A Win for Many SSI Recipients: Automatic Economic Impact Payments!

Last week we sent an alert about the Economic Impact Payments in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. We noted that for many people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation or Veterans Pension, there was not a clear or easy process to receive economic impact payments. Commissioner Saul’s previous statement clarified that the Social Security Administration (SSA) was working with the Treasury Department to address questions regarding SSI recipients and other people who are not required to file taxes but do not receive SSA-1099s.

Yesterday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Treasury Department, and SSA announced that SSI recipients will automatically receive their payments. Payments will be received by the same method they usually receive their SSI benefits, and they should be received by early May. This is a big victory that will ensure millions of people can access much-needed payments to help during this crisis.

For SSI recipients with children (or other qualifying dependents under 17), the law allows an extra $500 each. For people who don’t file taxes with qualifying dependents, there is still an extra step to receive the additional $500 per dependent child. Last week, a tool that serves this purpose was released. The press release has more information. 

While this is a major win, there still has not been an automatic process determined for people who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation or Veterans Pension. NCIL is continuing to follow and advocate for this, and the IRS is providing updated information at www.irs.gov/coronavirus. 

For more updates and information, resources, and past alerts about COVID-19, visit www.ncil.org/covid-19.