Safety net programs: About 9 percent of the federal budget in 2007, or $254 billion, supported programs that provide aid (other than health insurance or Social Security benefits) to individuals and families facing hardship.

Census data show that all together these programs lifted more than 12 million Americans out of poverty in 2006, the most recent year for which data are available, and reduced the depth of poverty for another 21 million people.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities