Public Law 119-77
119th Congress
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
Enacted
February 10, 2026
Summary
<p><strong>Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act</strong></p><p>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). </p><p>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.</p>
Constitutional Analysis
Fourth Amendment – Right to Privacy
restricts
80% confidence
The law allows the Department of the Treasury to access death records, which may raise concerns about privacy rights.