The coronavirus pandemic affected every part of society. For many, the financial damage was immediate and harsh. The CARES Act, signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, provided almost immediately and direct financial support in the form of economic impact payments. Some confusion occurred, especially for people who wondered if they could get economic impact payments if they were on disability or receiving Social Security retirement income. This article should answer their concerns.
What does ‘on disability’ mean?
We are specifically referencing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). People might say they are ‘on disability’ when receiving these benefits.
What do you mean by economic impact payments?
As noted above, the CARES Act offered direct financial support to Americans whose income was less than $99,000 or $198,000 for joint filers. The payments started at $1,200 per person but decreased as income approached the $99,000 individual limit. Also, families with qualifying children received $500 per child.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent the checks based on information contained in income tax returns. For some, this method didn’t work. Eventually, the IRS set up a website where people who had not filed their taxes yet or who were not required to file could enter direct deposit information to get their payments.
People who received government benefits like SSDI had to worry about whether economic impact payments would affect their disability payments.
Has Social Security specifically told us how economic impact payments will affect disability benefits?
Yes. In fact, you can access a long message from Social Security about economic impact payments. This document addresses several scenarios, like:
- How you will get your payment if you have a representative payee.
- The effect your start date of benefits may have on your situation.
- How your tax return status will be handled – for example, if you have not filed a 2019 tax return.
- What action you may have to take to get your economic impact payments.
- What ‘qualifying child’ means.
Also, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Bogle wrote a blog about economic impact payments being sent to Social Security beneficiaries.
CAN you get economic impact payments if you are on disability?
In most cases, the answer is “Yes.” Again, Social Security has provided information about eligibility for people in different situations.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance claims. They can help you with your application and any appeals that might be needed.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
