COVID-19, General

New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

April 10, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

“The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return, and also announced that it would begin making automatic payments.  However, for some people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration—specifically those who have dependent children under the age of 17—it is to their advantage to go to this portal to ensure they also get the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment.  I encourage them to do this as soon as possible, and want to provide the following details:

People who receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits and who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who have qualifying children under age 17 should now go to the IRS’s webpage to enter their information instead of waiting for their automatic $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.  By taking proactive steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment.  If Social Security beneficiaries in this group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will have to wait to receive their $500 per qualifying child.

The same new guidance also applies to SSI recipients, especially those who have qualifying children under age 17.  To receive the full amount of the Economic Impact Payments you and your family are eligible for, go to the IRS’s Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info page and provide information about yourself and your qualifying children.

Additionally, any new beneficiaries since January 1, 2020, of either Social Security or SSI benefits, who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, will also need to go to the IRS’s Non-Filers website to enter their information.

Lastly, for Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries who 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 as long as you received an SSA-1099 for 2019.

For SSI recipients who do not have qualifying children under age 17, we continue to work closely with Treasury in our efforts to make these payments automatically.  Please note that we will not consider Economic Impact Payments as income for SSI recipients.

The eligibility requirements and other information about the Economic Impact Payments can be found at the IRS’s Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments page.  In addition, please continue to visit the IRS for the latest information.”

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About the Author

Andrew Saul, Commissioner, Social Security Administration

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

Comments

  1. ssdi i.

    IF YOU WERE CLAIMED AND YOU ARE AN ADULT YOU ARE NOT GETTING ANYTHING. NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE SSI SSD OR WHATEVER. NO PAPER FOR YOU. WHOEVER CLAIMED YOU FUCKED YOU FOR NO REASON BECAUSE THEY WONT EVEN GET THE $500 UNLESS YOU ARE A CHILD 16 OR YOUNGER. SOYEA SORRY.

    ALSO WHATEVER WAY YOU GET YOUR BENEFITS YOU WILL GET YOU STIMULUS CHECK. SO IF YOU HAVE A DIRECT EXPRESS IT WILL GO ON THAT. IF YOU HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT IT WILL GO TO THAT ACCOUNT ETC. GOD BLESS.

    • Juliana B.

      Help please! I’m reply to the 2 comments. Thankyou for I for the information…..But I filled out the Non Filers Form.. and it approved it. It just says to wait 72 hours / wait for eligibility. I got a email telling me. My form was approved… and I even checked the box where it requires you to check to say that I had been claimed as a dependent. I would think the irs would realize that she didn’t receive any money for claiming me. And that way I would be eligible for the stimulus ????

      • ssdi i.

        JULIA
        I UNDERSTAND YOU REALLY WANT THE STIMULUS BUT TO BE HONEST ACCORDING TO THE ACTUAL CARES ACT LAW YOU WONT GET ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU WERE CLAIMED BY ANOTHER PERSON. BOTTOM LINE.
        STOP GETTING YOUR HOPES UP IT IS NOT HAPPENING. THE NON FILERS APP ACCEPTING YOUR RETURN DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LET OTHER PEOPLE DO TOO MUCH AND HAVE TOO MUCH ACCESS TO YOUR BUSINESS. JUST STOP THINKING ABOUT IT AND MOVE ON BECAUSE ONCE SHE CLAIMED YOU ON 2018 OR 2019 SHE PRETTY MUCH RIPPED UP YOUR STIMULUS CHECK WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT.. GOD BLESS AND JUST TRY TO RATION OUT YOUR RESOURCES AS BEST YOU CAN. GOD BLESS.

        • Juliana b.

          And where are you receiving your information from? I’m on SSI so just because I was claimed I can’t receive a stimulus refund??? That makes no sense at all .. that doesn’t sound right… my mother didn’t receive any money for me after claiming me so why wouldn’t I be eligible ??? I did not file taxes with either. I would like to see a link where it says this specifically. Because the IRS wouldn’t approve a request without a reason behind it…. it’s not just a fluke that they approved my request I have a very unique situation and I believe that’s something the IRS will look into because I have searched everywhere and not one sight I viewed is specific on this matter.

        • Juliana

          And where are you receiving your information from? I’m on SSI so just because I was claimed I can’t receive a stimulus refund??? That makes no sense at all .. that doesn’t sound right… my mother didn’t receive any money for me after claiming me so why wouldn’t I be eligible ??? I did not file taxes with either. I would like to see a link where it says this specifically. Because the IRS wouldn’t approve a request without a reason behind it…. it’s not just a fluke that they approved my request I have a very unique situation and I believe that’s something the IRS will look into because I have searched everywhere and not one sight I viewed is specific on this matter.

