Us Code § 5318 - Review of Social Security Administration death information

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5318 — Review of Social Security Administration death information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5318. Review of Social Security Administration death information

(a) The Secretary shall periodically compare Department of Veterans Affairs information regarding persons to or for whom compensation or pension is being paid with information in the records of the Social Security Administration relating to persons who have died for the purposes of—

(1) determining whether any such persons to whom compensation and pension is being paid are deceased;

(2) ensuring that such payments to or for any such persons who are deceased are terminated in a timely manner; and

(3) ensuring that collection of overpayments of such benefits resulting from payments after the death of such persons is initiated in a timely manner.


(b) The Social Security Administration death information referred to in subsection (a) of this section is death information available to the Secretary from or through the Commissioner of Social Security, including death information available to the Commissioner from a State, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into by the Secretary and the Commissioner. Any such memorandum of understanding shall include safeguards to assure that information made available under it is not used for unauthorized purposes or improperly disclosed.

(Added Pub. L. 101–508, title VIII, §8053(b)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–352, §3118; renumbered §5318, Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(b)(1), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 108–183, title VII, §708(c)(4)(A), (B)(i), Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2674.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2003—Pub. L. 108–183, §708(c)(4)(B)(i), substituted "Social Security Administration" for "Department of Health and Human Services" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–183, §708(c)(4)(A)(i), substituted "Social Security Administration" for "Department of Health and Human Services" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–183, §708(c)(4)(A)(ii), substituted "Social Security Administration" for "Department of Health and Human Services", "Commissioner of Social Security" for "Secretary of Health and Human Services" after "through the", "Commissioner" for "Secretary of Health and Human Services" after "available to the", and "the Secretary and the Commissioner" for "such Secretaries".

1991—Pub. L. 102–40 renumbered section 3118 of this title as this section.

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 5318 is part of Title 38 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 38 U.S.C. § 5318. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5318

What does United States Code § 5318 cover?

Section 5318 ("Review of Social Security Administration death information") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5318?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5318" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5318 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.