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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
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
Comments
Comments are closed.
GENEROS J.
MY HUSBAND DID NOT RECEIVE HIS SSA -1099 2021 OR W–2 FORM FROM SSA HOW CAN I GET A COPY IS THEIR ANY NUMBER TO CALL TO GET A COPY ??
A.C.
Hi, Generos. If for any reason your husband has not received his SSA-1099 in the mail, he can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting his 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. He also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. The automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that he’s requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Mike D.
My only income is my SS benefits so I make about $14,000 usd. I live in Mexico, I have no other income, I have no children. I received my stimulus checks. Are there any other benefits (tax credits) that I am entitled to? Thank you for your time.
K.O.
Hello Mike. Thank you for using our blog. You may use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible to apply for and will provide you with more information about how to qualify and apply. We hope this helps.
Brenda B.
I recently reviewed my lifetime earnings records the SSA has on my file. There are earnings missing from as far back as 1967. I do not have any of those records, but I would assume the IRS does. How do I obtain those records so the SSA can add them to my lifetime earnings history?
Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Brenda. Thanks for visiting our blog. Ordinarily, you cannot correct your earnings after three years, three months and 15 days from the end of the taxable year in which your wages were paid. For more information about how to correct your earnings record, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Samra K.
No one answers the phone from the Syracuse NY office I hold for 15 minutes listen to music then it rings and rings???? All I need is a Social Security card for my great nephew whom I have had custody of since birth (13 years old). They say you need to make an appt to come into the office???? I cannot get an answer if no one answers the phone! He (because he is a minor cannot do it on line…… I need his actual card to provide the apartment complex before I can move in HELP
Merline G.
Try calling the 800 number instead of local office. I call today and get someone who answered my question it took some waiting when they put you on hold but they get you.just prepare to wait.Good luck. I always use this # 800 772 1213
A.C.
Hi, Samra. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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. Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to replace a Social Security card for a child. We hope this helps.
Michael O.
I am newly married and submitting my taxes.
My wife is “an “Irag” War Vet with PTDS disability.” and collects SSA-1099.
She doesn’t have to file taxes. I learned if we file “jointly” I will get a return.
Our concern is that her new monthly benefits or payments will be reduced.
I read due to “your future Social Security benefits will be based on your earnings history we received from the IRS.”
She has scheduled herself to live on a very tight budget and not receiving the same amount from her Army and SSA benefits is not an option as would go without filing jointly if this is the case. I need to be able to show her she will receive the same amount of monthly payments.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. Thanks for visiting our blog. Income can affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities, who meet the financial limits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, on the other hand, are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For more information on the difference between Social Security disability and SSI, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. For additional specific questions, your wife can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. She can also contact her local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Marybeth L.
Good morning,
I received my SSA1099 form, my only income is SSA which is less than $25,000, do I need to file taxes?
Thank you.
Darlene
No Federal filing is required for less than $28,000 if you would be filing single. If married and filing jointly the amount received by both has to be less than $32,000. You need to check with your state government to see if they have the same law on real estate taxes. In my state if you make less than the required amounts noted above and don’t file federal, you can file a form for real estate taxes, or if you rent, the owner has to give you a receipt for your monthly payments total for the year. Just check with your state on getting a return on either real estate taxes or rent paid. Hope this helps.
Julian W.
I would like to know since I make less than 20,000 in SSI do i need to file taxes?
A.C.
Hi, Julian. 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.
Felicia L.
I cannot get a sign to SSA! My husband tried to set this up 3 years ago before he passed away but since we only have one web site, the SSA would not accept my information. Now he has passed and when I try to get a logon, it rejects me as one already exists. I tried calling but nobody can connect me with an IT person who understands the problem. Please help!
A.C.
Hi, Felicia. It sounds like you are referring to your husband’s personal my Social Security account. Unfortunately, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission. If you are referring to an account your husband assisted you with for your own personal use, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.
Teresa L.
How do I file for the EITC?
Debby M.
how do I apply for extra cash benefits?
A.C.
Hi, Teresa. Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer EITC questions. Thanks!
Charles J.
Greetings:
I received Form SSA1099 for 2021 showing my benefits, which is my only source of income. Do I need to file return? The amount is under the $25,000 threshold. Please advice. Thanks.
A.C.
Hi, Charles. 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 information is helpful.
Janeen B.
In 2021, I had to pay income taxes on 100% of my retirement income, including SSA, CalSTRS, and CoPERA. The IRS gave me no Standard Deduction nor any Schedule A deductions. I had charitable contributions that amounted to about 90% of my total retirement income, but all of that was excluded, also. I am over 65 years old; I filed Married/Separate because that was my legal status. My (former) spouse did NOT file because his retirement pension was less than $6000, plus he had SSA. So he did NOT file Schedule A. He did not file any forms at all.
Mary S.
Please help me so that I can pay taxes on my ss
Stacy C.
To get the correct answer You will be better off to call your local office they should be able to help with your taxes and other things.
A.C.
Hi, Mary. It sounds like you are referring to tax withholding. 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. 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.