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. joe b.

    Quote from the above: 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.
    How can you be a noncitizen, not live in the USA, and we’ll still send you our money?????

    • Paul T.

      Joe,
      You are expecting reason and logic from a government entity that is bereft of it these days.That’s your first mistake.Your second mistake is working and paying taxes all of your life to support those that do not.Ideally,many years ago, you should have either faked being an illegal alien, faked a permanent back injury, or claimed that you cannot work because you have some bizarre sexual identity and are emotionally distraught.You could have been on SSI all of your life instead of having to work.America 2022 !

    • BF

      That was my thought the minute I read that.

    • rick

      Its called living in another country buy still getting SSI. All you have to do is cross the border every 6 months.

    • Jamie M.

      Exactly! Non citizen, living elsewhere and gets USA Government $$$$ ?
      Where is the RESPONSE from SSA.GOV?

    • Lori

      It doesn’t surprise me that there giving our money away that we paid in our entire lives. To people who doesn’t even live here or are not American citizens and whom never paid in to social security or U.S. taxes at all. They don’t take care of our own.

      • Mimi

        It’s my money. I paid lots more into Social Security than I’ll ever get back. How can you be do stupid?

        • Georgia

          not really check how much you paid in then check your current payments each month on average most people outlive what they pay in for sure. Of course thats just going on the people I know. so stop complaining already.

    • Cmdorsey

      There are people who are working in America on a green card. They pay into social security and are entitled to it at retirement.

      • Tenn

        If you pay in thats one thing but if you dont and still receive benefits, then thats wrong. Besides the Government is trying to collect as much money to put into the SS system so that it wont go bankrupt. they will take anything right now. Its called “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” thats all it comes down to. Your money that you put into it long aga has been long spent. Its not like a “savings account”.

    • Suzanne

      🤬🤬🤬

  2. Terry

    I haven’t lived in the USA since 2013. Are there any special breaks for us. I’m retired but still have to pay.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Terry. 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.

  3. roger

    does anybody know how to get a ss account if you live overseas?

    • Shirl

      Roger , If you have a social security number just go to ssa.gov. Click on the sign in/up in upper right, than click on “my social security” {big box on left} click on the “Create an account” {blue letters lower left”

    • A.C.

      Hi, Roger. Thank you for your question. You must have a U.S. mailing address to create a personal my Social Security account. 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.

  4. Emma c.

    I think it worth mentioning related to taxes that another reason for filing when you have kids is that some states connect their 529s to filing. Some states will give free money into kids 529 accounts but only if you file to show poverty level.

  5. Patricia A.

    Hi, thanks for the opportunity to comment. My thought is that if I work in retirement because of a lack of specialists in my area of teaching, why should I be taxed at the same rate as those who are not retired? I am gaining a salary, but also loosing some of my benefits earned while working before retirement. Seems unfair. Is it selfish of me to want to keep all of my salary in retirement or most of it?

  6. Gabriel

    Damn ! Everybody is called a Trumper if they have a different opinion ? Never realized so many hurt feelings from one guy ! What is this, Facebook ? Twitter ? Tik-Tok ! I guess I expected a more “mature” conversational group, helping each other with info about solving SS issues, but guess not. I’m out. Back to the VA blogs. I invite my veteran brothers and sisters to join me, too. At least when we get crazy, the “name-calling” can get a hell of a lot more creative and funny !
    Semper Fi America !

    • Tony J.

      Whats the problem bro? What comments are you referring to?

    • Frank J.

      So your obviously a Trump fan, and a moron. Get a life. Don’t like people complaining about America’s Putin, move to Russia… Idiot!

      • Dick E.

        Wow

        What an intelligent comment. Just because someone supports someone that you do not, doesnot mean they are a moron

      • Joe

        Frank J. Obviously you are not a veteran and never man enough to be one. The new easy military is to tough for you. Lighten up, your free ride your whole life isn’t going anywhere. Our country is in safe hands with you and the like. Have a good day, hero!

      • Jamie S.

        God help this country with people who live for hate. You people need to grow up and stop this crap! I wouldn’t stand for my child acting like you, but they don’t know any better – you should know better.

    • James J.

      Semper Fi brother

    • Lori

      I didn’t see anything mentioned about Trump. But, this is the first time I have been on here. As far as Dick response, that’s uncalled for. I have two disabled veterans children. A lot of my family have served our Country and put their lives on the line and I have lost a lot of them to protect people like you. Sir, I feel you are the idiot. I take offense to you calling any if our Veterans an idiot. Sir, you need to take a long look in the mirror. Under the current President our Country has become weaker and known as cowards. We as a one people Nation needs to stop with all of this nonsense and start acting like the intelligent people we’re supposed to be.

