SSI, SSDI: Still no stimulus checks? Why the delay, everything else to know

A large group of at least 8 million people who receive Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance and other federal income benefits, like veterans, are still waiting for their third stimulus check for a maximum of $1,400 per person, including dependents, to be sent out. The IRS and Treasury are deep into sending a new wave of stimulus payments, but many SSI and SSDI recipients aren’t among the groups who are getting payments right now. 

“Many federal beneficiaries who filed 2019 or 2020 returns or used the Non-Filers tool were included in these first two batches of payments, if eligible,” The Treasury said in a statement Wednesday. “For federal beneficiaries who did not file a 2019 or 2020 tax return or did not use the Non-Filers tool, the IRS is working directly with the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Veterans Administration to obtain updated 2021 information to ensure that as many people as possible are sent fast, automatic payments.”

Being on a separate track for payments is only one of the important details for SSDI and SSI recipients to know. For example, you’ll also receive your money in a different payment method this time than with the second check (you can calculate how much of the $1,400 your household could get and eventually track your payment here.) The fact that the checks are arriving during tax season could also make things complicated, especially if you gained a new dependent in 2020. If you stopped or started receiving SSI or SSDI in 2019 or 2020, or are missing money from the first two stimulus checks, you could also face another obstacle. This story was updated with new information.

First, important things you need to know

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Stimulus check 3: How much money you’ll get

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When exactly will I get my third stimulus check?

The IRS said on March 22 that a payment date for those who receive Social Security and other federal benefits will be announced as soon as the information “becomes available.” The Social Security Q&A webpage for the third stimulus payment says it will expand its question and answer section soon. The IRS told CNET it’s working directly with other federal agencies to obtain updated 2021 information for recipients.

House Democrats are “demanding immediate answers from the IRS and Social Security Admin why they’re taking so damn long sending stimulus payments to many Social Security, SSI, and VA recipients,” Rep. Bill Pascrell tweeted Tuesday. “This money needs to go out NOW.”

Here’s what we know about the general timeline: 

• Some people may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they don’t usually file, so the IRS has all the information needed to send payments for all eligible dependents.
• The government will conduct an outreach program letting taxpayers know if they’re eligible for any funds and offering help if needed. 
• Any missing payment from a third check may be paid out as part of tax season…