Will I Get a Coronavirus Stimulus Check if I’m on Disability?
Economic impact payments began posting to some Americans’ bank accounts on April 13, 2020, marking the first wave of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
With more than 16 million Americans out of a job in just the past month, many households are eagerly awaiting their coronavirus stimulus check. The economic stimulus seems simple at first glance—as long as you make under $75,000 a year (or under $150,000 if you file taxes jointly), you’re guaranteed a $1,200 check, correct?
Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that. Trying to understand whether or not you’re eligible to receive the stimulus provided by the CARES Act when you also receive social security disability benefits can be confusing. To help clear things up, Social Security Disability Advocates USA has created this helpful guide to coronavirus stimulus checks.
I’m On Disability. Will I Receive a Coronavirus Stimulus Check?
Yes, you are eligible to receive an economic impact payment even if you are receiving SSDI benefits. The only exception to this is if you receive social security disability, but are still being claimed as a dependent by someone else. Your payment may also be reduced if you have additional income that contributes to a yearly income more than $75,000.
In addition to a standard $1,200 payment, those receiving disability benefits are eligible to receive an additional $500 for each child who is under the age of 17, provided that they live with you for more than half of the year.
Will I Receive a Payment Even Though I Didn’t File a Tax Return?
You do not need to have filed a tax return in the past two years in order to qualify for the coronavirus stimulus check. The IRS will automatically send you a payment.
However, please note that in order to receive the $500 payment for dependent children, you will need to either file (or have filed) your taxes for 2018 or 2019. Alternatively, you can submit non-filer information to the IRS to ensure that you receive the proper payment.
Will I Receive a Paper Check or Direct Deposit?
If you are currently receiving monthly SSDI benefits, your coronavirus stimulus check will be sent to you in whatever form you receive your ongoing benefits. If your benefits automatically deposit in your bank account, your economic impact payment will also be directly deposited into the same account.
If you still receive a monthly mailed check for your disability benefits, your economic stimulus check will be mailed to the same address where you receive your SSDI check. The Social Security Administration strongly encourages SSDI recipients to sign up for direct deposit to prevent payment delays and theft.
If you need to update or change your mailing or banking information, you can do so using your My Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
When Will My Coronavirus Stimulus Check Arrive?
The IRS is expected to begin distributing checks electronically beginning on April 13, 2020. These payments will likely be distributed over several waves in the coming weeks. By April 17, the IRS should be debuting a new tracking tool called Get My Payment. This web portal will allow people to track when their economic stimulus check will be arriving and update their address or direct deposit information if they have not received their payment already.
The IRS is expected to begin mailing out paper checks in early May, beginning with low-income beneficiaries.
I’m Applying for Disability Benefits. Where Can I Get Help?
With recent SSA office closures, getting help with checking your SSDI application status or appealing your denial is more complicated. For the ultimate disability secrets and help with your individual case, contact our legal team at Social Security Disability Advocates USA.
You can reach us by calling 602-952-3200, speaking with a live representative via our LiveChat feature, or by submitting the details of your case using our contact form. Contact us today to get help applying for the benefits you deserve!
