Thanks for the clarification James.
On Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 4:26 PM <james_hooper@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Here is some different info.--
Dear Fellow Federationists:
Due to the speed at which coronavirus relief legislation has been, and
continues to be, drafted and passed, some confusion and misunderstanding
has surrounded certain important aspects of the aid offered. It's not just
the general public that is confused about these provisions. Even federal
agencies have had to update and revise their guidance multiple times in
recent weeks in order to keep up and better understand the changing
landscape.
One of the most talked about relief measures which has had its fair share
of this confusion is the Economic Impact Payment. Initially, the IRS
guidance for this program stated only those who had filed tax returns for
2018 or 2019 would automatically receive the payment with no further action
necessary. All others (including Social Security retirement recipients,
SSDI recipients, and SSI recipients), even if they met the income
threshold, would be required to file a simple tax return. This guidance was
revised only a few days later, and after pressure from Congress, to say
that Social Security retirement recipients and SSDI recipients would
automatically receive the payments because they received Form SSA-1099, but
they would still not be eligible for the additional $500 dependent payment
for children 16 and under. Just yesterday the IRS changed its guidance
again.
The latest information we have about this critical program (as of April
14, 2020) is as follows:
If you meet the income requirements specified by the CARES Act (outlined
on our Economic Impact Payment information page
<https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources/cares-act-economic-impact-payments>),
and you have filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, OR you receive Social
Security retirement benefits or SSDI benefits you do not need to take any
action in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment. As a matter of
fact, you may have already received it, as we are hearing reports from
Federationists that the payment has arrived in their bank account. However,
if you receive SSI payments, you will need to visit the IRS website
<https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here> to
enter your information in order to receive your Economic Impact Payment.
You will also need to visit the IRS website if you need the additional
$500 per dependent and did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and are
therefore solely receiving your Economic Impact Payment as a result of
receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI.
We know things have been confusing. And, just like everyone else, we have
been doing our best to keep up with all of the changing information. In the
event the guidance changes again, which is possible, we will be sure to
send another update. In the meantime, for the most up-to-date information
we have on all aspects of coronavirus relief programs, please visit our
COVID-19
resources page <https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>.
