General, Taxes

Tax Season: What To Know If You Get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income

February 8, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Tax seasonIt’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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Marilyn M.

    Elaine M. Handt DOD: February 10, 2021 DOB: March 18, 1931
    SS***-**-****
    Request Social Security Benefit Statement SS-1099 to complete income taxes for 2021.

    This is my 2nd attempt to obtain record.

    Send to: Marilyn McMahon, 9003 Briarglen Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

    • A.C.

      Hi, Marilyn. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The SSA-1099 is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you did not receive the benefit statement, you will need to contact your local Social Security office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for assistance. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.We hope this helps.

  2. John b.

    I am an Australian citizen and worked in the USA under a ‘green card’ from 1983 until 1998. I moved back to Australia in 1998 and won’t return to the USA as a permanent resident.
    I’ve just received my Form SSA-1042S, as I first started drawing Social Security in 2021. The 1042S form shows a Federal income tax withholding of 30%.
    I assume this 30% withholding is due to me now living permanently outside the USA.
    This is my only source of income from the USA and is under $12,000. How do I report my S/S income and perhaps get a refund?

    • A.C.

      Hi, John. 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.

  3. Mike E.

    I am trying to get a copy of my father’s SSA-1099 to file his taxes. He passed away last September and didn’t have a SSA account. Can I set one up now to get his 1099?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Mike. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission. The SSA-1099 is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you did not receive the benefit statement, you will need to contact your local Social Security office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for assistance. We hope this helps.

  4. Tia P.

    Do I have to file my disability income. I am married. I am not sure if I had to file.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Tia. 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.

  5. Joshua G.

    How do I know if I qualify for another stimulus check? And by the way,How can i get my taxes filled and get my maximum return?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Joshua. Please visit the IRS 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. However, 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.

  6. Karen C.

    I’m on SSDI and have a very small pension. Under 300.00 per month. Do I need to file taxes.

    • Felicia R.

      feliciar076@gmail.com

    • A.C.

      Hi, Karen. 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.

  7. B. H.

    I am 67 and receive social security. If I take a job paying 5000.00 how much will I have to pay into social security.

    • A.C.

      Hi. It sounds like you are referring to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You may also find our 2022 Fact Sheet helpful for current tax rates for Social Security and Medicare. If you have further 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.Thanks!

  8. Todd A.

    Want a printed copy of the 1095 B form
    for this year’s tax season (2021).

    • A.C.

      Hi, Todd. 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. If for any reason you have not received your SSA-1099 in the mail, 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.

  9. Donna H.

    To get a copy of your SSA-1099 create an account at
    ‘my Social Security’ on-line. It’s an interactive portal where you can access your Social Security info and report wages, get replacement documents, etc. Use one of the site addresses below to sign up for an account.

    https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

    https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-SSA-1099.html

    • Herbert B.

      My wife and I have an online accounts but the 1099 is not there. I looked in replacement documents, it’s not there either. The only options I get are about Medicare and to get a replacement card. I’ve spend over an hour on the phone trying to reach someone with no luck. Need to file my taxes.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Herbert. We are sorry to hear that. 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.

    • Carol H.

      Patrick Henderson Jan 10, 1942, *** ** ****. Died march 31, 2021. Cannot get his 1099, Please send to Carol Henderson, 508 44th Ave E Bradenton, FL. I cannot access on line, and I have called twice with wait times 45 to 55 minutes. I have to send to IRS so you are holding me up.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Carol. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The SSA-1099 is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you did not receive the benefit statement, you will need to contact your local Social Security office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for assistance. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

         

  10. Patricia F.

    I claimed my grandkids for the CTC in 2021 for I guess 2020. I just adopted them in NOV 2021. How do I claim them? Their name is changed. Do I have to show proof of name change?

Comments are closed.