Whether You Get a Stimulus Check Depends on Your Income, Not Your Disability Status

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are not automatically disqualified from a stimulus check. Whether you receive one in 2025 depends entirely on whether your income falls below the threshold set by Congress — the same rule that applies to everyone else.

As of now, no stimulus payments have been announced for 2025. Congress would need to pass new legislation to create a new stimulus program. If that happens, the income limits and payment amounts will be set at that time. This article explains how stimulus checks have worked in the past and what you should watch for if a new program is announced.

The key point: your disability status does not matter. Your income does.

Key Takeaways

  • Stimulus checks are based on income thresholds, not disability status, so SSDI and SSI recipients are treated the same as anyone else.
  • In past stimulus programs, most people on SSDI or SSI received the full payment because their income was below the limit.
  • If you received SSDI or SSI in 2024, the Social Security Administration already has your income information and can process a payment automatically if Congress creates a new stimulus program.
  • You do not need to take any action right now — watch for official announcements from the IRS or Social Security Administration if a new program is created.
  • Scams claiming to help you "get your stimulus check faster" target people on disability; the only official source is the IRS website or Social Security.

How Stimulus Checks Worked in Past Programs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created three stimulus programs: in 2020, 2021, and 2021 again. Each one set an income threshold. If your income was below that threshold, you received a payment. If it was above, you received nothing or a reduced amount.

For most people on SSDI, the income threshold was high enough that they received the full payment. SSDI recipients typically have low incomes — the average SSDI payment in 2024 was around $1,550 per month — so they fell well below the cutoff. SSI recipients, who have even lower income limits as part of the program itself, also typically received full payments.

The Social Security Administration processed these payments automatically for people already receiving SSDI or SSI. You did not have to file a tax return or contact anyone. Social Security sent your payment directly to your bank account or mailed a check.

What Happens If Congress Creates a New Stimulus Program in 2025

If Congress passes a new stimulus bill, the process would likely work the same way it did before. Social Security would use the income information it already has on file for you. If you are below the income threshold, you would receive a payment without having to do anything.

The timing is unpredictable. Congress would need to pass legislation first, then the IRS and Social Security would need time to set up the payment system. In past programs, payments took several weeks to arrive after the law was signed.

You will see announcements on the official IRS website (irs.gov) and from the Social Security Administration if a new program is created. These are the only sources you should trust. Do not rely on emails, text messages, or social media posts claiming to have information about stimulus checks.

Income Limits and How They Affect SSDI and SSI Recipients

In the 2021 stimulus programs, the income thresholds were roughly $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. These numbers are examples only — Congress sets new thresholds for each program, so future limits could be different.

Most people on SSDI have income well below these thresholds. If you receive SSDI and have no other income besides your monthly benefit, you would almost certainly be below the cutoff in any stimulus program Congress creates.

SSI recipients have even lower income by design — the program itself limits how much you can earn and still receive benefits. So SSI recipients would also typically be below any stimulus threshold.

If you have other income — from work, a pension, investments, or family support — your total income might be higher. But even then, most people on disability would still fall below a typical stimulus threshold.

How to Verify Your Income Information Is Correct

Social Security uses the income information in your SSDI or SSI file to determine stimulus payments. If that information is wrong, your payment could be delayed or incorrect. You can check what Social Security has on file by creating an account at ssa.gov and viewing your earnings record.

If you notice an error — for example, if Social Security is showing income you did not earn — contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Fixing errors now means your stimulus payment (if one is created) will be processed correctly.

You do not need to do this unless you suspect an error. Social Security already has your current income information from your ongoing SSDI or SSI case.

Red Flags: Scams Targeting People on Disability

Scammers often target people on disability with fake stimulus check offers. They may claim they can help you "get your check faster" or "unlock money you are owed" in exchange for a fee or personal information.

These are always scams. Legitimate stimulus payments are free. No one can speed up the process by paying a fee. Social Security and the IRS never ask for payment to send you a stimulus check.

If someone contacts you by email, text, phone, or social media claiming to help with a stimulus check, do not respond. Do not give them your Social Security number, bank account information, or any other personal details. Hang up or delete the message.

The only official sources for stimulus information are irs.gov and ssa.gov. If you are unsure whether something is real, go directly to one of those websites or call the official number listed there.

What to Do Right Now

You do not need to take any action at this moment. No stimulus program has been announced for 2025. When and if Congress creates one, you will see official announcements from the IRS and Social Security Administration.

If you want to stay informed, you can check irs.gov periodically or sign up for updates on the Social Security Administration website. You can also contact your local Social Security office if you have questions about how a future stimulus program might affect you.

The most important thing is to ignore any unsolicited offers of help with stimulus checks. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file taxes to get a stimulus check if I am on SSDI?

No. If you receive SSDI, Social Security can process a stimulus payment automatically without you filing taxes. However, if you have other income that requires you to file taxes anyway, filing may help may support your payment is correct.

What if I did not receive a stimulus check in 2020 or 2021 that I think I was owed?

You could claim it on your tax return for that year using the Recovery Rebate Credit. The important date to claim past stimulus payments has passed for most people, but you can speak with a tax professional or contact the IRS to ask about your specific situation.

Will my stimulus check affect my SSDI or SSI benefits?

No. Stimulus payments are not counted as income for SSDI or SSI purposes. You can receive a stimulus check without it changing your monthly benefit amount or your program status.

Can I check the status of a stimulus payment if one is created?

Yes. When a stimulus program is active, the IRS usually has a "Get My Payment" tool on irs.gov where you can check the status of your payment. Social Security also posts information about stimulus payments on ssa.gov.

What if my bank account information has changed since my last SSDI or SSI payment?

Update your bank account information with Social Security before a stimulus program is announced. You can do this by logging into your account at ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office. This ensures your stimulus payment goes to the correct account.