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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Hussein S.
Hello .. Do I need to file tax for SSI incom “ “ “Suplement Security Incom ”
A.C.
Hi, Hussein. Thanks for visiting our blog. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are not taxed. 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.
DDS
Hi all. Most of these questions everyone is asking can be answered by your local senior center(s) or a local SSA office. I doubt you’ll get the SSA to answer these questions here, as they are very understaffed, and this site may not be monitored. I went to my senior center, and they provided excellent advice and assistance.
Magdalena
I am a widow who receive social security, shouId I file 2021 taxes? I did not work 2021 I am 64 years old. Am I entitled to any help due to the pandemia? Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Magdalena. 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. As far as assistance, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
John Q.
This article is no help for calculating how much of social security income is taxable. It’s all about child tax credit. Looks like no one from SSA is reading or responding to questions.
E. S.
I agree. Don’t understand how much if any of our Social Security is taxable.
A.C.
Hi, John. 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 information is helpful.
john m.
Never have received pandemic relief of 600.00 when administration changed from the former prez. to the new one! I know there was one, cause my daughter recieved.
Elneta C.
My spouse passed away in 09/21 and I have not received his SSA-1099. I contacted the help line and was told they could not issue a duplicate that it would have to come from the Orangeburg office but have not been able to get anyone to answer the phone there. Could you please help me as I have to have it to file income taxes. Thank you for your help.
A.C.
Hi, Elneta. We are sorry to hear about your loss. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. Please be aware we are currently having problems with our phone lines. You may experience service issues, including poor call quality, dropped calls, and long wait times. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience. Limited appointments are available now if you can’t complete your business online and if we cannot help you completely by phone. We anticipate increased in-person service in early April. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Thanks.
Norma O.
Hello. My husband pays taxes on his SSI because I work; even though it’s part-time. Can you confirm this to be true and does it still apply for the 2021 year if so?
A.C.
Hi, Norma. 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.
TERRYTON H.
Good bless morning and afternoon to you iam deaf impaired i would like to talk to you about tax i dont have any children just alone myself i previously received my ssi ssdi checks every month i just ask you i can fill tax but no children please let me know soon
Brenda H.
I was wondering the same thing. Hope someone will answer soon.
A.C.
Hi, Terryton. 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.
Noemi R.
How can I have disability withheld my taxes from check every month
A.C.
Hi, Noemi. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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 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.
Sumie T.
Hello
I retired in 2021 and currently live on Social security. My husband and I are on medicare also. In 2021 we moved from Michigan to Texas. We had to withdraw some money from our savings to buy a house in tx. We just filed for our taxes for the year 2021 and we owe $18,000 in federal taxes. This is due to we withdrew money from our savings. Now we will have to withdraw $18,000 from our savings to pay for federal taxes. We will end up paying taxes on $18,000 for the 2022 tax return due to withdrawal from our savings. If this cycle continues we will be without any savings within 2 to 3 years and will keep paying taxes. Due to current economic conditions it is difficult to meet day today expenses. Any help and or advise you can provide us will be really appreciated.
A.C.
Hi, Sumie. 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.