It’s a bit more difficult for Social Security recipients to learn the ins and outs of second-round stimulus checks, since there are a few special rules that only apply to them.
Trying to track down answers to all your second stimulus check questions can make anyone’s head spin. This is especially true for Social Security recipients, because there are several special rules that only apply to them.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. We combed through the law and related guidance on second-round stimulus checks and pulled out the 10 important things Social Security recipients should know about their second stimulus check. Hopefully, we’ll answer all your questions, point you in the right direction for more information, and provide a little advice for moving forward.
The IRS is Working with the Social Security Administration
For most people, the IRS gets the information it needs to process and send a second stimulus check from their 2019 tax return. The tax agency can also use information it collected from online tools it released last year to help deliver first-round stimulus checks. But for people receiving Social Security retirement benefits, there’s another source of information at the IRS’s disposal.
For retirees who didn’t file a 2019 tax return, the IRS will get the information it needs from the Social Security Administration. In addition, the IRS will also get information from other government departments or agencies for non-filers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans benefits.
While the IRS was also able to get information from the Social Security Administration to process first-round stimulus checks, the process should go more smoothly this time around. As you may recall, there was a point back in April when we weren’t sure if Social Security recipients who didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 tax return would automatically get a first-round stimulus check. They ultimately did, but not without some confusion at the start of the process. Those issues should not crop up for second-round stimulus checks going out now.
You Can Track the Status of Your Stimulus Check
The IRS updated a popular online tool that will let you:
- Check the status of your first or second stimulus check (the tool will show the status of your most recent payment);
- Confirm your payment type (paper check or direct deposit); and
- Get a projected direct deposit or paper check delivery date (or find out if a payment hasn’t been scheduled).
The tool is called the “Get May Payment” portal, and it can be found at irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. Social Security recipients can use the portal to track the status of their payment, even if they didn’t file a tax return. However, Social Security recipients can’t use the portal to provide bank account information if they didn’t file a 2019 tax return. The IRS will get that information, if it is available, from the Social Security Administration.
There are Various Ways to Receive Your Second Stimulus Check
If you filed a 2019 tax return and the IRS has your bank account information, you’ll receive your second stimulus payment by direct deposit. That’s the fastest and easiest way for both you and the IRS.
If you didn’t file a 2019 tax return, you’ll automatically receive your second stimulus check by direct deposit, debit card or paper check — whichever way you normally receive your Social Security benefits. For example, if your benefits are currently deposited to a Direct Express card, your second stimulus check will also be deposited to that card. If your benefits are currently deposited directly into your bank account, your second stimulus check will be deposited to that account. If you didn’t file a 2019 tax return, you’ll be able to use the “Get My Payment” tool to check the status of your payment, but you won’t be able to use it to provide your bank account information.
You Might Not Get All Your Money Right Now if You Have Dependent Children
Social Security recipients who have (or care for) dependent children 16 years old or younger might not get all the money they’re entitled to in their second stimulus check. If you didn’t file a 2019 return, and you didn’t send the IRS information about the children by November 21 (for first-round stimulus check purposes), you probably won’t get an extra $600 per child added to your second stimulus check. (The information for first-round stimulus checks had to be provided online using the IRS’s “Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here” tool.)
For non-filers who didn’t provide the IRS with the necessary information by the November 21 deadline, your second stimulus payment will be for the standard $600 amount. However, you’ll be able to claim the additional $600-per-child amount as a “recovery rebate” tax credit when you file your 2020 tax return. So, you’ll still get paid, but you’ll just have to wait a while to claim it.
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