In the last days of 2020, Congress was finally able to pass a second stimulus recovery bill. Under this bill, many Americans, including most Illinois residents, would receive a check for $600. However, because the bill moved so quickly, it led to many gray areas that people may not understand. Now, a third stimulus check for $1400 is being debated. One of the most asked questions is regarding SSI or SSDI program recipients and if they will receive further stimulus checks. The following includes detailed information on this question.
Are you eligible for another stimulus check?
Much of the wording within the December bill was the same as the CARES Act that Congress passed earlier in March of 2020. This means that those who received the first check have probably already received the second and should also receive the third. Essentially, if you were an SSI or Social Security Disability program recipient and received a check the first time, then you are going to receive one this time around as well.
Why you may not receive another check
Some Americans lost their eligibility to receive the $600 check. Understandably, this can be a frustrating experience for anyone to go through, but what is the reason for the change? The fact is that in March of 2020, the IRS used 2018 and 2019 tax records to indicate eligibility. Today, however, they are likely going to only use the 2019 tax records. So, if someone claimed you as a dependent in their 2019 taxes, then you might not be eligible for a second stimulus check.
Income eligibility for the $1400 stimulus check is currently being debated in congress, with some politicians supporting the payments for those making $75,000 a year as an individual or $150,000 as a couple, while other lawmakers want those figures lowered significantly.
If you don’t normally file Federal taxes and did not receive the payments, the IRS has published a page about the Recovery Rebate Credit:
If you’re eligible for the credit, and either we didn’t issue you any Economic Impact Payments or we issued less than the full amounts, you must file a 2020 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit even if you are not required to file a tax return for 2020.
Dealing with the government can be a nightmare. That’s why it is important to consult with an attorney to ensure that you are receiving the best information possible about SSDI and ongoing economic recovery efforts from the government. Doing this may help you find other ways to lessen the financial blow of 2020.