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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Joe S.
Vote them out? You voted them in. Currently they are called republicans more of the Nazi side of the bicameral legislature. Don’t believe it when you read republicans are fascist. They are Nazi as the difference between the two is racism. Reagan in 1983 signed the bill to tax SS. The republicans have wanted to stomp on it since it was instituted. READ what the last sensible Republican President Eisenhower said about eliminating SS. Since Nixon who brought China to the table the republicans have been whacked. Remember him toasting Chu En Lai? Remember when Reagan vetoed anti apartheid legislation in which his veto was overridden? And in 2016 a Populist was voted in who gave the wealthy trillions in tax cuts. Lol. Vote them out? Right. What did Churchill say “ the best argument against democracy is a 5 minute conversation with the average voter.” I’d like to say that 99.9% of Americans have kept up with their history but alas they have not. But there is a book you can read Evil Genius The Unmaking of America by Kurt Andersen.
If you kept up with everything politically what’s been happening during your lifetime you should be able to anticipate most of what’s going to be on the next page before you turn to it. But read that way hopefully you’ll know who to vote out. First outside forces through republicans seized control of the presidency, then legislature and now the Supreme Court. These clowns are outside the realm on Edmund Burke’s conservatism.
les w.
You should have spent more time in school an got an education.
Alex. F.
Joe is wright, what has the GOP done for the ordinary person, other then scare tactics and give enormous tax breakes to the rich.
JMdavis
lower gas prices, near zero inflation, jobs, energy independence,
Paul
Low gas prices were because the economy was shut down and you couldn’t go anywhere. Massive budget deficits set up inflation and we are still pretty much energy independent but oil is a global commodity and the price influenced by global factors. The Keystone pipeline that everybody talks about was to enable them to ship more oil overseas not for us!
Natalia M.
Hello, the GOP AND WHICHEVER SITTING POTUS have NOTHING TO DO WITH GAS PRICES!!!!! This is GOP propaganda! The oil companies and the stock market control the DAILY cost per barrel. Think about it, I.E. oil spill, does Congress convene to raise prices???? Nope, overnight the oil companies reset the price per barrel and up, up goes the gas at the pump. Now we have the Russian illegal invasion of Ukraine – Russia is one of the top oil producers in the world – did the Republicans in Congress convene to raise your oil prices? NOPE, it was the stock market that looked to raising the oil companies – both of which are MORE PROTECTED BY REPUBLICANS!
TerryC
Excellent comment!
Right w.
Blaming it all on Republicans is not an answer. Have you read anything about the current Democrats? Read your history.
cc
I agree and anyone that supports open borders in this drug infested, cruel, greedy, power hungry world is not a republican. My answer…..educate and get off your bun! Stop all the entitlements!
Theo E.
more kool ade? joe
Steve K.
Uneducated IDIOT.
Mags
Steve K. Who are to to throw stones
Bob O.
This kind of bullshit does not belong on this site you moron. You were probably brainwashed from pre-K through some uber liberal socialist university. Sounds like some dribble you heard on MSNBC, the View, CNN or some other left wing commie website.
John S.
Your stupidity is overwhelming
JMdavis
although it’s a minor thing, NO WAR !
David A.
You’re whacked Joe S. This problem belongs to both parties!
Grant J.
Ask pepperage farms.
Tom P.
Yeah and what’s Biden done for you lately,I hope you and the rest of the left wing ass***** in Washington are happy with your last election results.Trump may have been a spoiled egotist, but at least he took care of Americans .I didn’t vote in a popularity contest,I voted for policy results,TRUMP 2024!
R. M.
Amazing how the ones who actually support Nazi atrocities (dehumanization of a segment of the populace, abortion, experimentation on the aborted fetus, .) turns and calls the other group the Nazis. “Don’t look over here, they’re the bad guys”.
Racists? I would say those who constantly have to play the race card are the real racists. “Tests are racist. Having to have an ID is racist. Everything is racist”. My opinion is that there is only one race, the human race: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth… And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…”
Acts 17:24, 26 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.17.26.KJV
Tom T.
SSD is my only source of income….do I need to file taxes?
JBD
You just have to check your income amount to make sure it’s below the amount IRS requires to be exempt from filing.
Natalia M.
Depends on any other income you claim and how you file? For example, last year 2021, when I filed my 2020, my late husband had income that I had to report on the SS worksheet for the line of SS income. His income added to my overall, so I had to pay taxes on a portion. However, this year, I have no income from him to claim, so it appears that none of my SS is taxable and I should place a ZERO in the column for income to claim! So you need to use the worksheet to figure this out. If you are married, maybe filing married, single would help you more????? See an AARP tax preparer (usually for free) at a local library that sponsors this service.
A.C.
Hi, Tom. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
reemaskarr62@gmail.con
My social security number is lost what should i do?
Natalia M.
Call SSA, they will help you file the claim to get you your SSN!
Natalia M.
….but be prepared to answer questions only you will have the answers to! Like previous addresses where you lived, what jobs/employers you may or may not have had. They always throw in something that is NOT true (like a place your never worked at/for), so be prepared for that scenario. This helps them to identify that you are who you say you are!
Also, do you not have your previous 1040 income tax paperwork? Your number should be listed on this. Hmm……..
A.C.
Hi. 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.We hope this helps.