      So please before you insult others for their beliefs and opinions remember we are supposed to be able to have our own opinions.

      With respect to everyone’s rights and opinions,
      Lori

      • samuel e.

        Well said….

    • Vanessa

      Gabriel,

      What is this, Facebook ? Twitter ? Tik-Tok !

      Those are places where peeps make up stories that are lies.

      These really should all be shut down or banned.

      But, there are about 20% that are good writings on those web sites.

      When the bad out weigh the good. You remove those sources like Facebook, Twitter, Tik-Tok and whatever else is out there like these.

      The world was much better without these.

  7. Fred B.

    So the Trumpers are trying to blame Biden for the war in Ukraine?, guess they forgot about how the FORMER POTUS blocked congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine while trying to force Zelinsky into lying about Biden.

    • Pig P.

      Of course Trump wouldn’t have wanted to aid the Ukrainians. After all, didn’t Putin have a lot to do with him getting elected in the first place?

      • Puddin N.

        Nope. That has been debunked.

        • Rose W.

          NOT DEBUNKED. IT HAPPENED. READ THE CIA REPORT. Why do you think he pardoned everybody around him that was charged with contacting Russia for election interference. By ignoring the truth and facts won’t change because you don’t want to believe it.

        • Scott B.

          Pull your head out of that dark place, Puddin.

    • Gabriel

      Still fighting your idiotic “Us/Them” civil war, huh ? How old are you ! Wish you name-calling children would go into some field and fight it out to the last, and the survivors self-isolate from the rest of us until you grow the hell up. There are serious problems real adults in this country are trying to deal with, and we don’t have time for you kids to annoy and divide us with your pettiness. I fought in one war for this country and that was enough. Get a life and get out of ours !

  8. Bonzi

    Well, from my point of view… everyone one of us is guilty for the way the country is heading. And that goes back decades. Both parties have us fighting amongst ourselves to distract us from the fact that “they” got us into this mess and got rich off of it to boot! We “all” need to wake up and fire all the long term politicians and get some new blood in there that can remove the greed that exists. Then, and only then do we have a chance to move in the right direction.

    • Todd4America

      You are right ! We need term limits !

    • Teresa S.

      Yes. Finally someone with logical and real goals that make our government work got the people again rather than for the politicians who

      • Dennis

        What rock our you under.

    • Ranger B.

      I agree with you we have people in our government that should be in a retirement home not in politics there should be a limit to how long you can be in politics the same as the president WE NEED NEW BLOOD IN OUR GOVERNMENT NOW

    • Erin M.

      Well said.

    • Roger

      I voted for Biden and now I’m wondering why since he seems to be spending money as though he won the 8000 trillion lottery and wants to share his newfound wealth with us simple folk. Biden was the lesser of two evils this last election just as Trump was the lesser evil of the two evils last time. The world is running amuck and I’ve no idea what to do or think, especially since I gave up alcohol 12 years ago. The government needs to slow WAY down with the 8000 trillion Biden thinks he has in his wallet. My own opinion, nobody else’s.

  9. Cornita P.

    Where do I get info on work credits and claiming prior social security contributions laws? And info on amending tax returns time limits? How do I appeal social security disability denial when my disabilities are certified -SSI is insufficient?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Cornita. Thanks for your questions.  Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits.  No benefits can be paid if you do not have enough credits.  Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more information. As far as tax returns and tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or you can visit their website. To appeal a decision, please visit here. We hope this helps.

       

       

  10. Mars

    SS is taxed 85%. Should not be. When Regan was in, he reluctantly had to do 50%. When Clinton was in, he jacked it up to 85% with Biden backing it up.

    • Stephen G.

      SS could be taxed at 85 % depending on income. The best way to find of how much of your SS is taxed is to use a SS tax calculator. Many are avail. online just do a search and find one. Fill in the numbers and it will tell you how much is taxed.

    • Donald E.

      I should not have to pay on more then 50% of my social security, because I paid SS and income tax on my income. I don’t mind paying on the employer share paid.

      • Randy

        Agreed

    • Doris F.

      Don’t forget that Trump tried to eliminate it along with Medicare.

      • KK

        He wasn’t elminating medicare. He was realloting monies from parts of Medicare that werent being used and sitting there idle.

Comments are closed.