Founding Attorney
If you are receiving SSI benefits, then the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (or CARES), entitles you to a stimulus check. If you have already received a stimulus check, or you are expecting to receive one, there are some important things to keep in mind regarding your SSI benefits.
First of all, the stimulus money will not count as income for tax purposes or for SSI benefit eligibility. This is good news as the check will not negatively impact your taxes or your SSI benefits by potentially placing you over the SSI resource limit.
Secondly, if you just recently began receiving SSI benefits, you may need to contact the IRS to get them some necessary information. If you filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and had direct deposit set up, there is no need to contact the IRS. However, if you just started receiving SSI benefits and you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, then you need to either submit a return for 2019, or compelete a simple form at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. This form will provide the IRS with the necessary information on where to send your stimulus check.
Lastly, you may be eligible for more money if you have a dependent that the IRS did not know about. This would require you to submit a 2020 tax return and do so immediately! The deadline for SSI recipients to update the IRS about a dependent is May 5, 2020. If you miss this deadline, you will still be able to get the money for a dependent , however, you will have to file a tax return for 2020. Every dependent receives an additional $500.00 stimulus check.
The CARES Act is meant to help you out through this difficult time, so make sure you get every penny that you deserve!