Treasury blocks payments to deceased

The U.S. Treasury Department, through its United States — Bureau of the Fiscal Service, has blocked nearly $100 million in federal payments intended for deceased individuals since March 2025. The effort is part of the Trump administration's campaign to curb fraud and improper spending. Treasury reviewed 885 million payments totaling $2.7 trillion, flagging over 4,900 payments worth about $99 million. The payments were returned to originating agencies for review. Treasury used the Do Not Pay program and expanded verification tools, including access to the United States — Social Security Administration's Full Death Master File, which was made permanent by President Trump's signing of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act in February 2025. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent credited the initiative, which works with Vice President JD Vance's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Treasury estimates $330 million in net savings from reduced improper payments.