Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

H.R. 2716 would permanently authorize the Social Security Administration to share its complete death records with the Treasury Department's Do Not Pay system. This system is designed to prevent federal agencies from making payments to individuals who have passed away. Currently, the Social Security Administration's authority to share this death data is set to expire at the end of 2026. The bill would make this data-sharing arrangement permanent, eliminating the need for periodic renewal.

According to available information, the federal government sent approximately $1.3 billion to deceased people in 2023 alone. By establishing permanent data-sharing between these agencies, the bill aims to reduce such improper payments going forward. The legislation received unanimous bipartisan support when it was reported from the House Ways and Means Committee in January 2026, indicating broad agreement on the issue across party lines. If enacted, the bill would help ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on payments to individuals who are no longer alive.