Do Social Security Disability Recipients Qualify for Stimulus Checks?

By now, you have likely heard about the stimulus checks for Americans as part of the coronavirus crisis. At the end of March, President Donald Trump approved a $2.2 trillion stimulus package to aid Americans financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This package includes $1,200 checks for taxpayers based on income, plus $500 for each child under the age of 17.

At first, however, there was some confusion. Social Security Disability recipients do not always file taxes, since they make so little money. Therefore, the IRS at first announced that these recipients and others who receive government benefits would have to file a simple tax return in order to claim their stimulus money. This is because the government would be determining payment based on tax returns for 2018 or 2019.

Since many Social Security Disability recipients would not have either of these tax returns on file, the IRS required the submission of Form SSA-1099 so they could get the information needed to distribute stimulus checks.

The Form SSA-1099 is typically mailed out every January. However, the dilemma is that those who rely solely on Social Security Disability usually aren’t required to file tax returns and therefore do not receive the form. This would make getting the stimulus check difficult and most disabled people aren’t willing to jump through all these hurdles.

Therefore, the IRS made some changes to its requirements. Now, Social Security recipients will automatically receive a $1,200 check, even if they have not filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019. While most Social Security recipients get benefits via direct deposit, some may receive them via a paper check or debit card. Recipients will receive their stimulus check based on how they receive their Social Security benefits, so they can rest assured that the IRS has their payment information.

However, to make sure you receive the full amount you are entitled to receive, you may need to take action. The IRS has launched an online registration tool that allows Social Security recipients to enter their payment information. You may use this tool to also enter any minor children who would qualify for the extra $500 payment. Try to do this as soon as possible, because once your stimulus check goes out, you’ll have to wait until later to add your qualifying children.

Also, be aware of scammers trying to take advantage of your stimulus payment. Be on the lookout for suspicious emails, texts or phone calls asking for your personal information. The IRS will only communicate with you via mail.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

If you are surviving solely on Social Security Disability benefits, every dollar counts. You are entitled to receive a stimulus check, so make sure you know what you need to do to receive it.

As a Social Security Disability recipient, make sure you get all the benefits you deserve. The White Plains Social Security disability attorneys at the office of Michael Lawrence Varon can guide you through the process. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 914-294-2145.

Resource:

5newsonline.com/article/news/local/ssi-beneficiaries-do-not-need-to-file-a-tax-return-to-receive-stimulus-check/527-aed570a0-f8e0-4eb5-bb43-2e584c366dc4

https://www.nycompensationlaw.com/labor-groups-calling-for-covid-19-workers-compensation-benefits/