Are You Eligible for COVID-19 Stimulus Checks if You Receive Disability?
After the COVID-19 pandemic began hitting the United States in early 2020, shutting down businesses and causing great economic pain for millions, the federal government approved economic stimulus payments for Americans:
- $1,200 for each adult
- $500 for each child under 17
- For individuals making less than $75,000 per year
- And couples making less than $180,000 per year
If you receive Social Security Disability benefits because you can’t work, one of your first questions was probably: Can I get a check, too?
The answer: Yes.
Checks went out to disability claimants’ just like everybody else.
Those economic impact payments (EIP) are what kept many people financially afloat during a difficult spring and summer of 2020.
We’ll all have to watch the news, and the politicians, to see if any more stimulus payments are coming. To learn more about how this round worked, keep reading below.
Levine Benjamin Law Firm has been helping people through hard times for over 55 years. That’s one thing that remains the same during the pandemic.
When you need disability benefits in Toledo, Traverse City and across Michigan and Ohio: From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.
Key Facts about Social Security Disability and COVID-19 Stimulus Eligibility
This is how the stimulus check eligibility process worked for people receiving Social Security Disability benefits:
- Most disability benefits recipients were eligible to receive stimulus checks automatically.
- If you didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you needed to file a return or other required information to get a check.
- Some people received payments to their Direct Express cards. Some received pre-paid debit cards. If you provided bank account information, the IRS may have deposited your money there. Otherwise, it mailed out paper checks.
- For people who have representative payees managing their disability benefits, the IRS sent stimulus money to the payees using the same bank accounts or other payment methods. The money belongs to the disability beneficiary, and the representative payee must respect the beneficiary’s wishes on how to use it.
- If you didn’t start receiving Social Security benefits until Jan. 1, 2020, or later, the IRS planned to process your economic impact payment late in the year.
- If you receive Supplement Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, your stimulus money does not count toward your income, so it won’t affect your eligibility to keep receiving SSI.
For any more questions about Social Security Disability during the COVID-19 pandemic, talk to the experienced disability lawyers at Levine Benjamin.
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Can I Still Apply for Social Security Disability During COVID-19?
The answer to that is also yes.
Applying for Social Security Disability looks a little different when Social Security offices are closed or offering limited service because of flare-ups of the virus.
You’ll be doing more by phone or online—including working with your disability lawyer—so everyone can keep a safe distance and avoid spreading the virus.
If you need to appeal a disability denial, your hearing with an administrative law judge will be by phone, or by video if that option is available, which Social Security is planning.
If you can’t work because of serious health problems, you shouldn’t let the unusual times stop you from receiving the financial assistance you need.
Disability income goes a long way toward keeping your life secure.
If you can’t work, talk to an experienced Levine Benjamin disability attorney.
