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Senator Urges Action After $186M in Fraudulent Payments

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Social Security Administration (SSA) found at least $186 million in erroneous payments to deceased individuals in a 2023 study.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) criticized the SSA for failing to prevent these payments and urged Congress to strengthen safeguards.
Congress granted the Treasury Department access to the SSA's Full Death Master File, and that access helped prevent $31 million in fraud.

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Story summary

The Social Security Administration (SSA) found at least $186 million in erroneous payments to deceased individuals in a 2023 study.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) criticized the SSA for failing to prevent these payments and urged Congress to strengthen safeguards.
Congress granted the Treasury Department access to the SSA's Full Death Master File, and that access helped prevent $31 million in fraud.