Social Security Recipients Will Start Getting Stimulus Checks This Week
The IRS is using information from the Social Security Administration to process stimulus payments for people who didn't file a 2018 or 2019 tax return.


Good news for seniors and the disabled: Automatic $1,200 stimulus payments for people receiving Social Security retirement, survivors or disability insurance benefits (SSDI), or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, are scheduled to begin arriving this week. Unless you filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, the IRS will use information from the Social Security Administration (or RRB) to generate a payment to you. (Social Security recipients will receive a stimulus check automatically if they did not file a tax return for one of the past two years.) You'll receive the payment by direct deposit, debit card or paper check—whichever way you normally receive your benefits.
For Social Security and RRB beneficiaries who don't normally file a tax return, have a dependent child 16 years old or younger, and registered using the IRS's "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" tool by the April 22 deadline, additional $500 per child payments are scheduled to start arriving this week, too.
If you're a Social Security or RRB benefits recipient with a qualified dependent child, but you didn't register using the non-filers tool by April 22, you'll still receive a $1,200 payment. However, you won't receive the extra $500 per child amount at this time. You can claim the additional amount when you file your 2020 tax return next year, though.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
(Note that you are not eligible to receive a stimulus payment if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.)
["6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Stimulus Check","Is a Second Round of Stimulus Checks for $2,000 Each Month in Our Future?"]
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday What you need to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Four Tax Changes Older Adults and Retirees Should Watch in 2025
Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly State for Retirement in 2025: Here It Is
Retirement Tax How do you retire ‘tax-free’? This state doesn’t tax retirement income, has a low median property tax bill, and even offers savings on gas. Are you ready for a move?
-
Ask the Editor, August 1: Tax Questions on Standard Deductions
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on claiming standard deductions on your tax return.
-
Tariff Stimulus Checks Coming? New Proposal Seeks Tax Rebates for U.S. Workers
Tax Breaks A new GOP bill proposes to send $600 in tariff rebate checks to eligible taxpayers. Is there a catch?
-
Biggest Winners and Losers in Trump's New Tax Plan
Tax Law Trump’s mega tax overhaul, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ has distinct winners and losers. Which group do you fall into?
-
Ask the Editor, July 25: Questions on Four New Tax Deductions
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on four new tax deductions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill."
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)
Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.