As someone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are likely wondering whether you are still eligible to receive a stimulus check for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The good news is that you should be eligible according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as long as certain requirements are met. The amount you receive depends on a few factors. If you have not received a stimulus check yet, figuring out what went wrong is important. Talk to a Tennessee bankruptcy lawyer if you have questions or concerns.
STIMULUS CHECK ELIGIBILITY WHEN YOU HAVE SSI BENEFITS
Checking your eligibility for a stimulus check can be done by visiting the IRS main website. The IRS has stated that people receiving SSI benefits are still eligible for the stimulus check. One important thing to note is that the following information only applies to people who started receiving SSI benefits before January 1st of 2020.
The IRS will look at your 2018 or 2019 income tax return to see how much money you made during that span. Do not worry if you did not file an income tax return during those years because the IRS will still issue you a payment. You should receive your stimulus check money the same way you usually receive your SSI benefits. This might be through direct deposit to your bank or through a paper check, depending on how you have your SSI payments set up.
How much money you receive from the stimulus check depends on whether you have children and how many children you have. Without children, you should receive $1,200 for your stimulus check. If you have children, you should be given an extra $500 per child. Your child must be a qualifying child who was listed on your income tax return for this to happen.
WILL THE STIMULUS CHECK AFFECT MY SSI BENEFITS?
Since SSI benefits depend on income levels, many recipients of these benefits are worried they might lose them because of the added stimulus check. SSI benefits give people who can no longer work the same number of hours, or who cannot work at all, a certain amount of monetary benefits each month. Whenever their monthly income exceeds a certain amount, they can be kicked out of the disability benefits program. For some people, this can mean that you have to file bankruptcy.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles everything for SSI disability benefits and stated that they will not count the stimulus check as part of your income. This means that even if your stimulus check puts your financial assets above the SSA-allowed limit, you will still receive your regular disability benefits.
BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS IN CHATTANOOGA, TN
When you are facing obstacles to obtaining your stimulus check or SSI benefits, then consider reaching out to Tom Bible Law firm for financial advice. One of our knowledgeable Tennessee bankruptcy lawyers can help you figure out your legal options. Our legal team has helped clients in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Northern Georgia overcome a variety of financial challenges related to bankruptcy. Call a bankruptcy lawyer in Tennessee at (423) 690-7712 or leave a note on our contact page today. We have offices located in Chattanooga and Tullahoma.