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
Comments
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Isaac
I had issues with identity theft and stalking after using my social security website. After I made a complaint to authorities I was assaulted from behind as I was walking to the store.
Steve
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. You sound like a dedicated conspiracy believer.
kalynn L.
I do not want to live with commissioners as replacement for free housing. No more commissioners. I am retarded I paid into social security this is wrong. No on commissioner children I need my freedom back Now
Darryl J.
Have been troubled by any late payment and I hope I never am.
Steve
You seem to be incoherent – have you seen a psychiatrist lately?
No one who has mental disabilities would call themselves retarded. Therefore, you are a troll.
Donna D.
I need a print-out of my statement for Income Tax Return.
A.C.
Hi, Donna. 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.
Brian L.
I am wondering why you did not take money out for Medicare do I apply for it before my birthday
Jon G.
Because Part A has no deduction. You have it automatically at 65.
You must apply for Part B.
A.C.
Hi, Brian. Thanks for your question. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. 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.
Ramin
Nice Detil
Erin E.
Is there any difference in SSI and SSDI when filing taxes? I downloaded SSA-1099 and it is asking for Payor information and the benefit statement I received has none on it.
A.C.
Hi, Erin. 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.
Kyle L.
I was awarded SSI in July, 2015. I wear prescription eyeglasses which normally cost over $600. They are not covered under Medicaid; I am turning 62 in May; I require glasses to operate motor vehicle, yet have no way to pay for them! What (worthless?) advice can you offer me, if any? Thanks, although expected, are doubtful!
Terry A.
if you also have medicare, get on united health care Dual complete Snp HMO. It is when you have both medicare anad medicaid and you DO NOT have to get your glasses at the eye dr you get your exam. I get my exam and get my script and go to Walmart eye center. Last year, I got a pair of glasses bifocal no line and you are allowed up to $300 on youe glasses lens and frames and mine was less than $300. Give it a try. You would be surprised.
A.C.
Hi, Kyle. We are sorry to hear about your situation. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Karen ..
Is a premium taken out of my social security check each month to cover the cost of Medicare? How much is it, and is it the same for every social security recipient?
Mike D.
I think in 2022 it’s 170.00 and yes.
Steve
Actually, the amount you have to pay depends on your total family income.
See https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs.
A.C.
Hi, Karen. Anyone who’s eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost can enroll in Medicare Part B by paying a monthly premium. The 2022 standard monthly premium is currently $170.10. Some people with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium. For more information, visit our webpage Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher Income Beneficiaries or visit our More Medicare Information page. For 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.
Rebecca L.
I need to have federal tax taken from my SS monthly benefit. I filled out IRS form W-4V. Where do I send it?
Cary
Send it to your local Social Security Center. It tells you that on the W-4V from instructions. Just do a search and you can find your closest SSA center.
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
lucy
i receiving benefits by disability, i got a gift and wont a lottery ticket, l’m take a token to test my self when i start receiving this benefits and try work only a part t, some time 8 to 10 hrs. and some time less.
my question ?, i have report the wining ticket, the many of i got from a screaming clinic test?.
I can’t hold agents from SSA in the phone.
please help me whit this
A.C.
Hi, Lucy. Thanks for your question. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. Winning the lotto will not affect your SSDI benefit but would affect a person’s Supplemental Security (SSI) benefit. If you are receiving SSI, please check out our Understanding Supplemental Security Income Reporting Responsibilities page for more information. We hope this helps.