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. William c.

    I received my back pay for ssdi for over 2 years how do i deal with the taxes on that?

    • A.C.

      Hi, William. 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. Cynthia R.

    I did not receive my retirement documents to do my Taxes for 2021. Please help me obtain them.

    • A.C.

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

  3. Fitzroy W.

    Where can I access a W4V tax form?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Firzroy. Thanks for your question. 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 and to find a link to the form W-4V. We hope this helps.

  4. Debora C.

    How do I have income taxes withdrawn out of my social security payments?

    • ernest a.

      How do get taxes taking out my social seurity each payment

      • A.C.

        Hi, Ernest. Thanks for your question. 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.

    • JB

      Fill out a W4V form and drop off or mail to SS office.

    • Won C.

      I have not received my 2021 SSA annual report and am holding my tax report ,
      Please help me get the report

      • Kathleen C.

        help

        • A.C.

          Hi, Kathleen. 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!

      • A.C.

        Hi, Won. We are sorry to hear that. 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 b.

      Call ss and they will help you.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Debora. Thanks for your question. 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. wendy

    I want to know if I could receive SSI disability for my grandson since I receive it for myself and also I have custody of him?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Wendy. Thank you for your question.  Benefits issued through our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, are based on the needs of the individual and are only paid to the qualifying person. There are no spouses, childrens, or survivors benefits payable. For more information, please visit our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) page.  We hope this helps. 

  6. Barbara J.

    I submitted proof I was married 10 years and entitled to my deceased husband benefits and had an attorney try to help me. I divorced my husband as proof I did not get Income tax for us. In NewCastle PA. My husband moved so he never got the decree in 1982. Who can help me?. I have tried so many times in Ohio and PA.Thank you.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Barbara. Unfortunately, your comment is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. 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.

  7. gilbertgkoch@gmail.com

    I just want to get rid of the old phone number on my account. The update does not work as my old phone number keeps re-appearing (like a default). How do I get rid of my old phone number and replace it?
    Thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi. We are sorry to hear that. 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. Merrilee B.

    Is there a calculation I can make to determine how much income I can earn without affecting my social security payment?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Merrilee. If you are referring to Social Security disability benefits, special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. For 2022 those limits are: $2,260 for blind individuals; or $1,350 a month if you are not blind. For more information visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 

      If you are receiving retirement benefits, younger than full retirement age, and earn more than the yearly earnings limit, we may reduce your benefit amount.If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, we deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2022, that limit is $19, 560. For more information, please visit our Receiving Benefits While Working page. We hope this helps. 

  9. CONNOR L.

    I BEEN TRYING TO GET SSI APPLICATIONS PAPERS TO FILL OUT FOR SSI. I SAT ON THE PHONE FOR 2 HRS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND THE PAPER WORK IN THE MAIL. I STILL WAITING. I HAD A APPT. ON THE 28 OF FEB.

    • BRENDA P.

      All you have to do is walk in to the nearest Social Security office and tell them to give you the package to apply. Nobody can stop you from applying.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Connor. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to contact your  local Social Security office to follow up on your application. We hope this helps.

  10. Debra Y.

    Have been living with horrible pain for two years the x-rays and my doctor have said that it is arthritis and Spurs on my spine is can’t collect Social Security because they said I didn’t pay enough in haven’t worked the past 27 years but on the farm from my Christian husband wondering if I can get some help with SSI because I’m really in a lot of pain all the time can’t seem to do much anymore do I need to get my doctor to send y’all the x-rays and tell y’all how bad off I am in order to get some help I heard I can get help with SSI I don’t know I thank you

Comments are closed.