. The
fund also receives transfers from states.
All Other Funds from Dedicated Collections
The government is responsible for the management of numerous funds from dedicated collections that serve a wide
variety of purposes. The funds from dedicated collections presented on an individual basis in the above tables represent the
majority of the government’s net position attributable to funds from dedicated collections. All other activity attributable to
funds from dedicated collections is aggregated in accordance with SFFAS No. 27, Identifying and Reporting Funds from
Dedicated Collections, as amended by SFFAS No. 43, Funds from Dedicated Collections: Amending Statement of Federal
Financial Accounting Standards 27, Identifying and Reporting Earmarked Funds. The majority entities with funds from
dedicated collections within the “all other†aggregate, include the following:
• DOT • RRB
• DOC • DOE
• DOI • HUD
• Treasury • DOJ
• DOD
In accordance with SFFAS No. 43, any funds established to account for pension, other retirement, or OPEB to civilian
or military personnel are excluded from the reporting requirements related to funds from dedicated collections.
The U.S. government elected to implement a change in accounting principle in FY 2020. SFFAS No. 27 allows
disclosure of funds from dedicated collections amounts to be shown combined or consolidated. In FY 2019 the funds from
dedicated collections disclosure used the combined method. In FY 2020 funds from dedicated collections amounts are
147 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
reported as consolidated as shown in the table above and on Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Position. This
change in accounting principle increased funds from dedicated collections eliminations by $12.5 billion and decreased funds
from dedicated collections beginning net position by $12.5 billion.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 148
Note 24. Fiduciary Activities
Fiduciary activities are the collection or receipt, and the management, protection, accounting, investment and
disposition by the government of cash or other assets in which non-federal individuals or entities have an ownership interest
that the government must uphold. Fiduciary cash and other assets are not assets of the government and are not recognized on
the consolidated Balance Sheet. The government’s fiduciary activities include the TSP, which is administered by the FRTIB,
and the Indian Tribal and individual Indian Trust Funds, which are administered by the DOI.
Schedule of Fiduciary Net Assets as of September 30, 2021, and 2020
(In billions of dollars) 2021 2020
Thrift Savings Plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 784.2 661.9
Department of the Interior …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6.4 5.9
All other …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6.0 6.2
Total fiduciary net assets ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 796.6 674.0
In accordance with the requirements of SFFAS No. 31, Accounting for Fiduciary Activities, fiduciary investments in
Treasury securities and fund balance with Treasury held by fiduciary funds are to be recognized on the Balance Sheet as
federal debt and interest payable and a liability for fiduciary fund balance with Treasury, respectively.
As of September 30, 2021, total fiduciary investments in Treasury securities and in non-Treasury securities are $119.8
billion and $507.8 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, total fiduciary investments in Treasury securities and in
non-Treasury securities were $292.1 billion and $394.4 billion, respectively. The decrease in Treasury securities relates to the
delay in raising the statutory debt limit that was ongoing as of September 30, 2021. See the Thrift Savings Plan section
below. Refer to Note 13—Federal Debt and Interest Payable for more information on Treasury securities.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the total fiduciary fund balance with Treasury is $3.4 billion and $2.6 billion,
respectively. A liability for this fiduciary fund balance with Treasury is reflected as other miscellaneous liabilities in Note
19—Other Liabilities.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, collectively, the fiduciary investments in Treasury securities and fiduciary fund
balance with Treasury held by all government entities represent $164.2 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively, of unrestricted
cash included within cash held by Treasury for government-wide operations shown in Note 2—Cash and Other Monetary
Assets. This increase relates to the delay in raising the statutory debt limit that was ongoing as of September 30, 2021. See
the Thrift Savings Plan section below.
Thrift Savings Plan
The TSF maintains and holds in trust the assets of the TSP. The TSP is administered by an independent government
entity, the FRTIB, which is charged with operating the TSP prudently and solely in the interest of the participants and their
beneficiaries.
The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. It
was authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986. The plan provides federal
employees and members of the uniformed services with a savings and tax benefit similar to what many private sector
employers offer their employees under 401(k) plans. This includes two fixed income funds, three stock funds and ten
lifecycle funds. The plan was primarily designed to be a key part of the retirement package (along with a basic annuity
benefit and Social Security) for employees who are covered by FERS.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the TSP held $784.2 billion and $661.9 billion, respectively, in net assets, which
included $116.1 billion and $287.1 billion, respectively, of nonmarketable Treasury securities. The TSF combines the net
assets of the TSP and the FRTIB in its financial statements. Only the TSP net assets of the TSF financial statements are
disclosed in this note. The most recent audited financial statements for the TSF are as of December 31, 2020, and 2019. For
149 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
additional information about FRTIB, the TSP and the investment options of the TSP, please refer to the FRTIB website at
https://www.frtib.gov.
