In case you haven’t already heard, Congress approved a 2 trillion-dollar stimulus bill to help individuals and families affected by all of the changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Each individual has received (or should be receiving) $1,200 ($2,400 per couple) and an additional $500 for each dependent they claim on their taxes.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are on Social Security and wondering if you’ll be getting the extra cash, the answer is yes.
Those who are already getting government assistance through the Social Security disability program (also called Supplemental Security Income or SSI) are eligible for the coronavirus stimulus check. In addition, retired individuals that are receiving Social Security checks will get the stimulus money as well.
Westmoreland Law’s attorney Shelley Davidson explains:
“As far as we know at this point, this pertains to people already receiving benefits, not those applying, unless they fit under another category of eligibility. If you have not filed a claim for disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income or need assistance with a pending claim, please call and ask for assistance with one of our disability attorneys.”
If you filed your 2019 taxes early (before the coronavirus outbreak started) and you had their federal refund direct-deposited, then the government has everything they need to deposit the money into your bank account. If you had not (or have not) filed your 2019 taxes or did not give the federal government your banking information, then they will need that info to deposit your stimulus check.
The deadline for turning in your information if you had not yet filed your 2019 OR 2018 taxes was May 5. If you missed the deadline, you may still qualify for the stimulus, but you most likely wouldn’t be able to get it until you file your 2020 taxes early next year.
Note that not every person is eligible for the 2020 stimulus checks. The 3 factors that the government is using to determine your eligibility are adjusted gross income (AGI), your most recent tax filing status and your citizenship status.
If you have questions about the stimulus check or your Social Security disability check or claim, know that the local social security offices are currently closed so you’ll need to go online or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
At Westmoreland Law, we’re here to help you through this difficult time. If you have problems, questions or concerns about your SSI income or a pending disability claim, please contact our SSI disability attorneys today.
