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?"]
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
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.
-
Berkshire Hathaway's in the 100,000% Return Club. No Surprise Here
Warren Buffett's fascination with the insurance industry has helped Berkshire Hathaway's stock return snowball.
By Louis Navellier Published
-
4 Turnaround Stocks to Consider – and 2 More to Keep an Eye On
A turnaround stock is a struggling company with a strong makeover plan that can pay off for intrepid investors.
By Nellie S. Huang Published
-
Tax-Deductible Home Improvements for Retirement in 2025
Retirement Taxes Your aging-in-place plan could benefit from the medical expense tax deduction. But watch out for capital gains and property taxes.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Don’t Make These Five Mistakes on Your Tax Return
Tax Filing The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for these common errors as they prepare to file.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
You Don’t Want to Retire in Portugal: Here Are Three Tax Reasons Why
Retirement Taxes With the NHR benefit retiring and pension taxes increasing, you might rethink your retirement plans in Portugal.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Why Abolishing Florida Property Taxes is Problematic
Property Taxes A bold proposal that aims to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State has roused concerns from economists, and rightly so.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Five Scary Things the IRS Can Do If You Owe Back Taxes
Tax Law Traveling in 2025? The IRS can take your passport (and house) if you don’t pay your tax bill.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Early Tax Refund Options Could Trap Your Cash
Tax Refunds Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re not getting a loan — because you really are.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
First-Time Filing Taxes? Key Tax Tips to Know for 2025
Tax Filing Preparing your IRS taxes for the first time may seem daunting, but here are some return preparation and filing tips to start.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Legislation Cracking Down on IRS Tax Refund Mail Theft Advances
IRS A string of bipartisan measures targeting taxpayer refunds, rights, and protections move forward on Capitol Hill.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published