As debate continues over the next round of stimulus relief, there may still be some confusion among Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients regarding stimulus checks. The good news is that if you are part of the SSDI program, you likely qualified for the first stimulus check and will also likely qualify for any future checks as well.
Here are some things you need to know now about SSDI and stimulus checks:
If you did not receive a first-round stimulus check
If you are on SSDI and did not receive a first-round stimulus check from earlier this year, the IRS may be missing some information for you. You can provide this information using the IRS’ online non-filers tool. However, you should not use this tool if you filed a 2019 tax return. The IRS has said that if you register with the non-filers tool by November 21, 2020, you will receive your payment by the end of 2020.
If you did not receive a first-round stimulus check for dependents
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made individuals with qualified dependents — those listed on your tax return — eligible for up to $500 per dependent. If you did not receive that payment, the last day to file a claim was September 30, 2020. If you missed that deadline, you may claim the payment as a credit on your 2020 federal income tax return.
If you did not file a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019
If you receive SSDI benefits, you were not required to file a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019. Under the CARES Act, you should still have received a first-round stimulus check automatically.
How stimulus payments are distributed to SSDI recipients
Most SSDI recipients receive their federal benefits through a Direct Express card. However, stimulus checks were distributed in a different way: either through direct deposit to your bank account (if the IRS already had your banking information on file) or through a paper check mailed to you. If a second stimulus payment is authorized, it will likely come the same way as the first.
Oklahoma SSDI recipients can check the status of their stimulus payments via the IRS’ Get My Payment tool.
If you are disabled, contact Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Let our attorneys guide you through the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.