      • It

        Yup and if you get it you’ll be kissing it good bye and paying it back! If you read (actually read in black letters in English ) it tells you very clearly who qualifies and who doesn’t! You do NOT quality because you were claimed in either 2018 or 19 as a dependent!

    • Juliana B.

      Help!! Thankyou for the quick answers but … they were not that clear because I filed the Non filers Form, and was approved I received the confirmation email immediately, stating I was approved I just have to wait 72 hours/ wait for” eligibility”. /(processing) . I checked the box were I was supposed on the Non filers Form for being claimed as a dependent. And it still approved my Non filers form. I just was not sure if I am actually going to receive the stimulus refund check. For $1200. I just checked it again and it is still telling me that I am approved I just have to wait for my eligibility to be processed…. anyone who can help me out with some information!!! I need all the help I can. Please and Thankyou Juliana B

  2. Juliana

    Hello I’m juliana please help! I am on ssi and was claimed as dependent on my moms taxes she filed head of household, but she did not receive any funding/ extra money for claiming me. I do not file taxes . I filled out the non filers form and checked the box that states I was claimed as a dependent on someone’s taxes. My non filers form was still approved immediately. I am just waiting to be eligible it says approved but to wait for eligibility. Does this mean I will receive the $1200. Please help!

    Juliana

    • It

      If you’re OVER 17 your mother gets squat for claiming you and you lose out on it because you let her claim you.

      • Juliana b.

        said:
        Help!! Thankyou for the quick answers but … they were not that clear because I filed the Non filers Form, and was approved I received the confirmation email immediately, stating I was approved I just have to wait 72 hours/ wait for” eligibility”. /(processing) . I checked the box were I was supposed on the Non filers Form for being claimed as a dependent. And it still approved my Non filers form. I just was not sure if I am actually going to receive the stimulus refund check. For $1200. I just checked it again and it is still telling me that I am approved I just have to wait for my eligibility to be processed…. anyone who can help me out with some information!!! I need all the help I can. Please and Thankyou Juliana B

  3. William M.

    Does anyone know if we have a Direct Express card do we have to go online and give them the account and routing numbers? If so I have to call and get them some how. Also has anyone on social security recieved a payment yet?

    • donald f.

      you will get the stimulus money on your Direct Express card and have to do nothing except wait, the same for ssi ssdi railroad retirement, veterans. this is according to what the treasury dept announced wednesday the 15th. the payments will be starting Friday the 17th or early in may for some, you will automatically get it.. it’s just a matter of time because there are millions to send out and they can’t send them all at one time

      • Juliana B.

        Hello I’m juliana please help! I am on ssi and was claimed as dependent on my moms taxes she filed head of household, but she did not receive any funding/ extra money for claiming me. I filled out the non filers form and checked the box that states I was claimed as a dependent on someone’s taxes. My non filers form was still approved immediately. I am just waiting to be eligible it says approved but to wait for eligibility. Does this mean I will receive the $1200. Please help!

        Juliana

  4. Linda W.

    I filed taxes but received my refund by mail and I have a Direct Express card for my SSDI benefits and got the 1099 form. I checked the Get My Payment and it worked correctly. It told me that I am eligible for the payment but they needed direct deposit info. I went to bank and opened account (called first) then I put that info into the Get my payment on IRS website. It said my payment will be deposited there. Now I find out that the Direct Express cards will accept our payments. Will my payment go to bank or Direct Ex card?

  5. Andrew C.

    EDITORS’ PICK|Apr 15, 2020,03:39pm EDT
    IRS Confirms SSI Recipients Will Automatically Get Stimulus Checks – But No Change For Vets
    Kelly Phillips ErbSenior Contributor
    Taxes
    American One Hundred Dollar Bill with Mask Protection For Coronavirus on Economy Against White Background
    GETTY
    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive automatic Economic Impact Payments (that’s the official name, although most taxpayers refer to them as stimulus checks).

    The move required coordination among the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of the Treasury, IRS, and the Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFI).

    “Since SSI recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns, the IRS had to work extensively with these other government agencies to determine a way to quickly and accurately deliver Economic Impact Payments to this group,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Additional programming work remains, but this step simplifies the process for SSI recipients to quickly and easily receive these $1,200 payments automatically. We appreciate the assistance of SSA and the Bureau of Fiscal Services in this effort.”

    Here are a few more details:

    What do SSI recipients have to do? SSI recipients will receive checks without needing to take further action.

