US recovers $31 million in Social Security payments to dead people

The U.S. government reclaimed over $31 million in Social Security payments mistakenly sent to deceased individuals during a five-month pilot program, utilizing temporary access to the Social Security Administration’s “Full Death Master File.” This access, granted for three years by a 2021 appropriations bill, allowed the Treasury to recover funds and identify fraudulent payments. The Treasury estimates it could recover over $215 million during the access period, which runs through 2026. Fiscal Assistant Secretary David Lebryk emphasized the need for permanent access to the database to curb fraud and protect taxpayer funds.

The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to reduce waste and inefficiency, a key element of Donald Trump’s “Save America” agenda for his potential second term. Trump has proposed creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to streamline federal operations. It remains unclear whether the incoming administration will support extending the Treasury’s access to the death database.

For more information see Associated Press “US recovers $31 million in Social Security payments to dead people” News 13, January 15, 2025.