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
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Tammey S.
I receive SSI and I’m wondering if I can claim my out of pocket medical & pharmacy payments and also I would like to know about the rental tax?
A.C.
Hi, Tammey. 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.
Karen O.
My house got broken into and my social security card was stolen. Trying to find a way to report it to social security office and get a new one. The reason I need to report is I get monthly checks and the people I think that stole it knows this. I did make a police report.
A.C.
Hi, Karen. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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 Social Security Number and Card page.
If you believe someone has misused your Social Security number to create problems for you, Social Security cannot resolve these issues. But there are several things you should do. You should report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. That website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. You should also monitor your credit report periodically. You can get free credit reports online at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. More information is available in our publication, Identity Theft and your Social Security Number . We hope this helps.
George L.
Where are the W2 forms?/
A.C.
Hi, George. Thanks for visiting our blog. For a copy of a W-2, you should contact your employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, 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.
Baldamar S.
How can I stop where no income tax get taken out of my Social Security check?
A.C.
Hi, Baldamar. In order to have taxes withheld or to stop withholding 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.
Kenneth E.
unable to get any info, need my ss info
Faydene A.
Im Faydene , I want to retire in August and need to know the amount of my social security if i decide to go out at 62..which site can i not apply but see my what my benefits look like from a afar i will be 62 in June.
Sylvia
sign up at https://www.ssa.gov/site/signin/en/ There is where i found out what i pretty much would get at 60, 62, 65 or even 70. You can also get your earnings statements there. And even apply for it 3 mo in advance. There is also a place where you can find out where your local office is at. Honestly, because of covid I did everything online.
A.C.
Hi, Faydene. You can create a personal my Social Security account to review estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, your earnings record, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. If you still have questions or need additional assistace, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Kenneth. Thanks for visiting our blog. You can create a personal my Social Security account to review estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, your earnings record, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. If you still have questions or need additional assistace, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Lynn M.
Can I get the total amount i spent (out of pocket costs) on my medical and pharmaceutical expenses from the SS dept. ? It would make it much easier then totaling receipts this year.
A.C.
Hi, Lynn. You may wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) for assistance with your medical costs. Thanks!
Charles f.
My SS statement says that of Jan.2023, I will receive $3345/mo when I use the slider graph. When I see my written statement it has a lower number which doesn’t increase until July 2023. Which number is correct? Thanks
Sylvia
calculate the amount for social security which is 170 a month. They take that first. my first check was 340 less.
A.C.
Hi, Charles. 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.
Tracie
I am going through a Divorce, my Husband already filed Married filing separately. I am on ssd. And I have not had any additional income. Do I need to file a tax return. No Children in the home. And we are living apart.
A.C.
Hi, Tracie. 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.
Bob H.
My stepdaughter is severely mentally disabled, but has been denied twice for SSI; a request for a hearing was completed and delivered to SS Admin; however, it’s been 4 months since paperwork was submitted and still no reply from SS Admin; there have been many attempts to phone the SS Admin, without success, (perpetual hold)
Greg W.
I would highly highly recommend that you get ahold of one of your two US Senators IMMEDIATELY!!! Hopefully one is a DEMOCRAT!!! If Not figure out which one has the MOST SENIORITY AS A US Senator and if this is the type of individual who would help someone like yourself. If Neither of your US Senators appear that they would care, at least pick one. You usually have to fill out a form when asking for help with a gov’t agency. FULLY & COMPLETELY FILL OUT IN DETAIL. SEND IN TO US Senator’s Office!!! Call beforehand, INSIST INSIST INSIST TO TALK WITH A “CASEWORKER” who can help you!!! BE VERY NICE!!! TRY TO GET ASSIGNED TO A CASEWORKER TO ASSIST YOU!!! YOU HAVE ALREADY GONE FAR DOWN THE PATH AND THERE ARE NOT A WHOLE LOT OF OPTIONS LEFT IF YOU ARE REJECTED AGAIN!!! You may be able to appeal your case to the US SSA APPEALS COURT/BOARD!!! After that you would have to file a CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST SSA WHICH CERTAINLY CAN BE DONE!!!! AT THAT POINT IT REALLY HELPS IT YOU CAN GET SOME SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA!!! BUT THEIR IS ONE OTHER WAY!!! YOU COULD WRITE A DETAILED LETTER CONTESTING EVERY POINT TO ARGUE IN YOUR FINAL ADMIN LAW JUDGE REPORT!!! Include a one page Executive Summary! Then have a cover letter! Address to Head of SSA, Supervisor of SSA Adjudication Law Judges, President Biden, your US Senators, & every Democratic US Senator on Senate Subcommittee over SSA!!! SEND CERTIFIED MAIL, PAPER RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PRIORITY US MAIL ENVELOPE!!!!
In Cover Letter tell them that if SSA does NOT APPROVE, that you & your Attorney will have a PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE STEPS OF THE US CAPITOL AND INVITE EVERY MAJOR NATIONAL MEDIA AGENCY!!!
Gwen D.
Good evening (EST). There’s social security advocates available to assist you. You can Google for those advocacy centers for those receiving social security disability for a love one.
I used the keyword “social security advocacy” to find a list of organizations within your state/county. The Bloomberg site noted the following as one of the list of advocacy centers.
Quote:
“Social Security Advocates for the Disabled, LLC operates as an advocacy company. The Company offers social security disability and medicare advocacy services. Social Security Advocates for the Disabled also provides health insurance options. Social Security Advocates for the Disabled.”
The above is one noted from the Internet. Also, please double-check the sources before providing personal information. Be security aware.
Good luck.
A.C.
Hi, Bob. We are sorry to hear about your stepdaughter’s condition. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. We encourage you to continue to 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.
K S.
Like everyone on super low benefits, I was better off before the raise (as usual), especially now that SNAP extra help is about to expire. If you’re in HUD and get get SNAP, a raise means rent goes up and SNAP benefits go down. Of course, the price of food has tripled, so that doesn’t help. Each raise makes living tighter and tighter, especially when our stipend is under $1000. Please keep it. HUD is still 30% of income. Each raise means less money.