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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Darlynda Bogle, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Related Articles

Set a Goal, Make a Plan, and Save Automatically: America Saves Week

Sukkot: A Time to Reflect on the Gifts that Many Do Not Have

With Seven Days to Celebrate — Open Your my Social Security Account Today!

A New Opportunity to Continue Serving

Comments

  1. Jim

    Are there any immediate plans to increase the minimum age for collecting Social Security? It was age 65 for full benefits before previously changed. Now it is possible that funds could become insufficient within 12 years. Is that true?

  2. Tonya

    Hello . My ex husband of 27 years divorced
    Me we started a air conditioning business in Arizona He did all the banking and taxes now I am looking over the tax forms and he said he was paying me annuities $25,000 a year , I never seen any of these checks , In fact last year we filled separate we have 3,boys they are under 18he gets all that money to for the, Well he said I owed 16,000 to for the taxes and he said he would pay I don’t think he did and it’s on my name, I believe he used me to laundry his money I need some advice I never paid to much attention to the taxes cause I was taking care of triplets ,, Please help me,

    • A.C.

      Hi, Tonya. We are sorry to hear about your situation. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.

  3. Ms. B.

    Has anyone received notice that they were overpaid in 2020 and/or 2021 by SS, been ask and/or made to payback that money? How did you verify how this was determined. Been trying for four months to get proof, recalculated 1099 tax form and have not been able to get thru to any Reps that can tell me if one has been processed and/or mailed. Phone calls has been disconnected last 3 days. Please would like SS Rep follow-up or someone familiar with this problem. Thank you

    • Kay M.

      I have but I have not addressed the matter yet. As far as the phones, if you go to ssa.gov you will see a heading about phone issues.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Ms. Betty. We are sorry to hear about your experience. We encourage you to continue working with your local office.  You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. Local offices have also 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 is resolved soon. 

  4. Parker S.

    For Social Security income less than 2000 USD should be abolished for tax return because thesedays it is nothing. Do not count them and if the government wants to help people just help
    the representatives also as rep of people please have in mind help people who are low income and do not set alot of restrictions.

    • Samuel

      Is the amount 2000 per month or per year?

  5. Julie L.

    The news source does matter. Fox News by its own admission is not a news show. It takes independent thinking to figure out the true facts. A friend of mine recently told me that Joe Biden has Parkinson’s disease. He does not have Parkinson’s and has tested negative for that although rightwing radicals will keep saying it over and over. And stuttering is a verbal handicap not an intellectual handicap. There have been, and there are, numerous “hit pieces” out there. These hit pieces are aimed to sway public opinion with biased information.
    PS. Yep! Mr. Tangerine-Man and his worshippers are a threat to life as we know it.

    • Sue

      Agree with all of this but it should be taken down and probably will soon. Wrong place to post political views.

      • ADRIAN A.

        BS POST WHATEVER THATS ACCPETABLE THATS WHY WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT

        • ADRIAN A.

          BS POST WHATEVER THATS ACCEPTABLE THATS WHY WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT

      • Ms. B.

        True that

        • Ms B.

          The true that comment above was for Ms. Sue’s comment to make it clear. Thank everyone

    • Rodrigo

      Hola. Mis padres viven conmigo ellos reciben su seguro social y ayuda suplementari. Mi pregunta es . Los Pudo reclamar como dependes si viven con migo sin que les afecte a ellos?

    • Laura

      Thank you Julie
      You nailed that I appreciate you taking the time to get these facts across to people and for telling them about fox opinion not a news source They have opinions about reported news.

  6. Tambuora M.

    I would like to Federal taxes taken out of my Social security benefits.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Tambuora. 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.

      • Douglas D.

        Finally, Someone asked the question, that I needed to answer. But to save time and effort and handling of “paper” forms this absolutely needs to be automated and accessible in you online system. Ok I am submitting the forms by snail mail.

        • Linda T.

          Agree. Put it online.

      • Breena

        Thank you! I have been searching the site for the form as well. I am very grateful for the above link.

