No Fourth Stimulus Payment Was Issued in 2021

There was no fourth stimulus check in 2021. The federal government issued three Economic Impact Payments during the pandemic: in April 2020 ($1,200), December 2020 ($600), and March 2021 ($1,400). After March 2021, no additional rounds of stimulus payments were authorized by Congress, and SSDI recipients received the same three payments as the general population.

The confusion around a "fourth check" arose because some people conflated stimulus payments with other federal information programs, or because they heard rumors on social media about proposed legislation that never passed. Several bills were introduced in Congress that would have created additional payments, but none became law. SSDI recipients who received three payments during 2020 and early 2021 received all the stimulus money that was distributed.

Key Takeaways

  • Congress authorized exactly three rounds of Economic Impact Payments: April 2020 ($1,200), December 2020 ($600), and March 2021 ($1,400).
  • SSDI recipients were treated the same as other Social Security beneficiaries and received all three payments if they met the income thresholds.
  • No fourth stimulus check was ever passed into law, despite proposals and rumors circulating on social media in late 2021.
  • If you received only one or two payments, you could claim the missing amounts on your 2021 tax return using the Recovery Rebate Credit.

How SSDI Recipients Received the Three Stimulus Payments

SSDI recipients did not need to take any action to receive the three stimulus payments. The Social Security Administration automatically sent payments to people receiving SSDI benefits, using the same bank account or mailing address on file. Payments were deposited directly to the same account where monthly SSDI benefits were deposited, or mailed as checks if direct deposit was not set up.

The payments were based on your 2019 or 2020 tax return, depending on which round. If you had no tax filing requirement because your income was below the threshold, Social Security used information already in its system. Income limits applied: in 2021, the third payment phased out for single filers with income over $75,000 and joint filers with income over $150,000. Most SSDI recipients fell well below these thresholds and received the full $1,400.

Why People Searched for a Fourth Check

In the fall of 2021, several members of Congress proposed legislation for additional stimulus payments. Senator Bernie Sanders and others introduced bills that would have sent $1,200 or more to Social Security beneficiaries, including SSDI recipients. These proposals gained attention on social media and in some news outlets, leading people to believe a fourth payment was coming.

None of these proposals passed both chambers of Congress. By late 2021, the political focus had shifted to other pandemic relief measures, and no fourth round of stimulus payments was enacted. The rumors persisted partly because people continued to share old social media posts about the proposed bills, without noting that the bills had failed.

What to Do If You Missed One or More Payments

If you received only one or two of the three stimulus payments, you were able to claim the missing amounts on your 2021 tax return. The IRS provided a form called the Recovery Rebate Credit for this purpose. You would file Form 1040 (the main tax return form) and claim the credit for any payment you did not receive.

The important date to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 return was April 18, 2022. If you did not file a 2021 return, you could still file one in later years to claim the credit, though the IRS may have limited how far back you could go. If you need help determining whether you received all three payments, you can check your Social Security account online at ssa.gov or call Social Security directly.

Distinguishing Stimulus Payments from Other SSDI Support

Stimulus payments were one-time federal transfers and were separate from your regular SSDI benefits. They did not count as income for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, meaning they did not reduce your SSI payment in the month you received them. However, if you held the money in a bank account, it could count toward the $2,000 resource limit for SSI in later months.

Other forms of pandemic information—such as expanded unemployment benefits, rental information, or child tax credits—were distinct programs with their own rules. Some people received multiple types of information and may have confused them with stimulus checks. If you are unsure which payments you received and when, your Social Security account online shows deposit history for benefits and payments.

How to Check Your Payment History

You can view your stimulus payment history through your personal Social Security account at ssa.gov. Create an account using your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information. Once logged in, you can see the dates and amounts of all three Economic Impact Payments you received.

If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number ready. Social Security staff can confirm which payments you received and help you understand what to do if any payment is missing from your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any chance a fourth stimulus check will be sent in the future?

Congress would need to pass new legislation to authorize additional stimulus payments. As of now, no such bill has been enacted. Future stimulus payments would depend on economic conditions and political decisions by Congress, which cannot be predicted. Monitor official Social Security and IRS websites for any announcements.

If I didn't get all three payments, can I still claim them?

Yes, but only on your tax return. You had until April 18, 2022, to claim missing payments on your 2021 return using the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you missed that important date, you may still be able to file an amended return or a late return in some cases. Contact a tax professional or the IRS for guidance on your specific situation.

Did stimulus payments affect my SSDI or SSI benefits?

Stimulus payments did not reduce your monthly SSDI or SSI benefit. However, if you receive SSI, the money counted toward your $2,000 resource limit once deposited in your account. If you held the payment for more than a month, it could affect your SSI payment in the following month.

What if I received a stimulus payment but I'm not sure I was supposed to?

Most SSDI recipients were may have access to to all three payments. If you believe you received a payment in error, contact Social Security before spending it. In rare cases, the IRS may ask for repayment, but this is uncommon. Social Security can review your records and advise you on next steps.