H.R. 2716Heading to a voteFamily & community
Federal death records would feed into payment-screening tool under House bill
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 2716 requires SSA to share death records with the Do Not Pay system by Dec. 28, 2026, to stop payments to deceased individuals.50-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
HR 2716 requires the Social Security Administration to share its death record data with the federal Do Not Pay system, which agencies use to screen recipients before sending payments. The Do Not Pay system already screens for ineligible recipients, and adding death records would allow agencies to catch payments destined for deceased individuals before they go out. The bill sets an implementation date of December 28, 2026.
Who does it affect?
Federal agencies that issue payments, such as benefit programs, grants, or contracts, would use the expanded Do Not Pay system. The Social Security Administration would take on responsibility for sharing its death data with the system.
Why does it matter?
Without this change, federal agencies may continue sending payments to deceased individuals because death record information is not currently routed through the Do Not Pay system. Connecting the two systems is intended to reduce the amount of taxpayer money lost to payments sent to people who have already died.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote — You are here
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a House floor vote. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.
Make the callSee how a call works
How it's being covered
Real reporting on this bill, labeled by each outlet's political lean.
Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.
- Trump Signs Kennedy Bill Ending Government Payments to Deceased Americans
redstate.comFeb 12, 2026
- Congress Blocks Dead People from Getting Social Security
breitbart.comJan 17, 2026Leans right
- Dead People Were Cashing Government Checks, Sen. Kennedy Just Killed the Gravy Train [WATCH]
revolver.newsJan 18, 2026
- Bill to improve government’s anti-fraud checks heads to Trump’s desk
nextgov.comJan 13, 2026
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.
Official title
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
- Introduced:
- April 8, 2025
- Latest action:
- January 7, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 371.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.