What are the mandatory spending programs?

Mandatory spending programs are government expenditures that are required by law, primarily including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These programs provide essential benefits to eligible individuals, such as retirement income, health care, and support for low-income families. Unlike discretionary spending, which is determined through annual appropriations, mandatory spending occurs automatically based on eligibility criteria and benefit formulas. This type of spending typically accounts for a significant portion of the federal budget.