Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
This bill became law
What it doesSummary public law (Feb 10, 2026)
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.
What just happenedFeb 10, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
Who’s behind it
- Engrossed in SenateSep 19, 2025
- Introduced in SenateJan 28, 2025
- Public LawFeb 11, 2026
- Feb 10, 2026PresidentE40000
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
- Feb 10, 2026BecameLaw36000
Became Public Law No: 119-77.
- Feb 10, 2026PresidentE30000
Signed by President.
- Feb 10, 2026BecameLaw36000
Signed by President.
- Feb 3, 2026FloorE20000
Presented to President.
- Feb 3, 2026President28000
Presented to President.
- Jan 12, 2026FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jan 12, 2026FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
- Jan 12, 2026Floor8000
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H634)
- Jan 12, 2026FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 269.
- Jan 12, 2026FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H634-637)
- Jan 12, 2026FloorH30300
Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Oct 10, 2025FloorH15000
Held at the desk.
- Oct 10, 2025FloorH14000
Received in the House.
- Oct 8, 2025Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Sep 19, 2025Floor
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6798)
- Sep 19, 2025Floor17000
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Sep 19, 2025Discharge
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6798)
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee - Sep 19, 2025Committee14500
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee - Jul 30, 2025Committee
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee - Jan 28, 2025IntroReferral
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee - Jan 28, 2025IntroReferral10000
Introduced in Senate