Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
Summary
The "Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act" aims to improve coordination between federal and state agencies to prevent improper payments to deceased individuals. It amends Section 205(r) of the Social Security Act to facilitate data sharing between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Do Not Pay working system. This act also mandates a clear and convincing evidence standard for recording a death to prevent incorrect identification of living individuals as deceased.
Expected Effects
This act will likely reduce instances of improper payments, saving taxpayer money. It will also improve the accuracy of death records maintained by the SSA. The changes will take effect on December 27, 2026.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces improper government payments, saving taxpayer money.
- Enhances data accuracy regarding deceased individuals.
- Improves coordination between federal and state agencies.
- Strengthens the integrity of the Do Not Pay system.
- Provides a mechanism to correct errors related to individuals incorrectly identified as deceased.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative overhead.
- Risk of errors in data sharing between agencies.
- Delayed implementation (December 27, 2026) means benefits are not immediate.
- Possible privacy concerns related to data sharing, though safeguards are included.
- The act's effectiveness depends on the quality of data provided by state agencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting efficient use of taxpayer funds. Congress has the power to legislate in areas related to Social Security under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8). The emphasis on "clear and convincing evidence" before recording a death aligns with due process considerations, although no specific individual liberty is explicitly limited by the act.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).