SSDI recipients received stimulus payments in past rounds, but there are no new stimulus checks being issued now

The federal government issued three rounds of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2020, 2021, and 2021. Those payments have ended. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who met the income and filing requirements received those checks automatically, without having to take any action. There is no current stimulus program, and no new payments are being distributed to SSDI recipients or the general public.

If you received stimulus payments in the past and are wondering whether more are coming, the answer is no. Congress would need to pass new legislation to create another stimulus program, and that has not happened. If you see advertisements or websites claiming you can get a new stimulus check now, those are scams.

Key Takeaways

  • Three rounds of stimulus payments were issued between 2020 and 2021, and those programs have ended with no new rounds authorized.
  • SSDI recipients received stimulus payments automatically if they had filed a tax return or were receiving benefits; most did not need to take action.
  • Scammers frequently advertise fake stimulus payments to SSDI recipients, so be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls about new checks.
  • If you did not receive a stimulus payment you believe you were owed, the IRS has a tool to check your payment status, but you cannot claim it on a current tax return.

How SSDI recipients received stimulus payments in the past

During the three stimulus rounds, the federal government used Social Security Administration records to identify who should receive a payment. If you were receiving SSDI benefits, the payment was deposited directly into the bank account on file with Social Security, or mailed as a check if no account was on file. You did not have to explore, call anyone, or submit paperwork.

The amount of each stimulus payment varied by round. The first payment in 2020 was $1,200 per person. The second payment in 2021 was $600 per person. The third payment, also in 2021, was $1,400 per person. Dependents and children also received payments in most cases. SSDI recipients were treated the same as other benefit recipients and did not receive different amounts.

If you were receiving SSDI but had not filed a recent tax return, Social Security's records were used to send you the payment. This meant many SSDI recipients received stimulus money without having to do anything at all.

Why there are no new stimulus checks now

Stimulus payments were created as temporary emergency relief during the pandemic. Congress passed three separate bills to authorize them, and each bill specified the dates and amounts for that round only. No ongoing stimulus program was created, and no new authorizations have been passed since 2021.

Economic conditions, political priorities, and budget decisions change over time. Congress would need to vote on and pass a new bill specifically authorizing another round of stimulus payments. That has not happened, and there is no indication it will happen in the near future. If you hear that a new stimulus check is coming, verify that claim through official government sources before believing it.

How to check if you received all your stimulus payments

If you are unsure whether you received all three stimulus payments you were owed, the IRS has a tool called the Economic Impact Payment Status tool. You can access it on the IRS website by searching for "Get My Payment" or "stimulus check status." The tool will show you the date each payment was sent and the method (direct deposit or check).

To use the tool, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. The tool works best if you check it several weeks after a payment was supposed to be sent, since the system takes time to update. If the tool shows a payment was mailed but you never received it, you can file a claim with the IRS, though the important date for claiming missing 2020 and 2021 payments has passed.

If you believe you should have received a stimulus payment but did not, and you are no longer within the filing window, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. They can review your case, though they cannot issue new payments for rounds that have officially ended.

Protecting yourself from stimulus payment scams

Scammers know that SSDI recipients are looking for information about stimulus payments, and they use that to trick people into giving up personal information or money. Common scams include emails or texts claiming you can "claim" a stimulus payment by clicking a link, phone calls from someone pretending to be from Social Security or the IRS asking for your number or bank details, and websites offering to "help you get" a stimulus check for a fee.

Real government agencies will never ask you to pay money to receive a benefit or payment. They will never ask for your password, PIN, or full Social Security number over email or text. If you receive an unsolicited message about a stimulus payment, do not click any links or provide any information. Instead, go directly to the official IRS website or call Social Security's main number to verify whether the message is real.

If you have already given a scammer your information, contact your bank and the Federal Trade Commission right away. You can report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338.

What SSDI recipients should focus on instead

Rather than waiting for stimulus payments that are not coming, SSDI recipients should focus on understanding their current benefits and what changes might affect them. This includes knowing your benefit amount, understanding how work affects your benefits, and staying aware of any changes Social Security announces.

If you are struggling financially, there are other programs that may help, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP (food information), housing programs, and utility information. These programs have ongoing funding and do not depend on Congress passing new legislation. Your local Area Agency on Aging or 211 can help you find programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be another stimulus check for SSDI recipients?

There is no current stimulus program and no new stimulus checks are being issued. Congress would need to pass new legislation to create another round, and that has not happened. Be cautious of any website or advertisement claiming a new stimulus check is available.

What if I never received one of the three stimulus payments?

Use the IRS Economic Impact Payment Status tool to check the status of each payment. If a payment was mailed but you never received it, you may have been able to claim it on your tax return, but the important date for most claims has passed. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your specific situation.

Can I get a stimulus payment if I just started receiving SSDI?

The stimulus rounds have ended, so no new stimulus payments are being issued. If you were receiving SSDI during one of the three payment periods (2020 or 2021), you should have received those payments automatically. If you did not, check your payment status with the IRS tool.

Is it safe to click links in emails about stimulus payments?

No. Real government agencies do not send unsolicited emails asking you to click links to claim payments or verify information. If you receive an email about a stimulus payment, go directly to the official IRS or Social Security website instead of clicking any links in the message.

What other help is available if I need money now?

SSDI recipients may be able to access SNAP, housing information, utility information, and other programs depending on income and location. Call 211 or visit 211.org to find programs near you. Your local Social Security office can also provide referrals to community resources.