Here’s When Coronavirus Checks Will Arrive if You Get Social Security, SSI
Coronavirus relief checks started arriving in bank accounts in mid-April.
But if you receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and you didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 tax return, you were probably among the many who received the mysterious “payment status not available” message if you tried to track your stimulus check via the IRS Get My Payment site.
If that scenario applies to you, no action is needed on your part. The IRS is still processing your payment automatically. It’s getting the information it needs from the relevant agency, though you won’t be able to track your check via the Get My Payment site.
Fortunately, an April 16 memo by the U.S. House and Ways Committee provides a timeline for when you can expect your payment.
When You’ll Get Your Coronavirus Check if You’re on Social Security or SSI
If you receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return, you may have already received a coronavirus payment last week when the IRS started making them via direct deposit. Otherwise, here’s what you can expect.
If you get Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits via direct deposit and didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 tax return: Your payments could arrive in your bank account by April 29.
Nearly 99% of people who get Social Security benefits receive them via direct deposit.
If you get SSI: If you’re an adult who receives SSI benefits or VA benefits and don’t file a tax return, you should have your payment by early May at the latest. Your payment will be deposited in the same way you usually receive your benefit.
Those who receive a paper check are in for a longer wait: The IRS began mailing checks the week of April 20, starting with those who have incomes below $10,000. Each week, they’ll send another 5 million checks to groups with progressively higher incomes.
For more information about stimulus payments, check out our coronavirus stimulus checks FAQ.
Robin Hartill is a senior editor at The Penny Hoarder and a certified financial planner. She writes the Dear Penny personal finance advice column.
