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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I_M_Short
How do you report somebody that is using the system as their way of income instead of wrking?
Molly
Social Security Fraud Dept.
A.C.
Hi. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. Please report it to us here. Thanks!
Brandon W.
I was helped by a gentleman in our local ,Missoula Montana, branch. He was extremely positive and you really got a sense that he loved his job. He is also disabled,and working, and gave me excellent advice on moving forward and getting off disability. I just wanted to thank him. You are an awesome example.
A.C.
Hi, Brandon. Thank you for your feedback! We’re pleased we can help. Our employees are committed to providing the public with the best service possible. We promise to pass your note along to our colleague.
Krystal
I get SSI and I have a 16 year old child and I did my own taxes but after taking my 18 year old off cause they have their own taxes to be filed it tells me I messed up. This stuff is so much confusing. I also went to set up for ID ME but apparently I don’t exist in this world cause.. I don’t know what to do about anything and Everytime you try calling for help your on the phone waiting 3 hours. This is all rediculous anymore
Nancy K.
Did you use online tax software to do your taxes, like TurboTax or there are a couple of others.
If so, go on their website and there will be a way to contact them, like an online chat, or maybe a phone number. They should be able to help you make any changes.
There are a number of organizations who provide free expert tax help from retired professionals . Try googling to find one in your area. I would definitely get help somewhere, even if you end up at Liberty Tax or H&R block, because there are excellent tax credits for people with kids that are part of Biden’s Recovery plan. A tax credit is an amount of money that goes toward what you owe on your taxes. If you don’t have to pay taxes, that amount will come directly to you from the government, the same way a refund does. It’s important that you include that in the tax form you submit!!! Also, make sure you are calling the correct number. This website (ssa.gov) has them for Social Security, Disability and Medicare. The Medicare one is answered 24/7, try calling late in the evening (1-800-Medicare). Social Security is 800-772-1213. They answer Mon-Fri from 7am-7pm, your local time.
Not sure which agency you tried to call, but in the past couple years, since Covid, I have rarely had to hold more than a few minutes, because they added hundreds of workers and phone lines to handle the stimulus payments and stuff. Try different times of day.
Good Luck!!!
A.C.
Hi, Krystal. We are sorry to hear that. 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.
Kathleen K.
My sister, age 88, receives social security and a teacher’s retirement. She has not filed federal taxes in several years because she was told that after a certain age, you do not need to file federal or state income tax. Is this correct?
Carolyn E.
As a retired CPA, your sister should be filing every year as both SS & her retirement are taxable for federal. State requirements depend on the state of residency.
Dave W.
This is incorrect, everyone must file income tax no matter what age. When my father passed away at 90, I was the executor of the estate and I filed his final tax form. The best thing for your sister to do is go to a reputable tax preparer with all of the years of income and have them file the taxes.
I do not recommend a big out fit like Jackson Hewitt or the like. Check with friends and neighbors who have a reputable honest tax preparer.
A.C.
Hi, Kathleen. Thanks for visiting our blog. Your sister must pay taxes on her benefits if she files a federal tax return as an “individual” and her “combined income” exceeds $25,000. If she files a joint return, she must pay taxes if she and her spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000. If she is married and files a separate return, she probably will have to pay taxes on her benefits. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner. For federal tax questions, she will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 or she can visit their website. For state tax questions, she will need to contact her State Tax Commission or Department of Revenue. We hope this information is helpful.
Cathleen S.
I tried to set up an account but it does not seem to recognize. Suggestions?
A.C.
Hi, Cathleen. If you created a personal my Social Security account before September 18, 2021 and you are still are unable to access your account, please our dedicated my Social Security Hotline at 1-800-772-1213, and say “helpdesk” at the voice prompt. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
The Login.gov contact center will assist users through the Login.gov proofing flow only i.e. to help create, sign in and manage the customer’s login.gov account. This is done only through their online web support page (https://login.gov/contact/) where customers can submit their questions/concerns. Though customers can submit their questions at any time, login.gov’s customer support operating hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and it could take up to two business days for their customer support agents to respond to inquiries.
For ID.me registration and/or authentication process, the users should contact ID.me through their customer support page on https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/categories/360005564453-Verifying-for-the-Social-Security-Administration. The page also allows users to submit their requests for any inquiries https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/requests/new. We hope this helps.
Jon C.
I am rated 100% Disability from the Veterans Administration
what impact will that have on receiving my Social Security ( (NOT SSDI or SSI). I plan to receive benefits at age 62
A.C.
Hi, Jon. Thanks for your question. Yes, a person can receive both Social Security and VA benefits concurrently. Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of VA benefits. However, Social Security benefits may affect benefits payable under the VA. You may want to check with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or your military advisor for more information. We hope this information is helpful.
Anne M.
I have been trying to get my deceased Mother’s 1099 for the 2021 year for the past month. I have been cut off over 50 times. You cannot make an account on behalf of another person. You must call. I am her Successor Trustee and her Executor. I have check with her last known address several times. They have not received anything from Social Security. Is there anyway to get help? I’m on hold right now after several attemps and it has been 20 minutes. Hopefully, I won’t get cut off again. You are the IRS are in a tie for the most difficult agencies to get in touch with.
Dave W.
Since it is impossible to get through on the telephone go your local Social Security Office with the paper work that you are her Successor Trustee and Executor of the Estate.
A.C.
Hi, Anne. We are sorry to hear about your loss. 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. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. In early April, local Social Security offices plan to add more in-person appointments and will again offer in-person service for people without an appointment. We have not set an exact date in April. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps.
Ben T.
why are there no responses to the questions?
John K.
I just need to replace a lost SocSec 1099. How do I do that, why is it so difficult to do something that simple?
Dave W.
Sign in to your my Social Security account to get your copy, if you have not created an account you will need to do so at the site.
A.C.
Hi, John. We are sorry to hear about your experience. If for any reason you have not received your SSA-1099 in the mail, 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. Our automated services are available 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Laura J.
168 Oakdale bohemia Apt 34 B bohemiaNy 11716
David R.
Laura, not a good idea to put personal information on a blog site!!!!!