India, March 24 -- Warnings about the long-term stability of the US social safety net are intensifying after new federal data revealed a sharp spike in funding gaps. A Fortune analysis of government financial statements found that the country's 75-year unfunded social insurance obligation rose by $10.1 trillion in just one year: from $78.3 trillion in fiscal 2024 to $88.4 trillion in 2025.

The figure shows the widening gap between projected payouts and expected revenue under current law, putting pressure on policymakers.

Programs overseen by the Social Security Administration support more than 70 million Americans, including retirees, people with disabilities and survivors. As the funding gap grows, experts warn that tough decisions, su...