Millions saved by blocking dead people payouts as Trump Treasury drops hammer on federal fraud

What happened: Treasury blocked $175 million in federal payments tied to deceased recipients in FY2026, up from $99 million identified months earlier, as the administration expanded government-wide screening for improper payments. Key numbers: $175 million blocked in FY2026 versus $99 million earlier. Over 1.1 billion payments totaling roughly $3.7 trillion screened. Why it matters: Sen. John Kennedy and the White House credited expanded death record access, now permanent under a February 2026 law, for the increase. Treasury said it is moving beyond pay and chase toward prevention.

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