Social Security periodically adds new information to its COVID-19 update page. The latest from Social Security addresses information about the economic impact payments and Medicare enrollment. Social Security is attempting to let people know the steps they may need to take to receive their payments, how they will receive those payments and the impact of those payments on Social Security benefits. Below is the most recent information Social Security has released.
Payments Made Through Card Or Check
The Department of the Treasury announced on May 18 that it is starting to send nearly 4 million EIPs by prepaid debit card, instead of by paper check. EIP Card recipients can make purchases, get cash from in-network ATMs, and transfer funds to their personal bank account without incurring any fees. Additional information is available in Treasury’s press release. EIP Card recipients can read more about their debit card at www.eipcard.com. Please note that the EIP Card is not the same as the Direct Express Debit Card on which many Social Security and SSI beneficiaries receive their monthly benefit payment. If you need to request a replacement EIP debit card, please call the EIP Card call center at 1-800-240-8100.
The IRS has made some recent changes to the EIP Card fees. Visit the EIP Card FAQ webpage for the latest information.
Will Payments Impact SSI Benefits?
We do not consider Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund financial assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect your SSI payment.
Medicare Enrollment
If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a loss of employment or group health coverage, please complete form CMS 40-B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (Medical Insurance) along with the CMS L564-Request for Employment Information and gather proof of employment, Group Health Plan (GHP), or Large Group Health Plan (LGHP).
You have three options to submit your enrollment request under the Special Enrollment Period. You can do one of the following:
- Go to Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period and complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Then upload your evidence of Group Health Plan or Large Group Health Plan.
- Fax your forms to 1-833-914-2016.
- Mail your CMS-40B, CMS-L564, and evidence to your local Social Security field office.
Note When completing the CMS-L564
- State on the form “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)”
- If possible, your employer should complete Section B.
- If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion on behalf of your employer without your employers signature and submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:
*income tax form that shows health insurance premiums paid;
*W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions;
*pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions;
*health insurance cards with a policy effective date;
*explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP; or
*statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.
