[NFB-HI] Fwd: SSI Recipients and SSDI Beneficiaries and the COVID-19 recovery rebate payments

[Dianna G. Jones]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Abe, Gavan <GAbe at dhs.hawaii.gov>
Date: Tue, Mar 31, 2020, 9:05 AM
Subject: SSI Recipients and SSDI Beneficiaries and the COVID-19 recovery
rebate payments
To:


See the info below for those who receive SSI/SSDI regarding the CARES Act
financial assistance…



Gavan Abe

Community Services Coordinator/Hawaii Ticket to Work Coordinator

DHS/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/Ho`opono Services for the Blind



1901 Bachelot Street

Honolulu, HI 96817

(808) 586-5271- direct

(808) 586-5311- fax



Subject: SSI Recipients and SSDI Beneficiaries and the COVID-19 recovery
rebate payments



DO INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVE SSI OR SSDI HAVE TO FILE TAXES TO GET REBATE
CHECKS?



As you know, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
authorizes recovery rebate payments (direct cash payments) to assist people
during the COVID-19 crisis. Most individuals earning less than $75,000 will
receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Individuals who receive
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) are also eligible for recovery rebate payments.
Importantly, these payments will Not jeopardize access to means tested
programs such as Medicaid.



Recovery rebate payments will go to people who filed taxes for 2018 or
2019; however, many individuals who receive SSI or SSDI have no other
income and do not file taxes. Initially, we were advised to encourage SSI
recipients and SSDI beneficiaries to file a tax return even if they have no
income in order to receive recovery rebate payments, and that continues to
be good advice; however, it is possible that they will receive recovery
rebate payments without filing a tax return.



The Social Security Administration (SSA) is working with the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) to direct recovery rebate payments to individuals who
receive Social Security without requiring them to file taxes. While this is
very encouraging, SSA has not yet confirmed that recovery rebate payments
will go to Social Security recipients automatically. Until this is
verified, filing taxes (even if the individual has no earnings) remains the
best advice.



A number of news reports indicate that Social Security recipients need not
file a tax return, but, again, this has not yet been verified by SSA.


NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of
the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain
information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this
message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable
under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or
attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and
destroy all electronic and paper copies.