COVID-19, General

SSI Recipients: Act by May 5 to Get $500 Economic Impact Payment Now for Your Child

May 5, 2020 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

Treasury Check

Millions of Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments. Many more will get theirs as the IRS continues to send payments. People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation and pension benefits will receive up to $1,200 automatically. However, some people in this group, those who did not file a tax return and who have a child under 17, must act by May 5th to receive a $500 payment for each qualifying child now. If you miss the deadline, you will receive your $1,200 payment, but you will need to wait until next year to file a tax return to get money for your qualifying child.

Deadline is May 5

You need to act by today to get it. If you receive SSI or VA benefits, did not file a tax return, and have qualifying children under age 17, you must provide each child’s information to the IRS using their Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here online tool by May 5.

A qualifying child is someone who:

  • Is your child, stepchild, eligible foster child, sibling, half sibling, stepsibling or descendant, including your grandchild, niece or nephew.
  • Can be claimed as a dependent on your tax return. For those who don’t usually file a tax return, include the child’s information in the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool by May 5.
  • Was younger than 17 at the end of the 2019 tax year.
  • Is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
  • Has a valid Social Security number or an adoption taxpayer identification number.

Some people have older dependents. This may include your parent or a college student. Here are a couple things to know about dependents 17 or older:

  • You won’t get money for those dependents.
  • If they’re claimed as a dependent, they aren’t eligible for their own $1,200 Economic Impact Payment.

If you’re married, you must also provide additional information using the Non-Filer tool to claim the full $2,400 payment as long as your spouse didn’t receive Social Security (disability or SSI) benefits, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, or VA benefits in 2019. Also, your spouse did not have to file a tax return in the last two years. Payments of $1,200 are automatic for people who don’t normally file a tax return even if they receive:

  • Social Security (Retirement, Survivors, Disability).
  • Supplemental Security Income.
  • Railroad Retirement benefits.

Important Message for Direct Express Card Holders: If you use the Non-Filer Tool to enter dependent information, you will not receive your automatic $1,200 payment on your Direct Express card. You will receive both your $1,200 payment and each child’s $500 payment on a non-Direct Express bank account you can provide, or by mail if you leave bank information empty, and only if the IRS has not already processed your $1,200 payment. If you do not use the Non-Filer Tool, you will receive your automatic $1,200 payment on your Direct Express card, and you will need to file a tax return next year to get a $500 payment per eligible child.

For more information, please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments website.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags:

See Comments

About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Related Articles

Social Security Programs Are As Diverse As Those We Serve

Celebrating Older Americans Month

Get All Your Federal Benefit Payments in One Account Using Direct Payment

Social Security Services for the Hispanic Community

Comments

  1. Kathi C.

    I haven’t received my stimulus check and I get ssdi and adult assist every month I didn’t file taxes the last two years because I’m disabled and can’t work any more because of health issues what is the hold up with sending the check to my acct where my ssdi and adult assist is directed deposited each month is there any where I can call to get answers to why it is taking so long to get my stimulus check

  2. Kathi C.

    Why is it taking so long for people who get ssi ssdi benefits direct deposited to receive the stimulus checks if they don’t file a tax return because they have nothing to claim to file tax returns I wish there was a place u can call to get answers because the IRS office is closed

  3. Johnny B.

    Me and my wife having received anything, everyone I know on ssi received there.

  4. Alisha B.

    I have no kids but have direct express and still haven’t got my check I get ssi and ss why haven’t I gotten my check

  5. Hassan M.

    I have my son living with me he is being with me for 2 years we living on my ssi .money 1800$ can I ask for help from the government let me know if I could.

    • V.V.

      Hi Hassan, thank you for your question. Please visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center to answer your questions about eligibility, payment amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more. Hope this helps!

  6. Jennifer L.

    I have not gotten mine check for the stimulates at all theirs been so much wrong info its not funny said u get it on your direct Express card nothing when thought may be in the mail nothing so I dont know what two think or believe any more I tryed call IRS no one would answer the phone tired emails would not let me do that so could some one from IRS call me or email me phone number is 661 717 3518 thank u

  7. Dewey L.

    Hi if I filed me and my step-daughter this year and last they took my taxes last year over 4400 for child support on my two boys that now stay with their grandparents I have pd on my cs all year I’m still not current but can they take my stimulus package and my step daughters for the cs this year or will I be able to use it to catch my bills up.

    • Truth

      If you owe back child support, you won’t receive a dime!

  8. Roger J.

    $500 dependant check. Where is it

  9. Alisha S.

    This alishaivy i didn’t get my stimulus check i get ssi monthly

    • HALF O.

      OKAY NOW I GOT MY SSI BUT LATER ON BEFORE I HAD RECEIVED 1700 SO I WILL NOT BE GETTING ONE FOR MYSELF…….YES OR NO BECAUSE IT SAY THAT IF U DO OR U DONT AND RECEIVE SSI WILL GET ONE

  10. Roger J.

    Has anybody received the $500 stimulus check for their child or dependant? I received the $2400 for me and my wife but not the $500 for my 2 dependant children. I receive ssi/ssdi. I don’t think I have read any post where someone has actually received the $500

    • Cynthia S.

      No..I never received it for my daughter! I filled everything out before may 5. Have my email saying everything was approved. I got my 1200 on May 5..but my daughter never got her 500. Sad. She was going to buy new computer with the 500.

Comments are closed.