Stops Payments to Deceased Individuals

Official: Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

IntroducedN/A

Social WelfareIntergovernmental relationsDisability assistanceSocial security and elderly assistance

Why This Matters

This bill helps prevent the government from making payments to people who are deceased by improving data sharing between agencies.

If you have a deceased family member, this law helps stop improper payments starting December 27, 2026.

Affects: This bill affects families of deceased individuals and government agencies involved in benefit payments.

Summary

Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act This bill permanently allows the Department of the Treasury to access certain death records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to facilitate the identification and prevention of improper payments (e. g., payments to deceased individuals). Current law requires the SSA to share its Death Master File with the Do Not Pay system maintained by Treasury for three years. The bill makes this requirement permanent.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill aims to improve how federal and state agencies share information about deceased individuals. 2. It requires the Social Security Commissioner to provide death data to the Do Not Pay working system. 3. The bill also ensures that agencies are notified if someone is incorrectly identified as deceased. 4. These changes are designed to prevent improper payments and recover funds that were wrongly paid out. 5. The new rules will take effect on December 27, 2026.

Who is affected?

This bill affects families of deceased individuals and government agencies involved in benefit payments.