Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Recipients – Steps to Take and Schedule of Payments
Prepared by the Social Security Administration. Information provided by IRS and the Bureau of Fiscal Service. May 14, 2020 7
I began receiving Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
ON or AFTER January 1, 2020:
If you filed a tax return for 2019 or 2018:
The IRS began issuing electronic economic impact payments on or about April 15 to people who received a tax refund electronically, and to the
same account as the tax refund.
If you did not get an electronic refund or no refund, the IRS will send your payment, and payment for any qualifying children listed on your tax
return, by mail at the same time. Payments will be issued on a staggered basis beginning in late April. You may be able to use the IRS’ Get My
Payment tool to provide or update your bank information to receive an electronic payment more quickly. For a child not listed on your tax return,
you must wait to file a tax year 2020 tax return to receive the $500 payment.
If you did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2018:
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients in this category may use the IRS' Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info Here tool to receive their own $1,200
payment and $500 payment for qualifying children. You may only enter non-Direct Express bank account information for direct deposit, or leave
bank information empty to receive a paper check by mail.
What is a “qualifying child”?
The IRS lists rules for the qualifying child applicable to the Child Tax Credit. The child qualifies if the child:
• Is your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of any
of them (e.g., your grandchild, niece, or nephew).
• Was under age 17 at the end of 2019.
• Did not provide over half of his or her own support for 2019.
• Lived with you for more than half of 2019
• Is claimed as a dependent on your return.
• Does not file a joint return for the year (or files it only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid).
• Was a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
The CARES Act also requires the qualifying child have a valid Social Security Number or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).