S. 269 Became law · Public Law 119-77 Social Welfare

Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

A bill to improve coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] Introduced January 28, 2025 Cosponsors 5 (3 D, 2 R) Latest action February 10, 2026

Summary

Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
This act permanently allows the Department of the Treasury to access certain death records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help prevent and recover improper payments (e.g., payments to deceased individuals). The act also establishes evidentiary requirements the SSA must meet before identifying an individual as deceased.
Current law requires the SSA to share its Death Master File with the Do Not Pay system maintained by Treasury for three years. The act makes this requirement permanent. Treasury must enter into an agreement with the SSA related to Treasury's share of the cost of state death data.
The act also prohibits the SSA from recording a death in the master file unless the SSA has clear and convincing evidence that the individual should be presumed deceased. If an individual is incorrectly identified as deceased and provides the SSA with supporting documentation, the SSA may notify certain agencies that have access to the master file, including Treasury and federal or state agencies that provide or disburse federally funded benefits.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Feb 10, 2026 Became Public Law No: 119-77.
  2. Feb 10, 2026 Signed by President.
  3. Feb 3, 2026 Presented to President.
  4. Jan 12, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Jan 12, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
  6. Jan 12, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 269.
  7. Jan 12, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H634-637)
  8. Jan 12, 2026 Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  9. Oct 10, 2025 Held at the desk.
  10. Oct 10, 2025 Received in the House.
  11. Oct 8, 2025 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  12. Sep 19, 2025 Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6798)

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