Tax Season: What To Know If You Get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income
Reading Time: 4 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
It’s tax season once again. It’s important to read this blog even if your earnings or benefits don’t require you to file a federal tax return. You may be entitled to special tax credits that can mean extra cash to help you with expenses. These tax credits are available even if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and don’t normally file a tax return.
The Child Tax Credit
What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
The CTC is a tax benefit, expanded in March 2021, that helps families who are raising children. You can claim the CTC for any qualifying child even if you don’t usually file a federal tax return. You can get up to $3,600 per qualifying child under age 6, and up to $3,000 for each qualifying child age 6 – 17. These ages are determined as of December 31, 2021.
Am I eligible for the CTC if I get Social Security or SSI?
Yes, if you meet the qualifying rules of the CTC. You can claim this credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) based on each of your qualifying children, even if you get Social Security or SSI and don’t normally file a tax return. You also may have received up to half of your credit through advance monthly CTC payments made by the IRS from July to December 2021. For more information about advance monthly CTC payments, you can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and the IRS 2021 CTC and Advance CTC Payments Frequently Asked Questions.
Will advance monthly CTC payments, or any CTC I claim on my tax return, reduce my Social Security or SSI benefits?
Advance monthly CTC payments, as well as any CTC that you claim on your 2021 tax return, won’t reduce your Social Security benefits.
If you receive SSI, we won’t count the CTC (or any advance monthly payments you might have received during 2021) as income or resources for 12 months after you receive it when considering your eligibility for SSI and monthly SSI payment amount. If you received any advance monthly CTC payments, be aware of when you received them. You can get that information from the IRS Child Tax Credit Update Portal.
How do I claim the CTC?
You can claim the CTC when you file your federal tax return for 2021. You can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov for options to file a federal tax return for free.
What if I have questions about the CTC?
Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and read IRS Filing Season 2021 CTC Questions and Answers if you have questions. Social Security can’t answer CTC questions.
The Earned Income Tax Credit
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC provides low- to moderate-income workers and families a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. The EITC amount you might get generally depends on your earned income and the number of your qualifying children.
Am I eligible for the EITC if I get Social Security or SSI?
Yes, if you meet the qualifying rules of the EITC. Receiving Social Security or SSI doesn’t affect your eligibility for the EITC.
Do my Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI payments count as earned income for the EITC?
Learn if your disability payments count as earned income for the EITC at the IRS’ Disability and the Earned Income Tax Credit webpage.
How do I claim the EITC?
To claim the EITC, you must qualify and file a federal tax return. You can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov for options to file a federal tax return for free.
What if I have questions about the EITC?
Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer EITC questions.
Your Annual Social Security Benefit Statement
What is the Benefit Statement and what do I do with it?
Your Benefit Statement is a tax form from Social Security that shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received in the previous year. It’s also referred to as an SSA-1099. Noncitizens who live outside of the United States receive the SSA-1042S instead of the SSA-1099. You should report the amount of Social Security income you received to the IRS on your federal tax return.
The Benefit Statement isn’t available for people who only receive SSI payments because SSI payments aren’t taxed.
How do I get my annual benefit statement?
If you receive Social Security benefits, we mailed your Benefit Statement to your address on file with us. If you didn’t receive it, or if lost, you can get your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly online with a my Social Security account.
Remember to Check your Earnings History
If you don’t receive Social Security benefits, this is a great time to review your earnings history by looking at your Social Security Statement (Statement). It’s important because your future Social Security benefits will be based on your earnings history we received from the IRS. Underreported earnings will mean lower monthly benefit payments when you are ready to start receiving them.
Use your Statement to review your earnings history and to see personalized benefit estimates so you can plan for your future.
Tax season doesn’t have to be a stressful time of year. And for many people, it’s an opportunity to claim additional money. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, more Americans can claim larger Child Tax Credits and Earned Income Tax Credits for 2021.
