S 269 · Signed into Law · 02-10-26
Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act
What does the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act do?
S 269 is a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA). Directs the Social Security Administration to share its death records with the federal "Do Not Pay" system so agencies can stop sending benefits and payments to people who have died. It also requires strong evidence before SSA marks someone as deceased.
Did S 269 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, S 269 has been signed into law on February 10, 2026.
Status: Signed into Law
Latest vote: House Passed by voice vote on January 12, 2026
Outlook: Enacted
Enacted: Signed into law on February 10, 2026
Key provisions
- Death Data Sharing
- SSA must, to the extent feasible, send death information to the Do Not Pay system
- Agencies use it to prevent and recover improper payments
- A cost-share agreement covers each side’s portion of state death-data costs
- Accuracy Safeguards
- SSA may not record a death without clear and convincing evidence
- Agencies must be notified when someone is wrongly listed as deceased
Last updated June 25, 2026