General, Taxes

Tax Season: What To Know If You Get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income

February 8, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Tax seasonIt’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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. John S.

    Hello…I started having dollars withheld from my monthly SS check for taxes in 2022. Do I have to send that to the IRS from that money.

    • A.C.

      Hi, John. 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.

  2. Troi c.

    ********* troicaolenh05@yahoo.com . 7252611776. Nv 1605920393 Tony truong
    8070 w Russell rd 1065 Las Vegas nv 89113
    Troi cao lenh namel

  3. Angie

    We have not received our tax statements from SS and we are not comfortable putting our SS numbers online, can we pick up those forms in person at their office?

    • Tony t.

      ********* troicaolenh05@yahoo.com . 7252611776. Nv 1605920393 Tony d truong

    • A.C.

      Hi, Angie. 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. 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.

  4. Linda M.

    Please send me a form in the mail for income tax withholding

    • Tony t.

      truong tony as Troi cao lenh 07/05/1976.
      ********* troicaolenh05@yahoo.com . 7252611776. Nv 1605920393

      • A.C.

        Hi, Tony. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. Thanks! 

         

        • Christopher S.

          This seems wildly inadequate. His comments should be deleted or censored for his own good. If this space isn’t going to have that level of moderation, it needs to have comments disabled to protect fools from themselves.

          • Christopher S.

            A good way to automate some of this would be auto-replace all numbers in all comments with asterisks as they’re posted.

    • Troi c.

      Only one

    • Tony t.

      Troicaolenh05@yahoo.com mainly one 7252611776
      Bnot use offense . Troicaolenh05@gmail. Bathoilenh05@gmail.com
      Tdtruong05@yahoo & gmail
      Tdtruong4646@yahoo&gmail

    • Robert H.

      can you mail me the form to request tax withholding from my social security checks ?

      • A.C.

        Hi, Robert. 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. Please see our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Linda. 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.

  5. Robert H.

    i need my replacement 1099/1042s for tax season

    • Tony t.

      ********* troicaolenh05@yahoo.com . 7252611776. Nv 1605920393 Tony truong
      8070 w Russell rd 1065 Las Vegas nv 89113

    • Mary H.

      I have been trying to get a replacement 1099 form for hours on multiple occasions and been unsuccessful. GOOD LUCK

      • A.C.

        Hi, Mary. We are sorry to hear that. 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.

    • Darlene B.

      I need to replace my Form SSA1099 Security Benefit statement.

      Darlene Bealmear

      • Darlene B.

        I need to replace my form SSA 1099 Social
        Security Benefit Statement. Could you please
        send it to my home address?

        1650 S John King Blvd #1805
        Rockwall, Texas 75032

        darlenebealmear@yahoo.com
        SS# *** ** ****

        Thank you, Darlene Bealmear

        • A.C.

          Hi, Darlene. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue.  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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

      • A.C.

        Hi, Darlene. Thanks for visiting our blog. If for any reason you have not received your SSA-1099 in the mail or need to request a replacement, 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.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Robert. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.

  6. joanna g.

    I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FORM FOR INCOME TAX WITHHOLD BY MAIL.PLEASE,

    • Tony t.

      ********* troicaolenh05@yahoo.com . 7252611776. Nv 1605920393 Tony truong
      8070 w Russell rd 1065 Las Vegas nv 89113

    • A.C.

      Hi, Joanna. 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.

  7. Carol S.

    Can a woman receive ssi and spousal support at the same time.

    • Tony t.

      No

    • A.C.

      Hi, Carol. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. It is possible to receive SSI and other income. To learn what types of income can affect SSI payments, visit our Understandng Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Income page. Remember that SSI benefits are based on income, resources, and living arrangements. For additional specific questions, please 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.

  8. Virginia U.

    With all the changes being made to our financial system, will we still receive our social security benefit? I am receiving mine as a beneficiary.

    Thank you.

  9. Kathie

    I have looked online and have tried calling in to no avail.
    How do I stop having federal tax withheld from our Social Security checks? Please advise.
    Thank you.

    • Tony t.

      My phone 7252611776 got hacked by last year 2021

    • Les w.

      Download a federal form 4V withholding allowance,fill it out and take to your local Social Security office

    • A.C.

      Hi, Katie. We are sorry to hear that. Keep in mind 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. In order to have taxes withheld or to change the amount 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. Please see our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.

  10. Ella M.

    I was informed that I do not have to file taxes because I’m on ssi…is this true

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ella. Thanks for visiting our blog. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments aren’t taxed. Keep in mind 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.

Comments are closed.