Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

# Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act (HR 2716) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to reduce government overpayments by requiring federal agencies to improve their systems for detecting when beneficiaries have died. Currently, federal agencies sometimes continue sending benefit payments—such as Social Security, disability assistance, and other welfare programs—to deceased individuals for months or years after their death. The bill would establish better coordination between agencies and death records to catch these errors more quickly and stop improper payments. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal benefit recipients and taxpayers. It would require federal agencies that administer benefit programs to work together more effectively to share death information and cross-check their beneficiary lists.

By improving data-sharing between Social Security Administration, state agencies, and other relevant departments, the legislation seeks to identify deceased beneficiaries faster and prevent continued payments. This would reduce waste of federal funds and ensure benefits go only to eligible recipients. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA).