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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Blair R.
I have not received my 1099 for 2021.
Need this ASAP.
Thanks
A.C.
Hi, Blair. 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.
Renee G.
If I receive just ssi and I don’t have a dependent or a child to claim, do I still file for a tax return for 2021?
A.C.
Hi, Renee. 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.
Federico T.
I now live overseas and I am unable to login to my account because “validation” via text notification is required to login. However the system can only send text to a US based phone number which I no longer have. Can validation be made any other way like email instead. I need my SS statement to file income tax. Kindly assist!
A.C.
Hi, Federico. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Helen A.
I have not received my SS Tax Document. I have not been able to log into the site.
Thank you!
A.C.
Hi, Helen. 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.
Robert K.
if I am recieving a monthly pension can it affect my social security monthly amount.
A.C.
Hi, Robert. It sounds like you are referring to Social Security retirement benefits. If you are 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. We don’t count pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans benefits, or other government or military retirement benefits. For more information, please visit our Receiving Benefits While Working page. We hope this helps.
Kyung H.
I didn’t get my Social Security 2021 TAX form, SSA-1042S yet.
I am living in Seoul, Korea. Is there anyeay to sent my tax forn to my son who is filing my income tax every year for me. My name, Kyung H Cho, Soc..#***-**-****, claim# ***-**-****D. Please send my tax form to my son who is my Attoney of General. His address: Mr.Tae-Gene Cho, 237 Hempstead Rd.
Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
Kyung H.
What do you mean?
A.C.
Hi, Kyung. Thanks for visiting our blog. Since you are living outside of the U.S., please contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Marta L.
I need to physically show my ID and information so I can get a replacement social security card for my 15 year old great niece. Yes I have legal custody of her. I have court order paper work. We just need a new social security card. I have all the documents to show. Yes she has a social security number. We call and call you all. No answer. We can not get replaced social Security card on line. Help Help. How do I get some one to look at the paper work. That I am the legal guardian and she needs original social security card. We only have photo copy. Please help. Thank you so much. We just want to show some one legal paper work. Thanks again.
A.C.
Hi, Marta. We are sorry to hear that. Please be aware 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 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.
James K.
I did not file a 2021 tax return and should have can I receive a form statement for how much I made in 2021
and 2022?
A.C.
Hi, James. Thanks for your question. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. A replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2022 will not be available until next January. However, 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.
Elaine S.
I was approved for SSDI and received a lump sum for packpay in March 2021. I receive monthly benefits. I recently received my SSA-1099 for 2021 tax return. But, the amounts listed are incorrect.
Box 3 –
• states the following: “paid by check or direct deposit” – amt. listed is NOT the amount I received.
• attorney fees – amount listed is NOT the amount my atty. received.
– there are three amounts listed at bottom of Box 3:
>the first amt. shows $xxxx paid in 2021 for 2020.
>the second amt.shows $xxxx paid in 2021 for 2019.
>the third amt. shows $xxxx paid in 2021 for 2018.
I did NOT receive the amounts indicated. My tax advisor is also unclear how the listed amounts were determined by SSA. I have tried numerous attempts to speak with an SSA Representative but have been unsuccessful. I cannot move forward with my 2021 tax return until I have corrected my SSA 1099. Please help. Who can I speak with to get a clear understanding of my 1099? Thank you so much!
A.C.
Hi, Elaine. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Jerry S.
Does identity theft show up on my account or does it alert the social security department somehow? How would I find out if mt identity has been compromised?
A.C.
HI, Jerry. Thanks for visiting our blog. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.