SSDI Recipients Did Not Receive a Stimulus Check in 2023

There was no federal stimulus check issued to any group in 2023. The last round of stimulus payments ended in 2021, when the American Rescue Plan distributed $1,400 per person. SSDI recipients were included in those payments if they met the income limits, but no new stimulus program was created in 2023 or has been announced since.

If you received a letter or saw an advertisement claiming SSDI recipients would get a 2023 stimulus check, it was either outdated information about the 2021 payments or a scam. The Social Security Administration does not send unsolicited notices about stimulus checks, and legitimate government payments never require you to pay a fee or provide personal information to a third party to receive them.

Key Takeaways

  • No stimulus checks were issued in 2023 to SSDI recipients or any other group.
  • The final stimulus round occurred in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan, which included SSDI recipients who fell below income thresholds.
  • Scammers often use outdated stimulus information or fake government notices to trick people into sharing personal details or paying fees.
  • If you believe you missed a 2021 stimulus payment you were owed, you can claim it on your tax return using IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR.

How the 2021 Stimulus Payments Worked for SSDI Recipients

The three rounds of stimulus checks (2020, 2021, and 2021) were based on tax filing status and income. SSDI recipients who filed taxes were included automatically if their income fell below the phase-out threshold. For 2021, single filers could receive the full $1,400 if their adjusted gross income was under $75,000; married filing jointly could receive it if income was under $150,000.

SSDI recipients who did not file taxes could still receive a payment if they had at least $1 in income from any source. The Social Security Administration worked with the IRS to identify non-filers and issue payments without requiring a separate process. If you received SSDI in 2021 and did not file taxes, you likely received a check automatically unless your income exceeded the threshold.

If You Missed a 2021 Payment You Were Owed

If you believe you should have received a 2021 stimulus payment but did not, you can claim the amount on your federal tax return. You will use the Recovery Rebate Credit, which is reported on IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older). The IRS will calculate how much you were owed based on your 2021 income and household status.

You can file a return for 2021 even if you normally do not file taxes. The important date to claim the 2021 stimulus through your tax return is April 15, 2024 — after that date, you cannot recover the money. If you need help filing, the IRS offers free tax preparation through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax information) sites in your area, or you can contact a tax professional.

How to Spot Stimulus Check Scams

Scammers send fake letters that look like they come from Social Security or the IRS, claiming SSDI recipients are owed money. The letter usually asks you to call a number, visit a website, or send personal information to "confirm your identity" or "process your payment." Real government agencies never ask for Social Security numbers, bank account details, or passwords through unsolicited letters or calls.

Another common scam involves websites or apps that claim to help you "find unclaimed stimulus money" or "check your stimulus status." These sites collect your personal information and either sell it or use it to commit identity theft. If you want to check whether you received a stimulus payment, go directly to IRS.gov or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Do not use a link from an email or letter.

What SSDI Recipients Should Know About Future Payments

Congress has not proposed a new stimulus program since 2021. If a new round of payments is created in the future, SSDI recipients will be included under the same rules as other Americans — based on income and tax filing status. You do not need to do anything now to prepare, and you should ignore any message claiming you need to register or take action to receive a future payment.

If you want to stay informed about changes to SSDI benefits or new programs that might help, check your official Social Security account at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also sign up for email updates from the Social Security Administration. Avoid relying on social media posts, text messages, or third-party websites for official benefit information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get the 2021 stimulus check if I did not receive it?

Yes, if you were owed a payment in 2021 but did not receive it, you can claim it on your 2021 tax return using the Recovery Rebate Credit. You have until April 15, 2024 to file. After that date, the IRS will not process the claim.

Do I have to file taxes to get a stimulus check if one is issued in the future?

No. In past rounds, the IRS and Social Security worked together to identify non-filers and issue payments automatically. If you receive SSDI and a new stimulus is created, you would likely receive a payment without filing a return, as long as your income is below the threshold.

What should I do if I get a letter saying I am owed a stimulus check in 2024?

Do not respond to unsolicited letters about stimulus payments. Go directly to IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 to verify. Real government agencies do not send letters asking you to confirm personal information or pay a fee to receive a payment.

Will SSDI recipients get a cost-of-living increase instead of a stimulus check?

SSDI recipients receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) each year, which is separate from stimulus payments. COLA is automatic and based on inflation. In 2023, SSDI recipients received an 8.7% increase. This is not a stimulus check — it is a regular benefit adjustment.