Federal outlays for the income maintenance system increased from $28.5 billion in fiscal 1964 to $347 billion in fiscal 1983. This increase reflected the introduction of new programs, receipt of multiple benefits by many households, and higher benefit payments in response to inflation. Multiple benefits are widespread among households receiving benefits from the public assistance programs, a component of the income maintenance system. However, only a small percentage of households receive concurrently five or more income maintenance benefits.