SSDI recipients did not receive a fourth stimulus check, and no fourth round has been authorized by Congress

The federal government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) during the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2020, 2021, and 2021. No fourth stimulus check was sent to any group of Americans, including SSDI beneficiaries. Congress has not passed legislation authorizing a fourth round, and there is no current plan to do so.

SSDI recipients who received the first three payments got them automatically if they had filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return, or were already in the Social Security system. The IRS and Social Security Administration coordinated to send payments without requiring a separate process. That process does not explore now because there is no fourth payment to distribute.

Some states and local governments have created their own relief programs using federal funds, but these are separate from any federal stimulus check and have different rules. If you are looking for financial help, those programs may be worth investigating in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Three stimulus checks were issued between March 2020 and December 2021; no fourth round has been authorized or sent.
  • SSDI recipients received the first three payments automatically through Social Security if they were in the system or had filed recent taxes.
  • Congress would need to pass new legislation to authorize a fourth stimulus check, which has not happened.
  • Some states and cities have created separate relief programs that may help SSDI recipients, but these are not federal stimulus checks.
  • If you believe you were owed one of the first three checks but did not receive it, you can still claim it on your tax return.

What happened with the first three stimulus checks

The first stimulus check, authorized under the CARES Act in March 2020, sent $1,200 to most adults and $500 per child. The second check, passed in December 2020, was $600 per person. The third check, passed in March 2021, was $1,400 per person. SSDI recipients were included in all three rounds because they are part of the Social Security system.

The IRS and Social Security Administration worked together to identify who should receive each payment. If you were receiving SSDI benefits and had filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return, you received the checks by direct deposit or paper check. If you had not filed taxes but were in the Social Security system, the agencies used that information to send you a payment. Very few SSDI recipients had to take additional steps to receive the money.

The third check was the last one issued. After December 2021, no further stimulus payments were sent, and no new round has been authorized since then.

Why there has been no fourth stimulus check

Congress decides whether to authorize stimulus payments, and members have not voted to create a fourth round. Some lawmakers have proposed additional relief measures, but these proposals have not passed both the House and Senate. Without Congressional action, the federal government cannot send another round of payments.

The economic conditions that led to the first three checks—widespread business closures and unemployment from the pandemic—have changed. While some people continue to face hardship, the federal government has moved away from broad stimulus payments and toward other forms of relief, such as expanded unemployment benefits (which have since ended) and targeted programs for specific groups.

How to check if you received all three stimulus checks

If you are unsure whether you received all three payments, you can check your records through the IRS website. The IRS has a tool called "Get My Payment" that shows the status of each check. You can also look at your bank statements or check stubs from Social Security to see if deposits were made in March 2020, January 2021, and April 2021.

If you did not receive one or more of the three checks and believe you were owed them, you can claim the missing amount on your tax return. When you file your 2020 or 2021 taxes, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any stimulus money you did not receive. This is done on your tax form, and the IRS will send you the missing amount as part of your refund or reduce the taxes you owe.

To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you will need your Social Security number, proof of income, and documentation of which checks you did not receive. A tax preparer or the IRS Free File program can help you file if you cannot afford to pay for tax preparation.

State and local relief programs that may help SSDI recipients

While there is no federal fourth stimulus check, some states and cities have created their own relief programs using federal grants or state funds. These programs vary widely by location and may include direct payments, rental information, utility bill help, or food information. They are not stimulus checks in the traditional sense, but they can provide cash or support to people in need.

To find out what programs exist in your area, you can contact your state's social services office or call 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local resources). You can also search your city or county government website for "relief programs" or "information programs." Some programs are ongoing, while others open and close based on available funding.

SSDI recipients may have different rules for these programs than other groups. Some programs count SSDI income, which may affect whether you can participate. Others do not count it. It is worth asking about each program's rules before you explore.

What to do if you see claims about a fourth stimulus check

You may see posts on social media or ads online claiming that a fourth stimulus check is coming or that you can get money by clicking a link or paying a fee. These are scams. The federal government does not charge fees to send stimulus payments, and it does not advertise stimulus checks through social media or unsolicited emails.

If you see a message claiming you can get a fourth stimulus check, do not click any links or provide personal information. Do not pay money to anyone claiming they can help you get a stimulus payment. If you want to know the real status of stimulus payments, go directly to the IRS website (irs.gov) or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Congress planning to send a fourth stimulus check?

No legislation authorizing a fourth stimulus check has been introduced or passed. While some lawmakers have proposed additional relief measures, none have become law. You can check Congress's official website (congress.gov) to see current bills related to stimulus payments.

If a fourth stimulus check is approved, will SSDI recipients automatically get it?

Yes. If Congress authorizes a fourth round, SSDI recipients would almost certainly receive payments automatically, just as they did with the first three checks. You would not need to explore or take any action.

Can I get a fourth stimulus check if I missed the first three?

You can still claim the first three stimulus checks if you did not receive them. File a tax return for 2020 or 2021 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the missing payments. The IRS will send you the money as part of your refund.

Are there other federal programs that give cash to SSDI recipients?

SSDI itself is a monthly benefit, not a one-time payment. Other federal programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SNAP (food information) provide ongoing support. Some states also offer additional state supplements to SSDI or SSI. Contact your local Social Security office to learn what programs you may be able to use.

How do I know if a relief program in my state is real?

Go to your state government's official website or call 211 to find real programs. Do not click links from emails or social media. If a program asks you to pay money upfront or promises may provide payments, it is likely a scam.