Weeks went by where it seemed the rules were changing on a daily basis as to whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients would be eligible for the economic stimulus payments issued by the government during the COVID – 19 pandemic and how they would receive those payments. There were reports these beneficiaries had to file a tax return even if they were not required to on an annual basis due to income levels, and other reports indicated they had to do nothing to receive these payments. Finally, Social Security issued a comprehensive guide that addresses several scenarios facing beneficiaries and their dependents. Many beneficiaries have yet to receive their stimulus payments so it is important to examine the guide to determine what beneficiaries might be eligible for.
As a reminder about the stimulus payments, below are the income guidelines limiting who is eligible for a stimulus payment regardless of whether they also receive Social Security benefits.
The amount you’ll receive will depend on your total income in 2019 or 2018. If you qualify, you’ll receive one payment. Here’s who qualifies:
- If you’re a single US resident and have an adjusted gross income less than $99,000
- If you file as the head of a household and earn under $146,500
- If you file jointly without children and earn less than $198,000.
In addition, an extra $500 payment is being sent to people who have qualifying children, which is explained in more detail below.
For children
For each child aged 16 or younger in the family, parents will get a payment of $500. Parents will not receive a payment for children born, adopted or placed into foster care in 2020 because the payment is based only on information from your 2019 or 2018 tax return. The IRS said you may claim the child next year for an additional credit on your 2020 tax return. Older children and other dependents may not be eligible for a payment.
