COVID-19, People Facing Barriers

Commissioner Statement on Economic Impact Payments

March 25, 2021 • By

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Last Updated: March 25, 2021

A photo headshot of SSA Commissioner Andrew SaulI want to provide an important update about the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) processing of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.

At each turn over the last 12 months, immediate delivery of EIPs has been, and remains, a top priority for this agency. SSA’s public service mission is squarely focused on many of those who are most economically-vulnerable in our society and we owe it to our beneficiaries to ensure they receive their EIPs right away. In fact, it was the substantial efforts of SSA that successfully overcame the fact that the IRS did not have a mechanism to automatically identify Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, some of the most financially insecure people in America. It was SSA that pushed the prior Administration and Congress to allow us to send to IRS a file of those individuals, who do not receive forms SSA-1099, so that IRS could automatically issue EIPs to them.

Since the time that discussions began regarding issuance of EIPs in the ARP Act, weeks before passage, we have worked tirelessly with our counterparts at IRS to provide to them the information they need to issue payments to our beneficiaries. Despite the fact that Congress did not directly provide SSA funding to support our work on EIPs, we have provided countless hours of assistance to IRS consistent with the laws that establish how we may use the Trust Funds that every American counts on us to protect.

SSA discussed with Treasury and IRS, both before passage and after enactment of the ARP Act, that the Social Security Act does not allow the agency to use our administrative appropriation to conduct work on any non-mission provision or program. Accordingly, we were not authorized to substantively engage Treasury or IRS prior to the ARP’s passage. Instead, upon passage, we were required to pursue a reimbursable agreement with IRS because we received no direct appropriation through the ARP Act. From the outset of discussions, we kept congressional staff apprised of the hurdles this approach would create for SSA, and we have continued to update them on our progress with IRS as we completed the required interagency agreements.

Once we were free to move forward, we aggressively worked with Treasury and IRS to issue payments. As a result of our efforts, we successfully signed the reimbursable agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) less than one week after passage, on March 17. That process often takes weeks or months to complete, but we got the job done in a matter of days. A few days later, on Monday, March 22, SSA sent initial test files to IRS. IRS confirmed testing success on Wednesday, March 24. Production files were delivered to IRS before 9 AM on Thursday, March 25 – more than a week sooner than we were able to provide a similar file to IRS during the first round of EIPs.

While we were working through the agreements with IRS that would fund our efforts to support issuance of EIPs, we were also protecting the integrity of the EIP program by updating the files that IRS will use to issue payments to our beneficiaries. Those updates to our files ensure that payments go to correct bank accounts and addresses, and, that those who are deceased are removed from the files. In short, Social Security employees have literally worked day and night with IRS staff to ensure that the electronic files of Social Security and SSI recipients are complete, accurate, and ready to be used to issue payments. There is no one more committed to serving the public than the employees of this agency, and there should be no doubt whatsoever that they are striving each day to serve the vulnerable populations to whom they have committed their careers. I find any insinuation to the contrary to be unacceptable.

I assure you that we will continue to do all we can to support implementation of the ARP Act.

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About the Author

Andrew Saul, Commissioner, Social Security Administration

Commissioner of Social Security Administration (June 17, 2019 - July 9, 2021)

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Comments

  1. Jamey R.

    Thank you sir! We greatly appreciate all of you!

  2. Kathie p.

    Bull you need to be fired!!! You know exactly what is going on. These recipients need their funds and this how you treat our veterans seniors and the disabled.Shame shame on you ssa you need to step down!!!

  3. Mary B.

    This is a bull#### what makes this payment different from the other eips everyone got their money no problem. You people ought to be ashamed of yourself making ss recipients wait for their eip payments these people is having a hard time especially in Texas after the harsh winter storm .Seniors ceilings collapsing pipes bursted who is there to look out for their well being? These people is waiting on funds to help and you big wheels sit on your backside dragging your feets.God is watching.

  4. Janice D.

    Both my husband and I did not receive a 3rd stimulous.We did receive through direct deposit the first and second. What is going on. Walter and Janice Deming

  5. J

    Here we are again with the finger pointing and blame games. At this point I no longer even read the entire stories. I skim through to read about the money, and actual DATES. Which have yet to be released, of course.

    My mother told me she never trusts the government. Never relies on dates or promises, bot until it is deposited into her bank does she believe anything. With all the bullshit she has gone through throughout her life, dealing with government games and suffering, going hungry and worrying about tomorrow, its really no wonder.

  6. Vicki C.

    I have yet to receive my EIP. This surprises my to no end as I am, and was, qualified to receive payments. The first ones came very quickly & I had mine before my friends did. Now, it’s all reversed. Everyone I know has received theirs. But not me. I am a SS recipient and don’t even make $20,000 a year. So, what is the hold up with SS recipients?!!?

  7. Joseph B.

    Thank you so much for all the work.I had no doubt that you all would do what was needed for the So owl Security recipients..again please thank all of the employees for doing such a good job!

  8. Sharon S.

    Thank you for the explanation of the work required to furnish the updated file and keeping us informed of the progress. Looking forward to receiving my stimulus check soon.

  9. Beatrice R.

    Bullshit. You withheld vital funds to less fortunate Americans who depend on government assistance. This letter in response to public outcry is a crock o’ crap and you know it. I hope you are removed from your position without haste. Asshat.

  10. American

    🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻POS

    • American

      Amen

Comments are closed.