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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Haregewoin
My Boy is 14 years old,he never have social security number,he is not born inside usa,how do I apply social security number through online?
Ann C.
Hi, Haregewoin. You cannot apply for or replace a Social Security number for a child online. You can find what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card for a child by visiting our Learn What Documents You Will Need to Get A Social Security Card page.Using the blue buttons on the left of the page, select who the card is for, type of card, and citizenship of the child. You will then see the required documents and how to apply. We hope this helps.
Gerald A.
I need the EIN & address SSA to complete my taxes.
Ann C.
Hi, Gerald. For any income 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
I have not received a 1099 for this year (2021) When will they be mailed. If they were mailed, how do I get a duplicate? Your information states that you can get a duplicate by using my ssa and going to replacement forms. There is not a place to request a 1099.
Karen
Ann C.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Mary A.
I lost my W2 for 2021 can you email or mail me another
Diego T.
I get ssd and I don’t receive the 4 stimulus check when I going to receive
Diego T.
I get 951ssd and is not enough when I going to receive my 4stimules check
Ann C.
Hi, Diego. Please visit the IRS website for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
Ann C.
Hi, Mary. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099, a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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.
Linda P.
I have found it extremely difficult to obtain the forms that are needed to complete my income tax. I need forms from 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 which list what I have earned for all of those years. Can you please help me?
lmppalmer@aol.com
717 461 5734 Thank you kindly,
Linda M. Palmer
Heather
Good morning. Has anyone reached out to try and help you yet?
Ann C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this forum. For years prior to the last year, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Larry w.
Representative Payee Do I still need fill out Annual report if have Adopted my child and he still live with me and he is under the age of 9. Due to a recent change in the law, we no longer require the following payees to complete an annual Representative Payee Report: Natural or adoptive parents of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child; I don’t understand if need to do this or knot
Ann C.
Hi, Larry. Since you are the adoptive parent of a minor child beneficiary who primarily resides in the same household as you, you are no longer required to complete the annual Representative Payee Report. Although you may no longer have to complete the annual Representative Payee Report, all payees are responsible for keeping records of how the payments are spent or saved, and making all records available for review if requested by Social Security. For more information, please visit our Representative Payee page. Thanks!
Patti
I assist an elderly couple that recently moved to senior living. They don’t use or own a computer. They also are having a hard time getting through on the phone. May we mail something in to change their address?
Ann C.
Hi, Patti. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. To ensure they have the correct contact information for their local office, please visit our Social Security Office Locator page. They can also call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance.We hope this helps.
Bibi P.
I need my 1095 (I don ‘t know if it isA B or C)form for my husband also
Vicky D.
My husband and I received our notification of our new Social Security benefit amount. It stated that we would receive an increase of 5.9% in January for the rise in the cost of living. My husband did receive an increase but I did not. I’m sure there is a logical explanation that I am not aware of. If you could please explan to me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Ann C.
Hi, Vicky. 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.
Dave K.
I recieved two SSA 1099’s, the first had -SM, and the second had -SM-UD.
Is the 2nd a corrected form or ??
Ann C.
Hi, Dave. 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.