  7. Steve

    Joe Biden has done a great job since he has been in office. Thanks to Joe and the Dems families with kids are able to get a higher child tax credit. Unemployment at a lower rate than before Covid now, wages are soaring, people got those stimulus payments which has helped people pay for the higher cost of food and rent now. All the republican can do is vote no no no on all these things that help families. Talking about Biden son lets not forget that the Trump family has got billions now from the Sadi government. Why has not Fox been talking about this? You Trump supporters have been brainwashed by fox. Also Trump helped kill 100’s of thousands from Covid because Trump made getting the shot and wearing a mask to save lives a political issue. Joe and Dems are for helping the middle class and poor and the republicans are only for helping the wealthy pay less tax than a cop or teacher does. Fox Viewers have been brainwashed just like Putin has brainwashed the Russia people about this war. Thank God Trump is not in office and the Republicans are in control or Ukraine would not be getting any help at all right now because Trump and Republicans are in bed with Putin. Just look at history. 62% of senate Republicans voted to NOT HELP Ukraine. It is amazing what Fox viewers believe on Fox News. Just look at Tucker Carlson and how he supports Putin and Russia in this war. Russia puts Tucker on their TVs every night so this should tell he where Fox News is in this war for Democracy.

  8. Jackie E.

    My disabled son was denied benefits because he was going to school. He wasn’t taking any academic courses, only art classes as a hobby & they were modified for his disability. Unfortunately I missed the cutoff date for the appeal process because I work 7 days a week between two jobs. I don’t want to apply all over again as I’m still working two jobs, 7 days a week & it’s time consuming.

  9. Patricia M.

    Hello, I would like to change federal withholding for my social security benefits, can I call to change this info?

    • Alvin S.

      I am retired and live in France permanently. I did not receive my income statements for the year 2021. I cannot file my taxes without them.
      Who can I contact to get them sent to me before the filing deadline?
      Thank you.
      Alvin Solomon

      • Susan K.

        I did not receive a 1099, social security benefits and taxes paid for 2021. I need this information in order to file IRS return for 2021 please.

        • A.C.

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

      • A.C.

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

    • Danny T.

      I also would like to know the answer to this question

      • Susan H.

        You may need to file an extension. You need to set up an account on the http://www.ssa.gov site. Within the account, you can access the information you need. You are also able to order the copy. On the web site, you will see a tab for SS and your taxes. There are subjects that may help. One of the subjects you can scroll down to covers how to request your report.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Patricia. Thanks for your question. In order to have taxes withheld or to change your withholding 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.

  10. Joplin

    5.9% raise is a JOKE and an Insult to think anyone one person can live on $872 a month. Especially now that The economy plunged and the cost-of-living tripled and keeps going up. How about our Government Doing the Right thing by the American people/family’s That are struggling to survive everyday. They need to bring the cola raise up to the poverty level NO one can survive on what they’re giving the American people. It’s an insult

    • Henry J.

      Actually, the economy hasn’t “plunged.” Joe Biden is doing an excellent job, despite a rise in inflation, and Unemployment is extremely low. Maybe you should change your news source.

      • Dean

        You suck and Joe Biden is not doing a excellent job China Joe and his dementia is killing the USA he is also to blame for the Ukrainian war since he did Not move fast enough when Putin had his troops on there border you are just a liberal idiot that is going by the Democrats play book yOu have know mined of your own you just spill that hate of the Democrats why do you make up some options of your own when you speak at the best people thinking like you are going to get us all killed

        • Mark

          Stop getting your news from FOX… Ukraine War… DT is 100% responsible since he’s got a man crush on Putin he was too busy brown nosing Putin to notice Putin was anti-American. DT had four years to keep Putin from getting Russia ready to invade Ukraine. Biden may be old however he’s not old and Criminally insane like DT. Biden saved this country from the Pandemic without using DT’s idea of injecting ourselves with bleach. DT has always been a crook as is the rest of his namesakes… Your candidate Lost! Got voted out! Nobody wants to hear you complaining… Crybaby! go live in Russia if you hate free elections… You Lost … deal with it!
          We have 3 long years of Pres. Joe Biden’s America to go, maybe by then with your hero in jail you’ll find some other Billionaire to sell your soul to… In the mean time you can maybe get a job scrubbing the decks on one of the Russian oligarchs yachts and convince them they got what it takes to steal the US elections and maybe get away with it. Spare us Your meandering comments… Why do I waste my time replying to ignorant people like you… you will never admit your wrong even if it hits you square in your wallet. Lower Taxes is the only thing that matters more to you than America itself. Taxes pay for your SS benefits I think it’s it’s worth it… Nobody gets in for free!

