Bill Mandates Social Security Data Sharing with Do Not Pay System by Dec 2026 to Stop Payments to Deceased

This bill, titled the "Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act," directs the Social Security Administration (SSA) to share its information with the federal government's "Do Not Pay" system. The core goal is straightforward: prevent government funds from being incorrectly sent to individuals who have passed away. It amends specific sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 to make this data sharing a requirement.

Connecting the Dots on Data

Think of the "Do Not Pay" system as a cross-checker for government payments. Before an agency sends out money, this system helps flag potential problems, like sending a check to someone who isn't eligible anymore – including those who are deceased. The SSA naturally holds critical death information. This legislation mandates that the SSA provide this data to the Do Not Pay system operators, essentially connecting vital pieces of information to stop improper payments before they happen. The aim is to ensure taxpayer money goes where it's intended and not to accounts of the deceased.

Setting the Clock: New Deadline for Action

The bill also adjusts the timeline for implementing related provisions from the 2021 Act. Instead of kicking in three years after that act was passed, the effective date for these data-sharing requirements and related rules is now set specifically to December 28, 2026. This gives agencies a clear, fixed deadline to get the necessary systems and protocols in place for this improved coordination.