[Nfbnet-members-list] Special Bulletin: Rules for SSI and Economic Impact Payments Have Been Updated

[Pare, John]

Dear Fellow Federationists:

Due to the speed at which coronavirus relief legislation has been, and continues to be, drafted and passed, some confusion and misunderstanding has surrounded certain important aspects of the aid offered. It's not just the general public that is confused about these provisions. Even federal agencies have had to update and revise their guidance multiple times in recent weeks in order to keep up and better understand the changing landscape.

One of the most talked about relief measures which has had its fair share of this confusion is the Economic Impact Payment. Initially, the IRS guidance for this program stated only those who had filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019 would automatically receive the payment with no further action necessary. All others (including Social Security retirement recipients, SSDI recipients, and SSI recipients), even if they met the income threshold, would be required to file a simple tax return. This guidance was revised only a few days later, and after pressure from Congress, to say that Social Security retirement recipients and SSDI recipients would automatically receive the payments because they received Form SSA-1099, but they would still not be eligible for the additional $500 dependent payment for children 16 and under. Just yesterday the IRS changed its guidance again.

The latest information we have about this critical program (as of April 14, 2020) is as follows:
If you meet the income requirements specified by the CARES Act (outlined on our Economic Impact Payment information page<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources/cares-act-economic-impact-payments>), and you have filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, OR you receive Social Security retirement benefits or SSDI benefits you do not need to take any action in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. As a matter of fact, you may have already received it, as we are hearing reports from Federationists that the payment has arrived in their bank account. However, if you receive SSI payments, you will need to visit the IRS website<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here> to enter your information in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. You will also need to visit the IRS website if you need the additional $500 per dependent and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and are therefore solely receiving your Economic Impact Payment as a result of receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI.

We know things have been confusing. And, just like everyone else, we have been doing our best to keep up with all of the changing information. In the event the guidance changes again, which is possible, we will be sure to send another update. In the meantime, for the most up-to-date information we have on all aspects of coronavirus relief programs, please visit our COVID-19 resources page<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>.

Stay inside. Stay safe.

Warm regards,
John



John G. Paré Jr.

Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218

Cell phone: (410) 917-1965

Fax: (410) 685-5653

Email: jpare at nfb.org<mailto:jpare at nfb.org>



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