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
Comments
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PJ
Useless
Amanda P.
Mine and my deceased mom’s 1099 forms were incorrect. I had to make 2 calls waiting an hour each time in January. I was promised both forms would be corrected and received in February. The issue with mine was SS put an incorrect SS# on it so automated does not work. I did not receive corrected copies for either of us and it is 2 months later. My mom’s was incorrect amount. Sitting on the phone again. No option in my login to SS to get a replacement. However, it must be corrected first. Any other options?
Rebecca M.
Hello,
I am missing the tax year of 1984 on my summary for benefits. I have tried calling but no response from the hospital corporation. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your input.
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. You may want to contact the Human Resources department of your former employer. Thanks.
Kerry P.
How do you know if you have to pay taxes on SSD?
A.C.
Hi, Kerry. 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.
John M.
If I have health coverage as retired military do I have to apply for Medicare parts a and b
A.C.
Hi, John. Thanks for your service! If you have coverage under a program from the Department of Defense, your health benefits may change or end when you become eligible for Medicare. You should contact the Department of Defense or a military health benefits advisor for information on whether you need to be enrolled in Medicare medical insurance.
For more information on how other health insurance plans work with Medicare, call the Medicare toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and ask for Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First (Publication No. CMS-02179). Hope this helps.
Kurt L.
I am appalled and disappointed by the Biden administration’s redundent policy of supporting huge payouts ONLY to families with kids.
I am a military service-disabled American Veteran (DAV) and Social Security Retiree who is married without kids and my family is automatically denied all the stimulus and IRS payouts
due to the Executive Branch’s Administration of what I have wholeheartedly made my own determination of purely absolute discrimination exists against all Americans who are classified as Single-Individuals and Married Couples Without Kids being DENIED these needed Federal payments solely because they have chosen the RIGHT to remain single and FAMILIES who have chosen the RIGHT to remain childless! They also deserve to benefit from these programs just the as families with kids do from large amounts of Federal taxpayer money!
It’s unjust to deny Americans who are single and married couples without kids the same benefit payments made only to families with kids!
All these groups of the American People DO PAY TAXES AND MANY OF THEM ARE REGISTERED VOTERS TOO!
Sharon L.
I have been trying to get in my accounts for social security and Medicare for weeks. They kick me out because I haven’t used online for a long time.
I tried calling and waited and waited for a person to answer.
I want to get my statements! I need to talk to someone!
Vance W.
WHO to i call to start having Federal Taxes taking out of my Social Secuirity Check .
Bernadette V.
I would like taxes taking out of my monthly payments. What do I do? Also, are my benefits considered a pension or an annuity? Please call me at 832-434-4055
A.C.
Hi, Bernadette. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Vance. 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.
Frances A.
Yes that is true
Leslie
try this link Sharon:
https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action
SS created new sign in links for newer members.
I got stuck on that too, getting bumped off.
“Accounts created before September 18, 2021 should enter a Username and Password.”
Hope this helps.
Rebecca C.
Sharon L –
try setting up an account at http://www.Login.gov.
I had the same trouble as you, they kept kicking me off and shutting me out until I realized I could go through Login.gov to get the authorization needed. Just make sure that when you’re applying, you check off your authorization code to be sent to your email or to get texted to you – it’s faster than any other authorization method (at least for me it was)
good luck
A.C.
Hi, Sharon. 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. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099. 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.
Amanda P.
Mine and my deceased mom’s 1099 forms were incorrect. I had to make 2 calls waiting an hour each time. I was promised both forms would be corrected and received in February. The issue with mine was SS put an incorrect SS# on it so automated does not work. I did not receive corrected copies for either of us and it is 2 months later. Sitting on the phone again. No option in my login to SS to get a replacement. However, it must be corrected first. Any other options?
A.C.
Hi, Amanda. 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. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. We continue to provide help in our offices by appointment only. 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.
This i.
Can I make it on the phone interview or sign up for a time to come in and talk to somebody in the Newport News or Hampton Virginia office? It’s in regards to me being over paid and about my previous SSI.This is in regards to the overpayment I have been paying back for sometime now and I can be more detail I appreciate the call back
Rebecca C.
This i –
Sorry, but this comment section isn’t going to help you get your answers.
You need to go to the “contact us” link and find their phone number.
A.C.
Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations. We are unable to accept walk-in visitors. If you feel you have a critical situation, please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for more information and updates. 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. To schedule a telephone appointment, 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. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. We hope this helps.
Yoanis F.
I am disabled and been receiving disability for over 10 years. I am 45 years old. I only have Medicade. I got into a car accident and had to get back surgery as well as a rode on the back of my neck. My question is am I eligible for Medicare?? Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks in advance
Molly
You should be able to get on medicare.
Nancy K.
If you have been declared disabled by the Social Security Administration, and you are receiving disability checks from them, you should be eligible for Medicare. You should have been able to get on Medicare as soon as Soc Security determined you are disabled.
Medicaid is mostly federal money, but is handled by each state. It is for people who have low income, and you have already qualified. Which means if you are eligible for Medicare, once you are approved you will be able to choose an insurance plan that combines the benefits from both, so you will have zero out-of-pocket expenses, like co-pays or premiums. Some of those plans have awesome extras, like some dental coverage, free over the counter products up to a certain dollar amount, and more! Medicare plans from insurance companies (Like Humana, United Health Care, etc.) are called Medicare Advantage Plans.
The Social Security Administration handles the initial enrollments to Medicare. When you go on this website we’re on now (ssa.gov), on the home page there are pictures of people in rectangles, that have labels on them. If you scroll down a little, “Medicare” is the 3rd one. If you click on the picture it will take you to the Medicare information, including a place to apply online.
If you call about eligibility for Medicare, be sure you call Social Security, at 800-772-1213.
they are open Mon-Fri from 7am-7pm (your local time).
The 800-Medicare number is to get help after
you are already enrolled.
There are a number of options to get help choosing a plan. Every state has a SHIP phone number, (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs) — I believe they are staffed by volunteers. I talked to an awesome lady when I called them, who explained what to look for, and gave me a lot of guidance.
There are also Medicare brokers — they are insurance agents who help people choose the best plan for them and sign them up. My sister is one! She is not licensed in my state so she found one for me. He was fantastic and spent over an hour with me comparing plans and making sure my doctors took the plan, etc.
Good luck!!! I am also disabled, from several car and other accidents, but was never successful in getting SS Disability. So I finally got old enough and got Social Security Retirement.
Nancy S.
There are certain medical conditions at your age that you must have before you can qualify for Medicare. I don’t think you do based on your question. Simply being disabled does not qualify you for Medicare.
A.C.
Hi, Yoanis. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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.
Iris
Hi, I am soooo frustrated. I had an online account but now it’s saying that I’m suspended and denied access to call…I try to call and I was on hold for almost 3 hours and got cut off!!! I tried again and again same story…tried to set up a new account on line and that didn’t work either…and all I want to do is change direct depost account, it’s impossible! The pandemic is over, open your offices and Please hire more English Speaking employees here in the USA. Thanks.
Leta
I finally got thru to a live person after being on hold for almost an hour,at least 30 attempts with no answer , i explained what I needed, was advised would mail to me, I got the mail today and the wrong information , now I have to start over. yes you cant even go into office, need an appointment, i don’t know how they expect you to have appointment when you cant contact anyone.
A.C.
Hi, Leta. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.
Molly
You should be able to get the bank to call and set up the Direct Deposit for you. Much easier and less time on hold.
A.C.
Hi, Iris. 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.