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. Angela e.

    Do I have to claim social security as income? I receive retirement benefits from the state

    • Maria G.

      I get so security and I need to know how to apply for children tax credit

    • A.C.

      Hi, Angela. Thanks for your question. 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 helps.

  2. Victoria M.

    I am 66Years old I am on social security disability I would like to know if I’m eligible for my husband’s social security And if so how do I go about Claiming it Thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi, Victoria. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Keep in mind that if you qualify for your own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit our Benefits Planner for more information. If you have addtional 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.

  3. Willie W.

    Seeking advice:

    Whom should I contact or Where should I direct the following concern-

    I would like to request additional money be withheld from my monthly benefits to help assist in IRS issues at tax time.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Willie. 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 stop or change your withholding 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.

  4. Ida P.

    Hello, can I still claim the EITC if I do not have children but have earned income on SSDI?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ida. Thanks for visiting our blog. Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer EITC questions.We hope this helps. 

  5. Kris

    Good day.
    I live in Poland and have been receiving Social Security benefits since 2021. I settle my income tax for 2021 in Poland and need a statement of the total amount of Social Security benefits and the federal tax collected.
    It is already March 2022 and I do not have the SSA-1042S list (?)
    Will I receive it by post? When?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kris. Thanks for visiting our blog. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local  Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

      • Kris

        Cześć Aniu.
        Uprzejmie Ci dziękuję za podpowiedź. Mam nadzieję, że wskazana przez Ciebie ścieżka okaże się pomocna.
        Pozdrawiam serdecznie.
        Kris

      • Kris

        Hello Ania.
        Thank you kindly for the hint. I hope that the path you have indicated will be effective.
        Best wishes.
        Kris

  6. FEDERICO A.

    SOY EL SEÑOR FEDERICO ARCANIO GARCIA GARBEZ, SOCIAL NO. 583463981, RECIENTEMENTE RECIBI UNA CARTA EN DONDE ME DESCUENTAN 170 DOLARES DEL PLAN B, QUIERO QUE ME LO RETIREN , YA QUE REDIDO EN LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA Y NO LO ESTOY UTILIZANDO.

  7. Krzysztof

    Dzień dobry.
    Mieszkam w Polsce i otrzymuję świadczenie z Social Security od 2021 roku. Z podatku dochodowego za 2021 rok rozliczam się w Polsce i potrzebuję zestawienia całkowitej kwoty świadczeń z Social Security oraz pobranego podatku federalnego.
    Jest już marzec 2022 rok a ja nie mam jeszcze zestawienia SSA-1042S (?)
    Czy otrzymam pocztą? Kiedy?

  8. Grace

    Has there been any changes to social security taxes this year when filing married but filing separately?

  9. Danny L.

    I have a problem! Like most folks I have to file income taxes. My problem is that I am a senior citizen on Social Security. Every year I have to fight with Social Security to get my form 1099. IT NEVER COMES! (my understanding is that it is supposed to come in the mail…but nnoooooo…not for me!).

    • A.C.

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

  10. Margie R.

    This is the second year I have read my social security automatic deposit will change dates. This is causing me stress & anxiety . I do not draw very much. I have some bills set up to be paid automatically, after my SS is deposited. If the deposit date changes it is going to be a big mess for me. Is it going to change or not? I really need to know.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Margie. Our payment schedule has not changed. 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. Check out our blog, What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment? for more information. We hope this helps.  

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