Last spring Americans received the first Economic Impact Payments (EIP) that were passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and now a second round of payments should be arriving in the bank accounts of most Americans shortly. The second round of payments that Congress passed right before the end of 2020 will not be as healthy as the first round. This time around most Americans will receive $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple. This is about half of what was delivered last time around.
Social Security is not in charge of issuing these payments, that responsibility falls on the IRS, but many people who are eligible for payments want to know how it may impact their Social Security benefits. In response Social Security has updated its COVID-19 page to answer these questions. The EIP should not have any negative impact on Social Security benefits as was the case the first round of the payments were issued. Below are Social Security’s responses to commonly asked questions relating the EIP payments.
Where can I find the latest information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about economic impact payments (EIP)?
The IRS has published a web page dedicated to the second round of EIPs. Please visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus/second-eip-faqs. Please remember that the IRS, not the Social Security Administration, issues EIPs. The Social Security Administration cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation.
How do I know if I am eligible for the second economic impact payment (EIP)?
Please visit the Internal Revenue Service’s web page dedicated to the second round of EIPs, and refer to the question Who’s eligible for the second round of Economic Impact Payments.
What if I don’t see an answer to my economic impact payment (EIP) question on this web page?
The IRS has published a web page dedicated to the second round of EIPs. Please visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus/second-eip-faqs.
Please remember that the IRS, not the Social Security Administration, issues EIPs. The Social Security Administration cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation.
How can I check the status of my economic impact payment (EIP)?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is providing a status of EIPs with its Get My Payment tool. Due to high demand, you may have to wait longer than usual to access this site. The IRS appreciates your patience. Please remember that the IRS, not the Social Security Administration, issues EIPs. The Social Security Administration cannot answer EIP questions about your specific situation.
If I am eligible for a second economic impact payment (EIP), how and when will I receive the payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
If you received the first EIP by:
- Direct Deposit: You will automatically receive your payment to the same account where you received the first EIP.
- Direct Express or by check: You should receive your payment in the same manner.
- EIP Debit Card: You will receive a new card in the mail.
The IRS began issuing second EIPs on December 29, 2020 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year. Direct deposit and Direct Express payments will continue through the first week of January. Mailed checks and EIP debit cards should be completed in January.