Please share this blog with family and friends and remember that Social Security is here to help secure your today and tomorrow.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Cheryl E.
I receive SSI and SSID can I file for taxes
A.C.
Hi, Cheryl. Thanks for visiting our blog. For any income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. We hope this helps.
James S.
I tried to use the security code and it would not allow it. I tried to enter my Social Security number date of birth etc. to access my account and it would not accept it, I have no idea how to access my account. I need my 1099 as soon as possible.
A.C.
Hi, James. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Jasmine T.
Hi i need proof of income also need to do a change of address as well my numba is 334 275 5571 my email is Jassytassy28@gmail.com
A.C.
Hi, Jasmine. If you need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by creating a personal my Social Security account online. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Blog community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Shannon R.
Hi, I am the payee of my son’s SSI and I have been needing to change my address for over a year now.
I have tried doing this online and cannot change my address and I have tried calling the number and no success yet.
A.C.
Hi, Shannon. We are sorry to hear that. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. To ensure you have the correct contact information for your local office, please visit our Social Security Office Locator page. We hope this helps.
Diana T.
I applied for SS benefits in December 2021. I have not heard anything other than a message on mySSA that someone has begun processing my application. I received an email from DoNotReply@ssa.gov stating I need to call 866-772-1213 to provide more information about when I want benefits to start. Is this a valid SSA number, or is someone scamming me?
A.C.
Hi, Diana. We’re sorry, but we do not have a list of all of the possible phone numbers that Social Security uses. What we can tell you is that we do not usually make random calls. If someone calls you saying that they are from Social Security, do not give them your personal information. Instead, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to see whether we really need any information from you. We hope this helps.
Wendell B.
My wife died in Dec 2021, who was receiving SSI.
Is there a death benefit (not correct word) from SS? I haven’t received anything as of now.
Do I need to apply somewhere for this?
A.C.
Hi, Wendell. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The Lump-Sum Death benefit of $255 (a one-time payment) may be payable upon the death of a person who has worked long enough to be insured under Social Security. Only eligible family members may be able to receive the one-time payment and monthly survivor benefits. For more information on this, please read our publication, How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.
Lynn S.
I can’t find information anywhere about how I can begin to collect my social security and cancel the social security I’ve been receiving from my husband’s ss. Can you please advise? Thank you.
Lynn
A.C.
Hi, Lynn. Thanks for visiting our blog. Since you are currently receiving benefits on your husband’s record, please contact your local Social Security office to discuss an application for benefits on your own record. We hope this helps.
Sarah M.
Every year I receive a W-2 for taxes that are not deducted from my check. I have not received one this year and I’m ready to file my taxes.
A.C.
Hi, Sarah.Thanks for visiting our blog. For a copy of a W-2, you should contact your employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting your personal my Social Security account. For additional information on how to request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Ramiro R.
Hello I been trying to get my income tax from last year my name was spelled wrong on my form I don’t know what to do to get it. I done went thru ID.ME.gov and got verified I called the IRS they said to call social security office I done that and no help. Can someone please help me or point me to the direction to fix this . Thanks
JEROME B.
Good morning Ramiro!
May I suggest that you access the IRS website @ http://www.irs.gov and request in the link an account transcript online. Please be prepared to provide identical info as SSA…i.e. Photo ID-SSA card-Birth Certificate-Filing Status & address indicated on the return. Additionally you may request the documents via mail as shown on the same website. Consider as well, going to a local IRS remote office if available and bring the same aforementioned documents. Electronic filing would reflect immediate access given the above. If you mailed the return, it may not be processed due to Covid-19. Also contact your preparer for a copy. I hope this avenue provides the results you seek.
Best of Luck & be safe!
Jerome
A.C.
Hi, Ramiro. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099, a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. For years prior to the last year, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Anita
I have been at same address for past 57
years…The SS rep advised should received within the next 2 weeks. Advised that I never had to wait this long. The rep advised will mail another SS-1099.