In a recent initiative to enhance fiscal responsibility, the U.S. government successfully recovered over $31 million in federal payments that had been mistakenly disbursed to deceased individuals.

This recovery was achieved through a five-month pilot program initiated after Congress granted the Department of Treasury temporary access to the Social Security Administration’s “Full Death Master File.” This comprehensive database contains over 142 million records of deceased individuals, with entries dating back to 1899. By cross-referencing federal payment records with this file, the Treasury was able to identify and reclaim improper payments.

Building on the success of the pilot, the Treasury anticipates recovering more than $215 million during its three-year access period to the Death Master File, which spans from December 2023 through 2026. David Lebryk, the Treasury’s Fiscal Assistant Secretary, emphasized that these initial results are “just the tip of the iceberg” as he advocates for Congress to grant the Treasury full and permanent access to the master file.

As the new administration takes office, it remains to be seen whether these recovery efforts will continue and if the Treasury’s access to the Death Master File will be made permanent. The success of the pilot program highlights the potential benefits of such measures in promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are allocated properly.

Creating or updating your estate plan to reflect your wishes as your life changes can help ensure those wishes will be honored when you die or become incapacitated. To learn more, contact The Estate Planning & Legacy Law Center today!