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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Donna s.
I get ssi homeless I filled taxes I have not got a ssi stimulus for 2022 march 7 or any I claim my Nefew in 2019 ! 2020 no child this year no child y am I not qualified? Ssi stimulus 2022
A.C.
Hi, Donna. Please visit the Internal Revenue Service’s website for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
JT
If I start my benefits in January I will receive the first payment in February. If so will the end of year SSA-1099 reflect 11 payments received since the first month paid was received in February or will the 1099 be for all 12 months?
The agent I spoke to was not able to give me a definitive answer. He said he “thought it would be for all 12 months” but I have also read that 1099 only reflects the dates funds are paid out which would be 11 months since benefits are paid in arrears.
A.C.
Hi, JT. Thanks for your question. An SSA-1099 is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to IRS on your tax return. We hope this helps.
Kimberlie M.
why did my SSI JUST DEPOSIT MAY 19 ?
WHY IS IT NOT MY NORMAL 1147.00 ?
WHY DID I ONLY GET 1040.00 ?
A.C.
Hi, Kimberlie. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can 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.
Marguerite B.
My name is Marguerite Black. I am currently on disability and have 7% in tax removed from my check. I filled out form W-4V to cancel this. I need the Texas address so I can send Iin this form. Can you give it to me.
Marguerite B.
My email address is
mgbblack.yahoo.com
A.C.
Hi, Marguerite. Thanks for visiting our blog. To find your local Social Security office information, please visit our Social Security Office Locator. We hope this helps.
Marion S.
I would like to have federal taxes taken from my social security check. Can you please provide the form or what do I need to do to have this happen?
A.C.
Hi, Marion. 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 or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Emilie C.
I am 80 years old live on Social Security only my property taxes are $4000 A year I thought for Homestead but it didn’t reduce the taxes is there anything else I can do to reduce the taxes are be exempt
A.C.
Hi, Emilie. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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 helps.
Carmela B.
I have the form W-4V to start having Federal Taxes taken from my monthly check. What form do I use to have NC State taxes taken out?
A.C.
Hi, Carmela. Thanks for visiting our blog. For state tax questions, you will need to contact your state tax commission or tax revenue office. Thanks!
Karen A.
My tax person told me there is a place in my social security site where I can have taxes taken out so I wont owe at end of the year but I cant find it can you tell me where it is located.?
A.C.
Hi, Karen. 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.
Chiara H.
I am on survivors Benefits and I need help doing my taxes I Receive SSDI SURVIVORS BENNIFITS please I needTo know am I required to file taxes and if so I need help with filling my taxes because i dont know how to file and I need a replacement social security card
A.C.
Hi, Chiara. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 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.
Carletha G.
Someone I know at one time had a social security card & lost it..They have educational challenges & needed some assistance with obtaining a new social security card in order to get a I.d. which they have never had..So setting up an online account was’nt possible without some form of identification to replace the lost SS card.They obtained a copy of their birth certificate & found an error in the spelling of their first & middle name..With this they need to know where do they go from here in hopes to get an I.d. card at least
A.C.
Hi, Carletha. Thanks for visiting our blog. For information about what documents are needed for a replacement Social Security card, please visit here. For information about a state identification card and what documents are needed, you will need to contact your local department of transportation. We hope this helps.
Leigh P.
Hi, just for clarity: I am single, without children, disabled and do not work. I am not entitled to anything, right?
A.C.
Hi, Leigh. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and read IRS Filing Season 2021 CTC Questions and Answers if you have questions. Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer CTC or EITC questions. We hope this helps.