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
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Linda S.
To what address do I mail my completed Voluntary Withholding Request (W-4V0
A.C.
Hi, Linda. Thanks for your question. 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.
Pamela N.
I usually file ssi federal without 1099 with tax ppl that do it free.but this year they are all booked.where do I go now?
A.C.
Hi, Pamela. 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.
Dwayne R.
Can I use the one one the first or 3rd
madeline a.
I Made
madeline a.
have not recv’d1099for year ending 2021.
Also my husband David Karroll, who is receving
partial disabilty.
I recv’d phone call from accountant requesting
these 1099 form.
In which we never received…..
please help us so we are able to file on time.
We are having difficult time with the postage
mail. Receiveing our mail…
Please help myself and husband.
Linda S.
I haven’t received mine either and my tax appointment is tomorrow! And it’s too late to call now; hope I can get through in the morning!
A.C.
Hi, Madeline. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Your husband 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.
Willie M.
Good Evening this is the second time I requested a temporary password reset. I didn’t received the first I’m requesting again 4/5/2022 Thank
A.C.
Hi, Willie. We are sorry to hear that. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you created a personal my Social Security account before September 18, 2021 and you are still are unable to access your account, please call 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). We hope this helps.
Steven
I sent you an email TWO months ago, my wife has not received her SS documents from 2021. Please send them so we can complete our joint filing.
A.C.
Hi, Steven. We are sorry to hear that. If for any reason your wife has not received her SSA-1099 in the mail, she can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2021 by visiting her 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. She 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 she’s requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
Dennis W.
I also would like to receive my”(TAX FORM/STATEMENT BEFORE APRIL 15th. OR THE 18th.)”?? Dennis W. White. Thank you.
Dennis W.
I would like to get a copy of my tax form/statement for the”(2021 YEAR)”?? And my name is Dennis W. White. Because this is the only way for me to get in contact with you”(S.S.A.)”?? Because I’m also having trouble getting in contact with you on the “(PHONE AND ONLINE)”?!!?
A.C.
Hi, Dennis. We are sorry to hear about your experience. 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.
Gloria R.
Thanks for opening up your offices to accommodate those who need your service. Do your office handle filing income taxes for Senior, if so where do I go in CA? Thanks
Jose
AARP does taxes for free. Just look them up to find a close location.
Susan
In several sectors in ME, appointments were limited to February and March. Many sites had appointments for 2 hours a day, 2 or 3 days a week. One site had ONE DAY, period. This year most sites had a new procedure: you had to pick up a packet to complete, call for an appointment, and take in the packet. In most cases, the packet was available only when the site was open; there was no other way to get it, (Why not online??), and it was not available after March 31. Last year I was on time, organized, and very polite. When I received a copy of my return (with NO time to look at it), I tried to ask a short question. The retired accountant turned on his heel and walked away. One volunteer said I couldn’t receive a deduction for my property taxes, the other saved me $50. Not a walk in the park.
A.C.
Hi, Gloria. Thanks for your feedback. 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.
Sean P.
I’m wondering how much money I can earn while receiving SSI. I’m on disability but it is impossible to make ends meet. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Sean. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people who are disabled, blind, or aged. The amount you can receive is based, in part, on the income available to you. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. You may also be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.