If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits, you are eligible for a stimulus check.
Last week, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package to help the American public and the U.S. economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Key elements of the stimulus package include sending checks directly to individuals and families. Those who are eligible for a check include individuals whose 2019 adjusted gross income (or 2018 adjusted gross income if they haven’t filed a 2019 return) is no more than $75,000 if they filed singly, $112,500 if they filed as head of household, and $150,000, if they were married filing jointly, should receive $1200 for individuals, $2400 for married couples, and $500 per dependent child. At higher incomes, the rebates begin to taper off.
This week, the Treasury Department announced that Social Security beneficiaries who typically do not file a tax return will automatically get the $1,200.00 payment. If you are a Social Security benefits recipient, you do not need to file a tax return to be eligible for this stimulus check.
Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries
Those who are on Supplemental Security Income are eligible for a rebate so long as they are not the dependent of another taxpayer and have a work-eligible social security number. There is no qualifying income requirement to receive a check so even individuals with $0 income are still eligible for the stimulus check.
Seniors on Social Security and Disability Recipients
Seniors and Social Security Disability recipients whose only income is from Social Security are also eligible for the check as long as they are not the dependent of another taxpayer. The stimulus package provides the IRS with tools to locate and provide these checks to low-income seniors and disabled people who do not normally file a tax return by allowing the IRS to base a rebate on SSA Form 1099, the Social Security Benefit Statement. But these social security recipients are still encouraged to file a 2019 tax return to ensure they receive their stimulus check as quickly as possible.
The Treasury Department announced that direct deposits should begin by April 17, followed by checks in the mail.