A delay in raising the statutory debt limit existed as of September 30, 2021. When delays in raising the statutory debt
limit occur, Treasury often must deviate from its normal debt management operations and take a number of extraordinary
measures consistent with relevant laws and regulations to meet the government’s obligations as they come due without
exceeding the debt limit. Many extraordinary measures taken by Treasury during the period August 2, 2021 through
September 30, 2021 resulted in federal debt securities not being issued to certain federal government accounts. As reported in
Note 19, as a result of Treasury securities not being issued to the TSP’s G Fund, Treasury reported other liabilities in the
amount of $157.0 billion that represent uninvested principal and related interest for TSP’s G Fund that would have been
reported as federal debt securities had there not been a delay in raising the statutory debt limit as of September 30, 2021, and
had the securities been issued.
On October 14, 2021, P. L. 117-50 was enacted which raised the statutory debt limit by $480.0 billion, from $28,401.5
billion to $28,881.5 billion. Even with this increase, extraordinary measures continued in order for Treasury to manage below
the debt limit. On December 16, 2021, P.L. 117-73 was enacted, raising the debt limit by $2.5 trillion from $28,881.5 billion
to $31,381.5 billion. On this date, Treasury discontinued its use of extraordinary measures and resumed normal debt
management operations.
Department of Interior–Indian Trust Funds
As stated above, DOI has responsibility for the assets held in trust on behalf of American Indian Tribes and individuals.
DOI maintains accounts for Tribal and Other Trust Funds (including the Alaska Native Escrow Fund) and IIM Trust Funds in
accordance with the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994. The fiduciary balances that have
accumulated in these funds have resulted from land use agreements, royalties on natural resource depletion, other proceeds
derived directly from trust resources, judgment awards, settlements of claims, and investment income. These funds are
maintained by the BTFA (formerly the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians). Indian trust assets, including
Tribal and Other Trust Funds and IIM Trust Funds, are primarily managed under the delegated authority of BTFA and BIA.
Management of Indian trust assets on behalf of the trust beneficiaries is dependent upon the processing of trust-related
transactions within certain information systems of the department, including but not limited to BTFA, BIA, ONRR, and other
departmental bureaus and offices. BIA and other departmental bureaus and offices are responsible for managing the natural
resources located within the boundaries of Indian reservations and trust lands, as well as the processing of data regarding the
ownership and leasing of Indian lands. The allocation of receipts and disbursements by BTFA to trust beneficiaries are
significantly dependent and reliant upon the receipt of timely and accurate information derived from records maintained by
BIA, ONRR, and other departmental bureaus and offices. DOI maintains separate financial statements for these trust funds,
which are prepared using a cash or modified cash basis of accounting, a comprehensive basis of accounting other than
GAAP. The independent auditors’ reports on the Tribal and Other Trust Funds were qualified as it was not practical to extend
audit procedures sufficiently to satisfy themselves as to the fairness of the trust fund balances. The IIM Trust Funds received
an unmodified opinion from the auditors. As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, the DOI held $6.4 billion and $5.9 billion,
respectively, in net assets. For additional information related to these assets, please refer to the DOI website at
https://www.doi.gov.
All Other Entities with Fiduciary Activities
The government is responsible for the management of other fiduciary net assets on behalf of various non-federal
entities. The entities presented individually in the table on the previous page represent the vast majority of the government’s
fiduciary net assets. All other component entities with fiduciary net assets are aggregated in accordance with SFFAS No. 31.
As of September 30, 2021, and 2020, including TSP and DOI, there are a total of 20 federal entities with fiduciary activities
at a grand total of 67 fiduciary funds. SBA and DOD are the largest entities relating to the fiduciary activities of the
remaining entities within the “all other†aggregate balance. As of September 30, 2021, “all other†fiduciary net assets were
$6.0 billion, compared to $6.2 billion as of September 30, 2020.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 150
Note 25. Social Insurance
SOSI presents the projected actuarial PV of the estimated future revenue and estimated future expenditures of the Social
Security, Medicare, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung social insurance programs which are administered by the SSA,
HHS, RRB, and DOL, respectively. Social Security and Medicare projections are based on current law and the Social
Security and Medicare trustees’ intermediate set of assumptions, except that the projections assume full Social Security and
Medicare Part A benefits are paid after fund depletion contrary to current law. The projections in the 2021 Trustees’ Report
are the first to include the Trustees best estimates of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing recession on the
Social Security and Medicare Projections. It should be noted that there is an unusually large degree of uncertainty with these
covid-related impacts and that future projections could change significantly as more information becomes available.