          • Peg P.

            hee GO BOYS, GO! lol Anyone who worships that imbecile is a threat to life as we know it.

          • Sandy M.

            The DemocRATS stole the election. It is now coming to light. Joe Biden has dementia, he has taken money via Hunter Biden from China and Russia. Confirmed by the liberal owned New York Time. The US PRESIDENCY WAS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR. If you can’t read your own liberal garbage, than don’t comment. Quit watching MSNBC you’re making a fool of yourself.

          • Donald B.

            Well you proved it you’re an idiot Joe Biden didn’t fix the pandemic all he did is step back and watch what president Trump had done Joe Biden doesn’t deserve to be called a president he can’t talk a plain sentence not one time . I’m 64 years old and I think he’s the weakest president this country has ever had in my lifetime I feel sorry for the country heaven help Us

          • Cheryl A.

            Mark, I don’t know you, but I luv you, you are 100% correct. DT is a lying, ego manic, distorted rouge idiot. Thank God he was VOTED!! out of office, to even hear his lying voice, makes me cringe. Stay safe! Have a blessed day.

          • Linda

            Amen…I couldn’t have said it better! I loved the part when you said DT had a man-crush on Putin. The people who are COMPLAINING are the same people who are living in the U.S. If you’re so unhappy with the U.S., you can ALWAYS MOVE TO RUSSIA!!! Thank you for setting some people straight — I’m on your side.

          • Denise T.

            While I agree with most of your facts. Acting like a child does not help us.
            The big issue is Biden inherited Trumps failures and has had to deal with them first before he could do much on his own. Like shit show of removing all Americans from well you know. Then the whole voter issues or voter accusations etc. People are so desperate to destroy our country they believe things and spread things not true instead of doing the right thing. If you look at the states with the lowest economies the lowest income look at who runs them. Look at the history of the leaders decisions. Look how they live compared to the residents in those states. I live in a state that cares for us all yet stands firm against criminals etc. Our Republican and Democrat leaders are pretty much same yet are different enough to fool us all. They go in mostly with normal incomes and then shortly are millionaires. How is that? Because we all pay for both parties. No one should pay taxes on Social Security wages twice. We earn wages then are taxed. We retire or get sick then draw the money we paid into SS . We are taxed again after we retire on that money. Or if we are sick or hurt. But only if it’s over the amount SS says. So until we all deal with the reality that our leaders are screwing us and get a new type of govt for the people nothing will change!

        • Max

          You are a total idiot, stop watching fox. Donald Trump try to over throw our democracy. Trump praise Putin call him a genius for killing rape, of women and children. Perhaps stop sending Trump your hard earn money idiot

        • Dyanna P.

          I’m with you on this! Sleepy Joe has ruined our country in just over a yr of taking over as a so called president and you are right who can live on 841.00 a MONTH?? I CANT!! I struggle everyday trying to keep up with Food and cancer meds and other meds Medicaid won’t pay for…Trump we need you back in the White house to straighten our country back out to be a STRONG COUNTRY AGAIN!! We never had this kind of problems before Dems took over and made our country weak as F#@*!!

          • Steve

            Hilarious! All these SOCIALIST programs! Let’s bring the Orange Menace back so he can save us from Social Security, Medicare and all taxes! HoHOHAHA! Do you remember ( and you seem to have some cognitive issues) what happened to Russian Seniors at the fall of the Soviet Union? You will get NO benefits, no medical care ( die of your cancer on the street) but you will get a tyrant bloviating for people like you…fools.