    When can SSI recipients expect a check? Payments should go out no later than early May.

    Who is sending the checks to SSI recipients? IRS, not SSA.

    How will I receive my payment? You should receive payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you usually receive your SSI benefits. Yep, I did say Direct Express (I’ve been asked about those a lot).

    What about senior citizens who rely on Social Security retirement? Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return will have their checks deposited directly to their bank account. You can find more details here.

    What about SSDI benefits? According to the IRS, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients also don’t need to take additional action: your check will be direct-deposited (or you’ll get a paper check) just as you’d typically get your benefits.

    What about Veterans Affairs benefits? No. No change. That’s right, nothing from Congress to help out vets – but I’ll keep you posted.

    What about Social Security, Railroad retirees, and SSDI beneficiaries who have qualifying children? You can take an additional step to receive $500 per qualifying child. If you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, or SSI and have a qualifying child, you can quickly register (more info here). If you enter your information now, you can receive the additional $500 per dependent child payment. If you don’t provide your information soon, you will have to wait until later to receive their $500 per qualifying child.

    What if my children have Direct Express cards? According to the IRS, additional information will be available soon regarding the steps to take on the IRS web site when claiming children under 17 with Direct Express.

    Is this payment taxable? It is NOT taxable and will not affect your 2020 refund.

    I’m still worried: will it affect my benefits? No, it will not affect your benefits.

    If you still have questions, check out these articles (All You Wanted To Know About Those Tax Stimulus Checks But Were Afraid To Ask and Answers To Your Most Commonly Asked Questions About Those Tax Stimulus Checks). They will answer a lot of those questions.

    Things are happening at a rapid-fire pace these days. As tax updates become available, we’ll keep you updated. Keep checking back for details.

    Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe.
    Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

    Kelly Phillips Erb
    Years ago, I found myself sitting in law school in Moot Court wearing an oversized itchy blue suit. It was a horrible experience. In a desperate attempt to avoid anything…Read More

    Also on Forbes Taxes
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  6. Andrew C.

    I just read that people who direct express cards will get there payment early May. We won’t have to do anything at all.

  7. Jim

    All of that is old news Paul you can find that on any main stream news service

  8. Paul

    Here is the latest from the IRS:

    • The IRS is sending the first wave of payments this week starting April 13, according to an expected timeline from the House Ways and Means Committee.

    The tax authority will transmit the payments via direct deposit, using the banking information it has on file for taxpayers’ 2018 or 2019 tax returns, the timetable said.

    That first wave will include Social Security recipients who filed tax returns and included direct deposit information on their returns, according to the House Ways and Means’ estimated timeline.

    • The second wave will go to Social Security recipients who did not file 2018 or 2019 returns and receive their benefits through direct deposit.

    • In early May, the IRS will start mailing paper checks to households, at a rate of 5 million per week. The paper checks will first go to the households with the lowest adjusted gross incomes, and continue upwards.

    • Paul

      If you registered as a non-filer on the IRS Coronavirus website you will be included in the first wave of payments above. It is equivalent to filing a 1040 for 2019 with direct deposit information on it.

  9. Mike s.

    I am confused on why all the people on SSI and disability are trying to give sob stories about how they are on a budget etc… You receive the exact same amount of money per month pandemic or not so this stimulus is extra money… People that lost there jobs and are getting zero money per month are the ones who should be complaining… Seriously the entitlement level of people Is nuts… I can promise all of you will get your 1200 express debit cards or not you ain’t gonna miss out… actually keep posting the same stuff the thread only has 150000 of the exact same posts from people. Humanity is screwed…

    • danny

      I amconfusedwhyblahblahdoodoo

      because they want the money. idiot.

      • Michael s.

        Danny I was being sarcastic lol I only wish you were smart enough to have known that… I am wasting my time actually your right I am an idiot

        • danny

          your whole life is a waste of time.

    • Andrew C.

      I was thinking the same thing on how people that are on SSI and are wanting their stimulus payment people should be able to make it through the month on their checks they get every month regardless.

      • erica h.

        A lot of those people have had to resort to spending additional money on transportation trips, looking for items that are running out of stock. They are also having to now pay delivery services that they never had to use before. That will eat up their money rather fast. Yes, there are a lot of money hungry agitated people that want their freebie, but some of these people are really in need of the help right now. My sister is one of them.

  10. Joseph

    SSI here: Still no money. The IRS really does choke on big, fat ones all day and night. Perhaps they can perk their collective head up long enough to press “send payment” to people they owe money to. Maybe we should all do what the IRS does and send SWAT teams crashing through their windows at 5am because they owe us a few bucks.

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