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

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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.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Josette S.

    I receive ss disability and my mother put me as dependent on her taxes ,will I receive stimulus check I have my own checking account direct deposit as check.thank you

  2. Elizabeth E.

    I receive ssi and my ex is 32,000.00 in arrears so i will be getting his check as well as my own. Will his stimulus money effect my ssi in any way? That is if i actually do receive it.

  3. Diana. A.

    I don’t think its fair that i don’t receive the stimulas. I was claimed as a deduction not a dependent i also have my money she does not pay or keep me. I pay bills and my rent. I need it just like the next poor person . my daughter has a child and raising by herself. So i need it also moreso then the pe9 making 75.000

  4. Anonymous

    What if ur child recieve ssi will they get 500 on their card

    • V.V.

      Hi There, 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. You may also find the IRS Online Tool Guide helpful to determine what action you may need to take. Hopefully this information is helpful.

  5. Ash

    Anyone who used the non filers portal to claim dependents in a timely manner never received the $500 benefit. So why was there a rush if we were never going to actually get it?

    • char g.

      I used the non-filers and put my info and dependents in on April 15th I only received 1200 but nothing for my 2 kids and I had filed way before may5th

  6. Tee

    If my 12 year old child received ssi through direct deposit an I do not file taxes, do she receive anything automatically? Or do she not qualify

    • V.V.

      Hi Tee, 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. You may also find the IRS Online Tool Guide helpful to determine what action you may need to take. Hopefully this information is helpful.

  7. CATHERINE R.

    When will I get my SSI stimulus payment

  8. Mercedes S.

    I did not have my ssi check for the cov19want iam going to get this

  9. CJ H.

    Can someone tell me why a senior who is receiving ss benefits but is claimed as a dependant can’t receive a stimulus check. Many of these people worked during the days when $4-7. per hour or less was the prevailing wage. With the cost of living what it is today they cannot make ends meet with their measly benefit. Some are fortunate to be able to live with others or their children who generously and kindly meet their needs. Doesn’t make sense these elderly folks are excluded because someone else claims them rightfully.
    Our gov’t is not blind. They know what people on ss are getting. Makes one wonder if so many elderly are dying from Vivid-19 due to someone ordering all respirators at half power or less for those over 65 years of age.

  10. Heather P.

    I receive ssdi.. I filled out the nonfiler form before the first deadline in April.. I received my money (1200) on April 29th through direct deposit but never received money for my kids even though I did everything before the first deadline…

Comments are closed.