$1.4 billion in COVID-19 stimulus checks went to deceased people
According to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the federal government sent approximately 1.1 million stimulus payments (a total of $1.4 billion) to deceased people.
GAO says that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury moved quickly to disburse 160.4 million payments worth $269 billion. In addition, says the report, "The number of economic impact payments going to decedents highlights the importance of consistently using key safeguards in providing government assistance to individuals. IRS has access to the Social Security Administration's full set of death records, but Treasury and its Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which distribute payments, do not. GAO recommends that Congress provide Treasury with access to the Social Security Administration's full set of death records, and require that Treasury consistently use it, to help reduce similar types of improper payments."