If you are currently receiving either SSDI or SSI benefits, you are likely eligible for the $1,200 economic impact payment
Last week, the Treasury Department has launched a new web tool allowing quick registrations for Economic Impact Payments. Again, please note that the Treasury, not Social Security, will make these payments.
If You Do Not Have Qualifying Children Under Age 17
If you currently receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability or SSI and do not have qualifying children under age 17, you do not need to take any action with the IRS.
You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits.
If You Do Have Qualifying Children Under Age 17
If you currently receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits, did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and have qualifying children under age 17, or if you receive SSI and have qualifying children under age 17, go to the IRS’s webpage to enter your information instead of waiting for your automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.
By entering information on the IRS website about you and your qualifying children, you will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to your $1,200 individual payment.
If Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients in this group do not provide information to the IRS soon, you will have to wait to receive $500 per qualifying child.
New Social Security Beneficiaries
If you started receiving benefits January 1, 2020, or later and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, Go to the IRS Non-Filers website to enter your information.
Beneficiaries Who Use Direct Express Debit Cards
For beneficiaries with dependent children who use Direct Express debit cards, additional information will be available soon regarding the steps to take on the IRS website when claiming children under 17.
Treasury expects automatic payments for Social Security beneficiaries no later than the end of April and automatic payments for SSI recipients no later than early May.
Important Note for SSI Beneficiaries
SSA will not consider economic impact payments as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months. However, as it currently stands, any outstanding balance from the economic impact payment 12 months later will be counted toward your resources.
Still Have Questions?
For more information, including the eligibility requirements go to the IRS’s Economic Impact Payment Information Center. In addition, please continue to visit the IRS for the latest information.