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
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Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Olivia B.
I haven’t had to complete a tax return for some years, so I don’t have a preparer. I received nomal SS totaling right at $24K last year, but cashed in stocks for $4797 with a loss on the stocks of $1449. The sales are reported on a 1099 form. I’m not sure how to show this on my taxes or which forms I need in addition to 1040. And can I use the 1040ez? Thank you!
Ann C.
Hi, Olivia. Thanks for visiting our blog. For federal 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 information is helpful.
Richard W.
When considering Full retirement age, is it a combination of the ages of a couple? If one is 68 and the other 65 would they be considered “full retirement of 66.5 years”?
Cheri W.
I believe its based on the head of household age if you gole jointly.
Ann C.
Hi, Richard. Thanks for your question. Full retirement age is the age when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount without a reduction in benefits. It is based on your individual birth year not a combination of the couples’ ages. You can find your full retirement age by birth year in the full retirement age chart. We hope this helps.
Maria A.
if you recieve survivors benefits or widowers benefits are you eligible to file taxes
Ann C.
Hi, Maria. Thanks for your question. You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner. For federal 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 information is helpful.
Mary M.
What is ssa ein #
Cheri W.
An ein is a employer identification number but youdomt need to ne an employer. You can be a trustee or business…its like our ss# but usually its for an emtity.
Gregory W.
Tried numerous times to contact the SS office in hibbing MN , total waste of time !!! all I want to do is apply for my retirement benefit and can’t do it as nobody answers the phone ! Not everyone is good with computers , you don’t seem to care . Meanwhile I’m out $1800 a month as I can’t make an appointment . Government service to it’s subjects at it’s finest .
Janie W.
I can relate in Texas. I can’t get anyone to Answer or allow a person to hold until an agent is available. I can’t find my security answers so Can’t log in to my soc sec account. They kept sending me more money then they decided they overpaid me and continued even though they knew they were. now they are taking all of it until it is paid back plus I get my Medicare premiums statement says they are taking it out of my cking account which I verified w my bank then I find it isn’t taken out. In addition they claim they are going to take GPO out now. Two letters one day apart makes no sense especially when they claim I got an extra trs ck in 2019. I didn’t as I wasn’t retired until 6/2020. Yes I got an extra one for 2021. I am at a loss as I can’t plan on how much money I can expect each year. This June I will be retired 2 years now. Recently hospitalized for possible TIA multiple dr apmts now. Having memory issues and word finding difficulty with no resolution to date. I just want to sit face to face and have someone review and get this right because it appears multiple people have made mistakes with my benefits.
Ann C.
Hi, Janie. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.
Janie W.
I can relate in Texas. I can’t get anyone to Answer or allow a person to hold until an agent is available. I can’t find my security answers so Can’t log in to my soc sec account. They kept sending me more money then they decided they overpaid me and continued even though they knew they were. now they are taking all of it until it is paid back plus I get my Medicare premiums statement says they are taking it out of my cking account which I verified w my bank then I find it isn’t taken out. In addition they claim they are going to take GPO out now. Two letters one day apart makes no sense especially when they claim I got an extra trs ck in 2019. I didn’t as I wasn’t retired until 6/2020. Yes I got an extra one for 2021. I am at a loss as I can’t plan on how much money I can expect each year. This June I will be retired 2 years now. Recently hospitalized for possible TIA multiple dr apmts now. Having memory issues and word finding difficulty with no resolution to date. I just want to sit face to face and have someone review and get this right because it appears multiple people have made mistakes with my benefits.
Ann C.
Hi, Gregory. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.
CELESTA P.
WHY DO I HAVE TO CLAIM MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ON MY 2021 TAX RETURN?
Ann C.
Hi, Celesta. Thanks for your question. You must pay taxes on your benefits if you file a federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If you file a joint return, you must pay taxes if you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If you are married and file a separate return, you probably will have to pay taxes on your benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner. For 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 information is helpful.
Jacqueline D.
I’m wondering did President Biden sign for the fourth stimulus check for SSDI or SSI.
Because if it’s not fair that we are taking a hit and being financially destroyed and all these other people are getting all the money and we aren’t getting anything and we are the least paid and trying to survive a little amount. And then when you do try to work hard time I’m limited what I can do and make a little bit of extra money and then the covid hits which I’m high risk for and then you going by your for unemployment self-employed which I have for years been self-employed filled out a 1099 and the state of Tennessee denies me my own money that’s from the federal government I don’t think that’s right and nobody sticks up for us we can’t get no attorneys and we’re getting bullied and pushed around and beat and down what is going on here. Nobody’s following the laws you push me out of my own apartment because they didn’t want to renew my lease and I end up homeless and then now they’re taking away my snack and they took away my qmb for my insurance the state of Tennessee you know why don’t we just dig my grave right now cuz that’s exactly how I feel and then I can’t even get help and get more money through my SSI which is ridiculous but SSI is the one who’s getting all the money they’re getting taken out more and better than we are and we’re the ones that worked and paid in our taxes at SSI didn’t even work didn’t even pay their taxes and they’re getting more benefits than I am what’s wrong with this picture yeah mad I’m real mad. And then they forcing us back to work I can’t even move I can’t even walk and there’s stripping me from everything I ain’t work and I already work and put in 45 years I’ve done my share and then work part-time on the side and this is the thanks I get getting nothing in return they steal my money a. The government cannot be trusted anymore. And we are the ones that should be handling the grant that come into the state that supposed to benefit us because we’re not getting nothing they’re taking all the money and they’re not even using it the way they should and it’s wrong and I’m tired of paying for everybody else that doesn’t even live here or there’s not even a citizen of this country and we got to supply their needs forget it
Donna F.
I just read that I am entitled to receive half of my husbands monthly ss benefits if my ss is less than half of his. How do I find out about this?
Thank you for any help.
Ann C.
Hi, Donna. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Keep in mind that if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner. If you have additional specific questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Larry S.
How doI get withholding taken out of my check. Presently 5here is no tax diction (IRS) from my check.
Pam S.
Hey Larry -I ran into the same thing. 85% of my check is taxable (yikes) – on the IRS website you can download Form W-4V, fill it in with the percentage of your SS check you want withheld (I did 10%), sign it, and then send it by mail (or take it) to your local Social Security office. I just verified that with the SS office locally.
Ann C.
Hi, Larry. Thanks for your question. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Carla G.
I have tried to get my check started depositing in a new account before 5/3/2022 and I have called and been put on hold for 3plus hours and then the phone would hang up. I have already tried doing it on my account but it says it will be June before it would start.PLEASE LEAD ME THE RIGHT DIRECTION SO I WILL GET MY MONEY ON 5/3/2022
Karen R.
I want my social security and SSI checks sent Varo Bank. My Account routing number is *********. If you need any more information let me know. Karen Rice.
Karen R.
my phone number is 407-608-3171
Ann C.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local Social Security office immediately. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Ann C.
Hi, Carla. We are sorry to hear that. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.