A check payable to a deceased individual generally can only be negotiated on behalf of the decedent's estate by the estate's personal representative (executor or administrator). If no estate settlement is undertaken, as may be the case if the value of the decedent's assets is small in relation to the expenses of estate settlement, the issuer of the check may be able and willing to re-issue the check to a different payee.
If the check is drawn on the U.S. Treasury, special rules apply. Some Treasury checks, those issued for entitlements or benefits such as Social Security checks, can't be cashed or deposited after the payee's death. They have to be returned to the issuing agency to determine if the funds can be re-issued to a different payee. Treasury checks for things such as tax refunds, securities redemption, etc., can be negotiated on behalf of the decedent's estate.
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A check payable to a deceased individual generally can only be negotiated on behalf of the decedent's 