SSDI and SSI recipients are eligible for the Coronavirus rebate payments, as long as your total household income is not too high. Rebate payments begin to phase out for individuals who make more than $75,000; heads of household who make more than $112,500; and married couples who make more than $150,000.
How Do I Apply for the Coronavirus Rebate?
Many people will be automatically paid by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return, or if you are currently receiving SSDI, Social Security retirement, or Social Security survivors benefits, you will be automatically paid. However, if you are an SSI recipient, you may need to take additional action.
At this time, it is not clear what that additional action may be. We are expecting the IRS to release guidelines in the coming days. Once we know what the IRS will require, we will update here. One possibility floated by Richard Neal, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, is for SSI recipients to file an abbreviated return to get the payments. This is similar to what happened in 2008 with the stimulus rebates.
Will the Coronavirus Payment Affect My SSI Eligibility?
No. The payment is similar to other tax credits and will not count as income or resources for means-tested programs, like SSI. This also means it will not interfere with your eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, ACA premium credits, TANF, housing assistance, or other income-related federal programs. The rebates will not affect receiving state or federal unemployment compensation.
Updates on Coronavirus Payments
For updates on the Coronavirus payments, and how it is expected to impact SSDI and SSI recipients, visit our blog here.