Will I Get a COVID-19 Stimulus Check if I Collect SSDI?

Those who receive disability payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) are eligible to receive the coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus checks in mid-April. But, read on to see if you have special circumstances that require you to affirmatively seek out the stimulus payment. 

In this article, we will discuss the origin of the $1,200 stimulus check that the government is about to distribute. We will also answer some Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic.

If, after reading this article, you have more questions or need representation with regard to Social Security disability, call the seasoned SSDI claims attorneys in Jacksonville at the Law Offices of RITE Law. We can help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so call today.

What Does the CARES Act Have to Do with Stimulus Checks?

On March 27, 2020, Congress enacted legislation meant to stimulate the United States Economy as we deal with the

COVID-19 pandemic. The grand total of the money earmarked for economic stimulus is $2.2 trillion. 

The legislation is called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). It is being provided to give some assistance to individuals and businesses to help keep people on the payrolls with their employers, and have some money to pay rent and other essential expenses in this challenging time. 

Under the CARES Act, approximately $425 billion is set aside to make direct payments to qualifying individuals and families who qualify. It is important to note that the money will be distributed through the U.S. Treasury and not the Social Security Administration. 

Generally speaking, those earning $75,000 or less per year will receive an “economic impact payment.” The payment is $1,200 for individuals, and $2,400 for married couples who have a combined income below $150,000. For each child under 17 years old, the family will receive an additional $500.

The economic impact payment is not available to those who earn more than $99,000, or $198,000 for married couples.

If I Receive SSDI, Will I Be Eligible to Receive the Economic Impact Payment?

Yes. Most people who receive SSDI and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible for the COVID-19 economic impact payment. 

Specifically, you are eligible for an economic impact payment:

1. As long as you have a social security number (not a taxpayer ID number; and
2. You are not claimed as a dependent on another individual’s tax return. 

In addition, if you have children under the age of 17 who live with you, then you will receive an additional $500 for each child. 

Is the Economic Impact Payment Automatic?

Generally, the stimulus check will be automatically direct deposited into your account or you will receive a paper check for those who receive SSDI. In particular, if you received SSDI in 2019, you do not have to do anything. Your economic impact payment will automatically be sent out to you. 

However, if you just started to receive SSDI in 2020, you will need to take certain steps to make sure that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can find you, and so the U.S. Treasury can pay you. In addition, SSDI recipients will not get the $500 per child payment unless they take certain steps as well.

In a nutshell, those certain steps you need to take are:

1. Go to the IRS website for economic impact website, by clicking here
2. Fill out the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” section

Will the Economic Impact Payment Have Any Effect on My SSDI Benefits?

No, for SSDI recipients, the economic impact payment will have no effect on your benefits. That is because your income and assets are not relevant to your eligibility for SSDI. 

Notably, the economic impact payment is will not be reduced for back taxes or student loan debt. If, however, you have past-due child support payments, then your stimulus payment may be reduced. 

What If I Do Not Use Direct Deposit, or I Moved Recently?

If you have never given the IRS your direct deposit information, check the IRS website, because they are in the middle of developing a way in which to provide direct deposit information, and give updated contact information. 

This online utility provided by the IRS is also intended to allow you to check your payment status, and even track the payment. 

Should I Expect a Check if My Income Has Decreased in 2020?

The IRS and the U.S. Treasury are determining eligible recipients by their income based on a 2018 or 2019 tax return. So, if you made over $99,000 during those years you may not be able to get an economic impact payment. However, it is possible to get the stimulus payment as a rebate in 2021, as long as you file a tax return in 2020. 

Should I Worry About Scams?

Yes, the U.S. Treasury has warned about emails or phone calls from scammers who may claim to be from the IRS or Treasury, and ask for your personal information in order to receive the economic impact payment. The best advice is to ignore the email, or hang up the phone. 

The IRS would never call or email you unsolicited. Rather, the IRS may contact you by regular mail if there is a question about your stimulus check. 

Let SSDI Claims Attorneys in Jacksonville Help You with Social Security Disability Insurance. 

Our RITE Law attorneys focus on SSDI benefits. That experience can be invaluable now and in the future, particularly in a new area such as COVID-19 illness. At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason – to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was “big enough to fight but small enough to care.” At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis (RITE law), we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately. 

Without help from the SSD claims attorneys in Jacksonville at RITE Law, making an SSDI claim can be frustrating and can result in lost time and money. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure that every detail of your claim is addressed. Call us for help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so call us today.