Chris
March 6 2022
What I dont get is why folks who worked and paid into SS that are receiving retirement or SSDI are required to pay premiums, deductibles, copays, and 20% of medical bills (plus wait like 25 months before getting Medicare) while folks who get SSI (basically welfare for disabled folks who didnt work enough to get SSDI or pay into it) dont pay anything. No premiums, no deductibles, no copays, no 20%. Nothing. All free. How is that fair? Retirees should definitely not have to pay all that but are forced to. While SSI folks get a free ride. Not saying that there shouldnt be some form of help for them but why give them the $ that hard working Americans paid in knowing that because of this there wont be any $ left for those it belongs to. Its backwards. Makes no sense.
And since when is mental disabilities higher than physical ones when determining approval?
Im so confused.
paul
you must be new to the USA
Vince
My monthy social security is $26. The thieves employed by the social security admin stole the rest. When I complained they responded with no point of contact given. They refuse to provide their names or numbers. When I pursued it they issued me $3,900 and kept $5,000. They are on the dole with a free reign to steal. Complete authority with no responsibilty whatsoever.
Andrew A.
Bummer, man.
Rolypoly
I never trust the government you’ll never get ahead
MarJenk
I have to say that you should save during your lifetime and not expect SS to be enough, the reality is that SS is only designed to supplement your living expenses. You should have 401K, IRA, etc. distributions to fund the majority of your retirement with SS is an add on benefit.
Trotting B.
This may be true but that doesn’t justify taking some ones social security for one it’s not legal and two it’s that person’s money paid by that person and their employer. It’s that person’s money and for a great many people that is all they have to survive on and that’s why it’s illegal for some one or some entity to take it with out notice or a hearing. I my self so far have been treated with upmost respect , courtesy and professionalism. And I am happy that I get what I get it beats nothing.
Richard G.
I don’t work but I received SSID and my son received SSI can I apply for Child Credit Tax
Joe S.
1. If the increased the amount of earned income people have to pay SS on to about $400,000 it would be solvent for at least 100 more years.
2. You individuals that think poverty is a bottom up and not a top down occurrence need to go back to school.
3. Yes taxes on SS is ridiculous under the current tax structure. I wrote a Senator requesting him to increase the pittance of exemption we get. The reply probably from him maybe more from a staffer is it must be kept solvent.
In other words they are stealing from Peter to pay Paul.
Kay
In the beginning SS was was not taxed. Around 1974 Congress decided to tax for more revenue and Joe Biden was instrument to help getting it passed.
Robert B.
I can’t see why we are taxed on social security when we pay into it all our lives? It should be tax free!
Mike J.
Me too! Don’t hold your breath waiting however.
Mike S.
The Iowa Legislature just passed a bill and the governor signed it that eliminates state taxes on all retirement income, including Social Security, 401ks and pensions. I wish the federal government would follow suit.
Ann C.
As I understand it we pay tax on it now rather than when we earned it, and so supposedly at a lower tax rate because we are at a lower income level.
FEDUP365
BS, It’s is taken out of every check you ever get paid so it is essentially a tax because we don’t have access to it for some 40-50-60 YEARS OR have any say in how it is being wasted like giving to illegal border jumpers who have never paid a nickle into it. So tell me how it’s not the same as a tax.
Sher B.
This is true. We paid taxes on it when we earned it and again now that we get to receive the checks ! Double taxation. At least in my state of Florida the state doesn’t tax me too!!!
David B.
I believe when you paid into SSI, you did not have a tax deduction on that income (though you did not get taxed on the business side of SSI, but the business did). So, possibly getting taxed on half of your benefit may not be “right”, it is not a scandal and would equate withdrawals from post and pre-tax investments, respectively. Remember, if your total income including SSI after your standard deduction is under $35k for married, there is no tax on your benefit.
Marne S.
It is truly sad in the world today where everything is upside down> We have ILLEGAL ALIEN MOOCHERS stealing from hard working taxpayers or should I say we have an entrenched RADICAL LIBERAL group of NUTBALLS in the Democrat Party taking our Country to the poor house and we are there already. We have Veterans living on the streets while the FINEST housing and HOMES are GIVEN to ILLEGALS, IN addition, WORTHLESS people who never worked a day in THEIR lives and USELESS do NOTHING people from ALL SECTORS of the WORLD coming here getting a FREE RIDE all at the BEHEST of the HARD WORKING TAXPAYERS. Maybe it pays to be a DRUG ADDICTED MORON on HEROINE or CRACK being revived PERIODICALLY with NARCAN. Then you don’t have to ASSUME that you have WORKED hard and ACHIEVED SUCCESS. YOUR SUCCESS is YOUR DEATH!!! TA TA!!!
Joe
https://www.socialsecurityintelligence.com/the-double-taxation-of-social-security/
Thank Alan Greenspan for this fiasco plus they never adjust the taxable earnings amount with an inflation factor. Been the same amount of income since 1983.
Jerry V.
Raising 2 children alone as a dad for so many years than raising 3 grand children left me with nothing left when i became disabled from a fall at work to live on with ssi and ssd i do not know how some folks do it!!!
Charline D.
If you are raising your grandchildren fully without any help from the state or their family, I think you can collect social security benefits from there parents social security to help with the cost of raising them. You may want to check this out.