[NFBWV-Talk] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Special Bulletin: Rules for SSI and Economic Impact Payments Have Been Updated

[Sheri Koch]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Pare, John via NFBNet-Members-List <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Tue, Apr 14, 2020 at 6:18 PM
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Special Bulletin: Rules for SSI and Economic
Impact Payments Have Been Updated
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>


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>.

Stay inside. Stay safe.

Warm regards,
John


John G. Paré Jr.

Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy

National Federation of the Blind
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street+%0D%0A+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>

200 East Wells Street
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street+%0D%0A+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>

Baltimore, MD 21230
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/200+East+Wells+Street+%0D%0A+Baltimore,+MD+21230?entry=gmail&source=g>

Telephone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2218

Cell phone: (410) 917-1965

Fax: (410) 685-5653

Email: jpare at nfb.org



The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.



Make a gift <https://nfb.org/make-gift> to the National Federation of the
Blind and help ensure all blind Americans live the lives they want.​

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-- 
Sheri Koch, President
National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia
304-993-5103