Contributions consist of: payroll, income, and excise taxes, premiums from, and state transfers on behalf of,
participants in Medicare, and miscellaneous reimbursements from the General Fund. Generally, beneficiaries finance the
remainder of Parts B and D costs via monthly premiums to these programs. With the introduction of Part D drug coverage,
Medicaid is no longer the primary payer of drug costs for full-benefit dually eligible beneficiaries of Medicare and Medicaid.
For those beneficiaries, states are subject to a contribution requirement and must pay a portion of their estimated foregone
drug costs into the Part D account (referred to as state transfers). By accounting convention, the General Fund transfers are
eliminated in the consolidation of the SOSI at the government-wide level. These General Fund transfers that are used to
finance Medicare Parts B and D are also shown as eliminations on these calculations. For the FYs 2021 and 2020, the
amounts eliminated totaled $43.2 trillion and $40.9 trillion, respectively.
The SOSI also includes projected general revenues that, under current law, would be used to finance the remainder of
the expenditures in excess of revenues for Medicare Parts B and D that is reported in the SOSI. Expenditures include benefit
payments scheduled under current law and administrative expenses. Current Social Security and Medicare Part A law
provides for full benefit payments only to the extent that there are sufficient balances in the trust funds. Social insurance
programs utilize “trust funds†to account for dedicated collections held for later use to accomplish the program’s purpose.
Expenditures reflect full benefit payments even after the point at which trust fund asset reserves are projected to be depleted.
Refer to the unaudited RSI–Social Insurance section for additional information on Social Security, Medicare, Railroad
Retirement, and Black Lung program financing and SSA’s, HHS’s, RRB’s, and DOL’s financial statements.
The estimates in the consolidated SOSI of the open group measures are for persons who are participants or eventually
will participate in the programs as contributors (workers) or beneficiaries (retired workers, survivors, dependents, and
disabled) during the 75-year projection period. The closed group comprises only current participants which are those who
have attained age 15 at the start of the projection period. Actuarial PV of estimated future income (excluding interest) and
estimated future expenditures for the Social Security and Medicare social insurance programs are presented for three different
groups of participants: 1) current participants who have not yet attained eligibility age; 2) current participants who have
attained eligibility age; and 3) new entrants, who are expected to become participants in the future. Current participants in the
Social Security and Medicare programs are the “closed group†of taxpayers and/or beneficiaries who are at least age 15 years
at the start of the projection period. Future participants for Social Security and Medicare include births during the projection
period and individuals below age 15 as of January 1 of the valuation year. Railroad Retirement’s future participants are the
projected new entrants as of October 1 of the valuation year.
The trust fund balances as of the valuation date for the respective programs, including interest earned, are shown in the
table below.7 The PV of estimated future expenditures in excess of estimated future revenue are calculated by subtracting the
actuarial PV of future scheduled contributions as well as dedicated tax income by and on behalf of current and future
participants from the actuarial PV of the future scheduled benefit payments to them or on their behalf. To determine a
program’s funding shortfall over any given period of time, the starting trust fund balance is subtracted from the PV of
expenditures in excess of revenues over the period. The portion of each trust fund not required to pay benefits and
administrative costs is invested, on a daily basis, in interest-bearing obligations of the U.S. government. The Social Security Act
authorizes the issuance by Treasury of special nonmarketable, intra-governmental debt obligations for purchase exclusively by
the trust funds. Although the special issues cannot be bought or sold in the open market, they are redeemable at any time at face
value and thus bear no risk of fluctuation in principal value due to changes in market yield rates. Interest on the bonds is credited
to the trust funds and becomes an asset to the funds and a liability to the General Fund. These Treasury securities and related
interest are eliminated in consolidation at the government-wide level. For additional information, see Note 23—Funds from
Dedicated Collections.
7 Trust fund balances for the Railroad Retirement and Black Lung programs are not included, as these balances are less than $50.0 billion.
151 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Social Insurance Programs Trust Fund Balances 1
(In trillions of dollars) 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Social Security …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.8
Medicare ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
1 As of the valuation date of the respective programs.
Medicare – Illustrative Alternative Scenario
The financial projections for the Medicare program reflect substantial, but very uncertain, cost savings deriving from
specific provisions of the PPACA and the MACRA that lowered increases in Medicare payment rates to most categories of
health care providers. Certain features of current law may result in some challenges for the Medicare program including
physician payments, payment rate updates for most non-physi