            And I was just thinking…I’m probably paying more taxes than the orange turd. Last reported income taxes from that guy were 2016 and 2017. $750 each year. THAT”S the problem you should be addressing.

            Good luck for the rest of your miserable life.

      • Mary D.

        You sir are absolutely nuts! Joe Biden has done nothing right in the 14 months he’s been in ofc.

        • ex,brucebrul@aol.com

          79913

        • MBL

          You are so right, except for 1 thing…Joe Biden has done nothing right in his 49 years of allegedly being a public servant 🤔 oh that’s right, he’s been serving himself!! He apparently has Hunter to contribute to his elite lifestyle also. Joe makes the connections and Hunter seals the deal. Don’t fool yourselves people, he’s a lying crook.

          Mark, get your facts straight….there was NO RUSSIAN COLLUSION. HOWENER Mark Zuckerberg manipulated the 2020 elections and I hope he is brought before congress when the Republicans gain control which, thanks to our ghost of a president, is certain. Another thing, we paid into the Social Security we receive, it is not part of the redistribution of wealth program that so many have decided to rob from hard working Americans. It was not designed to support families for generations, but has sadly become such.

          Biden is responsible for the invasion of Ukraine and many deaths. He did nothing to prepare them for the coming invasion and once invaded, has dragged his feet in supplying them with the needed military supplies. They are still in need of foyer keys after 2 months of defending their country from the ground. Yes, Joe Biden has a role in the deaths of 123,000 children, and orphans, the tape and murder of women, men, and boys and the displacement of at least 7 million people. And, by the way, we will accept 100,000 into the U.S. should they want to accept asylum.

        • John

          I’m like whoa ! Joe Biden is a career politician. A criminal , bordering traitor. He is not a leader, and he has sold us out to Russia and to China. Did I mentioned what the poll numbers are on this pos are. Let that be your guide but for all his f*** ups,people I’m sorry to say but you haven’t seen nothing yet. And I hate to say this but it’s going to get a lot worse. Joe Biden will never have to answer up. Seriously how can you explain the s*** he’s done. All you have to do is connect the dots, there’s one thing that this administration Russia and China have in common. It really isn’t hard to see. I’ll give you a little clue, the backlog of ships on either side of our shores could be floating Trojan horses. Hundreds of them,. Sure enough we’re getting some illegal immigrants, but let me ask you this question when you illegally come over to this country you don’t get flown anywhere however all throughout history when a spy or a person invading another country they are chaperoned to where they need to be. Connect the dots I don’t know if you play chess , but I can see this coming down the road as the pandemic started.
          I am a nobody but I knew the pandemic was a precursor to something much much bigger than mandates. China did its part now Russia is doing theirs. One last thing, Ukraine and Taiwan they’re just the distraction we are the target. Just connect the dots.

        • Max

          Trump try to over turn the election, cops were killed some blinded for life, but you idiots still believe the big lie. Keep sending the fat small fingers orange face your social security money. Trump is a racist and if you believe in Trump you are also a racist.

      • Linda M.

        Yes he Joe Biden is doing an awesome job tearing our country & lives upside down with everything so high we can hardly afford to eat! We need Trump back to straighten out the mess Biden has made of our country!

        • Max

          You are an idiot!!!! Trump did nothing, but divided this country. One thing he did he let all you racists come out from under a rock. Trump is a trader to our country, his buddy is killing and raping women in Ukraine and Trump called him a genius. Wake up idiot

          • Kim

            That’s the terrible truth! The devil& & The demon publicly acknowledging their ” friendship”, theatrics and the demon from Russia hates the former devil!

    • Char

      Yes I agree!! Not everyone makes 75,000 or more a year and yet if you make that amount you qualify for a stimulus in pass years. Unfortunately they don’t care about the bottom of the pit! We need monthly help until this pandemic is OVER!! I have Lyme disease plus other health issues can’t work I do get disability. But like you its the shameful amount to live on. Seriously the government puts us in the same category as the people who make 50 times what we get. What, they are kidding???

Comments are closed.