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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
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
Comments are closed.
Phyllis P.
I have a 1099-R from SSA and am trying to file my taxes electronically. It keeps getting rejected because I do not have a TIN for SSA. Help.
J D.
This is not a 1099-R, rather, just report as SS benefits.
A.C.
Hi, Phyllis. 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.
Linda N.
I am overseas and have been locked out of my online account. I have called the 410 number you listed and even written 2 or 3 letters. How do I correct this. I’ve even contacted the Embassy in Lisbon and they cannot help. I receive your statement mailings but the website does not accept all areas that are needed to put in my foreign address.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. You will need a U.S. address. 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.
Guadalupe n.
I have problems to make my tax , please send me my form to do my InContext,
Thanks
A.C.
Hi, Guadalupe. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099, tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, 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.
Janice C.
Need to change address
A.C.
Hi, Janice. Thank you for visiting our blog. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local Social Security office immediately. We hope this helps.
Julia A.
I am on SSI I have not filed taxes since 2009. I have no dependents, how do I qualify for the 5th stimulus payment? I already received the first 3, without filing taxes. Please advise.
A.C.
Hi, Julia. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please visit the IRS website for all your Economic Income Payment-related questions. If you are unable to find the answer, call the IRS hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Thanks!
francois
why are you not answering any of these questions?
Donna P.
How much can I earn if I am 75 and receiving my full benefits before the IRS starts taxing me saying I earned to much????
A.C.
Hi, Donna. 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.
Diane P.
I need to file taxes, but I didn’t receive my husbands SSI tax info. Please assist.
A.C.
Hi, Diane. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099, a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. If for any reason your husband has not received his SSA-1099 in the mail, he can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting his 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. He 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 he’s requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Sabrina H.
I have gotten the tax papers for my disability and the checks I receive on my girls. And a tax paper for the $1400 stimulus. No matter how I add this or which ones I add together the IRS keeps kicking on back saying I’m putting in the wrong amount. Which of these four things should I be claiming?
A.C.
Hi, Sabrina. 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.
Atanaska K.
Hello,
i receive social security benefit , it’s very small amount , and I am American citizen . But, I live outsite of USA .
Am I qualify for EITC?
Thank you !
ps I ask you, because I received email from SSA to apply for EITC, or this is just regular emails,
A.C.
Hi, Atanaska. Thanks for your questions. Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer EITC questions. Please be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or email messages. If an unknown individual claims to be from a legitimate organization, try to verify his or her identity directly with the company. Avoid providing personal information unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information. In a few instances, we will use marketing firms to help raise awareness of Social Security’s online services, and this includes creating a personal my Social Security account. We allow these firms to send emails that will take individuals directly to our website. Any links that you find within these emails should always point to a “.gov” web address. If you are not certain that an email you received came from Social Security or one of our marketing partners, DO NOT click the link. Visit our Internet Phishing Alert page to learn more about how to detect a fraudulent email message. Finally, 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 information helps.