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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John L.
Why do you limit my income when I would still be paying taxes and contributing to social security, especially when employers need more people to work and cannot get them?
Cheryl P.
I am collecting my SSI monthly. I also am working part time. I am 71 years old. I would like to know how much money I can make over my SSI without having to pay back each year to IRS. Thank you.
JB M.
SSI isn’t taxable
A.C.
Hi, Cheryl. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. If you are receiving SSI, the amount of your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, is based, in part, on the income available to you. Whether you are receiving Social Security or SSI disability, it is important to let us know promptly when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits. You can find more information about working temporarily without losing monthly Social Security disability or SSI benefits by reading our publication, Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.
If you are receiving Social Security retirement benfits, once you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you have additional questions, you call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or you can contact his local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Carol P.
There is no place on the tax form to put the amounts that are non-taxable. Where does this go?
Tax m.
Use worksheet A to calculate the portion of your social security benefits subject to tax.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf
Erik
Try the free tax software available via IRS free tax filing. Google that to find the link.
A.C.
Hi, Carol. 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.
Terry S.
Your politics are showing. Those actions occurred 30 years ago. Your “message” would be more appropriately sent to your current state representatives. Assigning blame on 30 year old politics an legislations is inappropriate.
LARRY L.
I do not believe that a Social Security Account as when I started to create it something went wrong, and I do not remember that I corrected it can you checked and call me
P J.
I can’t get into mine, and so I can’t fix it so I can get in.
They say to call them here:
call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. We can answer specific questions from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
I gather the hours are Eastern time.
A.C.
Hi, Larry. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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.
Linda E.
Do you have to use your SSI statement when filing for taxes
A.C.
Hi, Linda. 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. 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.
Stanley E.
Are there other tax credits older Americans entitled to besides earned income tax credits and the child care tax credits?
A.C.
Hi, Stanley. 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.
Natieya R.
When do our social security checks get deposited on our direct express card.. I’ve called customer service but get no one.. I usually recieve mine on the 3 rd every month.
A.C.
Hi, Natieya. Thanks for your question. For most Social Security benefits, payment dates are based on your birthdate. We issue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments at the beginning of the month. For more information, check out our blog, What Day of the Month Do I Get My Social Security Payment. For specific questions regarding when your bank or financial institution posts the payment, please contact your bank or financial institution directly. We hope this helps.
Cindy D.
My father passed away Mar 2021. His 1099 did not come in the mail. How do I get a copy to file his last tax return?
MaryBeth
I have the same question. I have been holding on the phone for at least an hour.
Liz
close enough for government work
Erik
It should be possible to register for a “my SSA” account posthumously. Then you can download his tax statement. Register in his name using his SS number.
Lou A.
Unless you are sure he has money coming back, just don’t file. What are they gonna do? Arrest him?
A.C.
Hi, Cindy. 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. We hope this helps.
Stephanie S.
I am not sure if I filled any forms online to withhold taxes. One of my ss direct deposit (1/16/22) was $83 less than but no explanation as to why this amount was deducted. Is there someone I can write to for an explanation. Also where can I find the form to withhold taxes to fill online. Thank you