In March of 2020, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion economic recovery package. This included stimulus checks for those on Social Security and disability benefits. Then in 2021, Congress passed a second economic recovery package. Most Americans received at least one of the three rounds of stimulus payments.
2020 and 2021 Stimulus Payments
In late spring of 2020, Congress distributed the first round of $1,200 stimulus payments to lower-income American households. In the first quarter of 2021, they passed a second economic package, distributing $600 stimulus checks to lower-income households. The third stimulus check distributed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in late 2021 was worth up to $1,400. Hundreds of millions of Americans are eligible for the payments.
As of December 2021, the IRS had issued more than 175 million stimulus checks worth $400 billion under the third round of Federal stimulus payments. But some Americans eligible for checks still haven’t received the $1,400 payments and may receive it during their tax refund process.
Individuals who meet one of the below criteria qualify for the $1,400 stimulus payment:
- Parents who had a baby in 2021
- Families who added a dependent on their 2021 tax return
- Individuals and couples who earned more than $80,000 and $160,000, respectively, in 2020 but less than that amount in 2021
- Eligible family members who passed away in 2021 and did not receive their full stimulus payment.
Stimulus Check and SSDI
Individuals receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs likely received at least one stimulus payment. Like other Americans, individuals receiving disability benefits had to meet the household income and other requirements specified for each payment.
The economic impact payments are categorized as unearned income and therefore they do not impact eligibility for SSI or SSDI benefits. Additionally, the payments are not counted towards means-tested resource limits for the SSI program for up to 12 months.
Will There Be a Fourth Stimulus Check?
Currently, Congress has no plans to issue a fourth round of Federal economic impact payments. However, some states do plan to issue a fourth round of stimulus payments, gas cards, and other forms of assistance via lotteries and direct payments to low-income residents. Click here for a list of states offering assistance.
Additionally, individuals who qualify for the 2021 economic impact payments but did not receive their payment should file a tax return as soon as possible. They may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return if they didn’t receive a payment or got less than the full amount.
Depending on whether you missed the first, second or third payment, you will need to file either a 2020 or 2021 tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit. Visit “Get My Payment” on IRS.gov to learn more.
Disability Lawyers in Charlotte, NC
This content was provided by Collins Price, PLLC. Our experienced disability lawyers in Charlotte, NC are kind and client focused. If you are applying for or appealing a denied disability claim, contact our firm today for a free consultation. There is no obligation to hire our firm and no fee for our services unless you win your claim.
