Social Security Recipients Will Receive a Stimulus Check Automatically
Most people who receive Social Security benefits don't need to file a tax return or provide information to the IRS to get an economic impact payment.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Today
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. Smart money moves start here.
Sent five days a week
Kiplinger A Step Ahead
Get practical help to make better financial decisions in your everyday life, from spending to savings on top deals.
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Closing Bell
Get today's biggest financial and investing headlines delivered to your inbox every day the U.S. stock market is open.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Adviser Intel
Financial pros across the country share best practices and fresh tactics to preserve and grow your wealth.
Delivered weekly
Kiplinger Tax Tips
Trim your federal and state tax bills with practical tax-planning and tax-cutting strategies.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Retirement Tips
Your twice-a-week guide to planning and enjoying a financially secure and richly rewarding retirement
Sent bimonthly.
Kiplinger Adviser Angle
Insights for advisers, wealth managers and other financial professionals.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Investing Weekly
Your twice-a-week roundup of promising stocks, funds, companies and industries you should consider, ones you should avoid, and why.
Sent weekly for six weeks
Kiplinger Invest for Retirement
Your step-by-step six-part series on how to invest for retirement, from devising a successful strategy to exactly which investments to choose.
(UPDATE: Social Security recipients with dependent children 16 years old or younger will have to use the IRS's online tool by noon (Eastern) on April 22 to get an additional $500 per child in their stimulus check if they didn't file a 2018 or 2019 tax return. The story below has been updated with this new information.)
At one point, it was thought that eligible Social Security recipients who didn't file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 would have to use the IRS's "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" tool to get a stimulus check payment. However, after some internal back-and-forth, the IRS said that you will automatically receive a $1,200 stimulus check if you received Social Security retirement, disability, survivor, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in 2019. (Ditto for if you received Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits.) The IRS will use information from the Social Security Administration (or RRB) to generate a payment to you if you didn't file a tax return in 2018 or 2019. (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.)
However, Social Security recipients with children 16 years old or younger will have to use the "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" tool to get an extra $500 per child added to their $1,200 payment if they didn't file a 2018 or 2019 tax return. If that's you, use the online tool by noon Eastern time, Wednesday, April 22, to let the IRS know about your children before your payment is processed.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
-
Ask the Tax Editor: Federal Income Tax DeductionsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on federal income tax deductions
-
States With No-Fault Car Insurance Laws (and How No-Fault Car Insurance Works)A breakdown of the confusing rules around no-fault car insurance in every state where it exists.
-
7 Frugal Habits to Keep Even When You're RichSome frugal habits are worth it, no matter what tax bracket you're in.
-
Avoid a Tax Surprise After Your 2026 Super Bowl Bets: A New IRS Rule to KnowTaxable Income When Super Bowl LX hype fades, some fans may be surprised to learn that sports betting tax rules have shifted.
-
Should You Do Your Own Taxes This Year or Hire a Pro?Taxes Doing your own taxes isn’t easy, and hiring a tax pro isn’t cheap. Here’s a guide to help you figure out whether to tackle the job on your own or hire a professional.
-
Can I Deduct My Pet On My Taxes?Tax Deductions Your cat isn't a dependent, but your guard dog might be a business expense. Here are the IRS rules for pet-related tax deductions in 2026.
-
Don't Overpay the IRS: 6 Tax Mistakes That Could Be Raising Your BillTax Tips Is your income tax bill bigger than expected? Here's how you should prepare for next year.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
Will IRS Budget Cuts Disrupt Tax Season? What You Need to KnowTaxes The 2026 tax season could be an unprecedented one for the IRS. Here’s how you can be proactive to keep up with the status of your return.
-
3 Retirement Changes to Watch in 2026: Tax EditionRetirement Taxes Between the Social Security "senior bonus" phaseout and changes to Roth tax rules, your 2026 retirement plan may need an update. Here's what to know.
-
Tax Season 2026 Is Here: 8 Big Changes to Know Before You FileTax Season Due to several major tax rule changes, your 2025 return might feel unfamiliar even if your income looks the same.
