Expressed in constant FY2004 dollars, total need-based spending increased by $21.5 billion (3.8 percent) from the 2003 level. However, this increase was dominated by a $19 billion increase in spending for medical assistance. Real spending for all other (nonmedical) forms of need-based assistance increased by I-2 slightly more than $2 billion from FY2003 to FY2004, or by less than 1 percent. Real spending increases from FY2003 to FY2004, by form of benefit, included: food benefits ($3.3 billion); cash aid ($2.4 billion); and housing ($0.6 billion). Real spending decreases included: education benefits ($2.3 billion); jobs and training ($0.9 billion); services ($0.6 billion); and energy aid ($0.2 billion).