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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Lawrence A.
How do i apply for SSI for my son
A.C.
Hi, Lawrence. Children who are disabled may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. You can find more information on the SSI program and how to apply by visiting our Supplemental Security Income page. Hope this helps!
Linda G.
I was receiving benefits prior to 2021. My online Social Security accounts states benefits were discontinued after 2020. Why were my benefits discontinued? I did not receive an SSA1099 for 2021. When I call, there is no answer. When I call to set up a local SS office appointment, again, there is no answer. Don’t know what to do.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. 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. Local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. 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.
Bob
What if i need to keep working but already started the process to collect social security how do i cancel it?
A.C.
Hi, Bob. Thanks for your question. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Martha N.
I need to have fed tax withheld. $75.00 per month. Let me know how to do this
Vicki
There is a form you fill out. I’m sure it can be looked up. I can’t remember which form. Call a tax preparer they will give you the info
Jill J.
Flat dollar amounts are not accepted.
You can only have 7, 10, 12 or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes.
Only these percentages can be withheld.
Download the form here:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf
Sign the form and return it to your LOCAL Social Security office by mail.
————–
(Don’t bother trying to drop it off in person, because they wouldn’t even take it when I took it to the office myself. They told me I had to leave and mail it in. )
A.C.
Hi, Martha. 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.
Rebecca
I just started my application for Social Security Disability Benefits on the SSA.gov site. What do I need to do to submit an application for SSI? Or is it all the same application?
Lori D.
What do I need to provide to apply for SSI & Social Security Disability? I currently have no benefits & have never been able to work a full time job.
Mommax5
SSI
A.C.
Hi, Lori. Thanks for your question. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death.For adults, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. We consider any current work activity you have done, your medical condition, and how it affects your ability to work. You may also find our listing of impairments useful. If you think you are disabled, you can file for disability online. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. Thanks for visiting our blog. You may be able to file online for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the same time that you file for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. Once you complete the online process, a Social Security representative will contact you if we need additional information. We hope this helps.
Jennifer H.
My Husband passed away March 2017. My Daughter collected checks until she turned 18, and I collected a few. The question I have is, was I suppose to continue to receive these benefits or how does that work. Social Security sent me a few checks and then stopped. I want to know what my options are as a surviving Spouse/Widow. Thank you .
A.C.
Hi, Jennifer. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to information about your account 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.
Vezi
I am single and I am receiving SS benefits which is less than $10,000 a year. I do not file taxes since I do not need to. How could I apply for help with medical Insurance and will I receive relief check?
A.C.
Hi, Vezi. Thanks for visiting our blog. The earliest age you can get Medicare Parts A and B, is 65 unless you qualify while getting Social Security disability benefits. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. To learn more about Medicare, check out our publication here. To get specific information about Medicaid, you need to contact your state medical assistance office. As far as a relief check, it sounds like you are referring to the CTC or EITC. Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov and read IRS Filing Season 2021 CTC Questions and Answers if you have questions. Learn more about the EITC, including basic qualifications, at the IRS’ Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. Social Security can’t answer CTC or EITC questions. We hope this helps.
Thomas G.
Can I schedule an appointment to talk to someone in my local Spokane office? I need to give you copies of a W-4V and a SSA-1872-BK. I have not been able to get anyone to answer the phone.
Jill
You have to mail it to your local office.
They will not take it in person.
I know, because I took my form in person to the office, and they refused to take it and told me I had to mail it in.
(Even tho it says on the website to mail OR bring in person.)
A.C.
Hi, Thomas. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. Local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. 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.
Donna R.
Can I schedule a appointment to talk to someone in your office. We have trouble getting anyone on the phone. When we come over there it’s a all day event.
A.C.
Hi, Donna. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We apologize for any problems you may have when you call us as we modernize our telephone system. We are working with our telephone system providers to fix these issues. Local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. 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.
David
I need a copy of my mother’s SSA 1099 but she passed in December of 2021. Can’t get online and create an account. Is there a number to call or an email to request 1099?
A.C.
Hi, David. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The SSA-1099 is mailed to the last address in our records and is intended for the spouse or executor of the deceased. If you did not receive the benefit statement, you will need to contact your local Social Security office with proof of death and proof of executorship. An SSA-1099 can also be given to someone receiving benefits on the deceased beneficiary’s record such as a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. If you need more information, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for assistance. We hope this helps.