The American Rescue Plan has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, especially in West Virginia. As the state gears up to distribute stimulus checks, numerous questions arise regarding eligibility, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payment methods, and more. One of the most pertinent questions people ask is, “Will SSI get stimulus checks in West Virginia?”
This guide sheds light on these aspects, ensuring that West Virginians are well-informed and prepared.
In recent times, there has been a lot of speculation and questions regarding whether recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive stimulus checks, especially in West Virginia. The answer is affirmative. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income in West Virginia are eligible for automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department.
The eligibility criteria have been designed to ensure that those most in need receive the necessary financial support. Let's break down the specifics to provide clarity on who stands to benefit from these checks in West Virginia.
The United States Treasury has announced that these automatic payments for SSI recipients are anticipated to be dispatched no later than early May. According to the Social Security Administration, SSI recipients who do not have qualifying children are not required to take any further action to receive their $1,200 economic impact payment. This means that a significant portion of the SSI recipients will receive the stimulus checks without any additional steps.
However, for SSI recipients who have qualifying children under the age of 17, there's an additional step to ensure they receive the full amount they're eligible for. They should visit the Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info section on the IRS website to provide their information. By doing so, they will not only receive their $1,200 individual payment but also an additional $500 per dependent child. If they fail to provide this information promptly, they might have to wait longer to receive the $500 per qualifying child.
Apart from SSI recipients, those who benefit from Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance (SSDI) and don't typically file taxes will also qualify for automatic payments of $1,200 from the Treasury. These payments are expected to commence around the end of April.
It's important to note that these automatic payments will be managed by the Treasury Department and not the Social Security Administration. Beneficiaries will generally receive these automatic payments through direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, in the same manner they usually receive their SSI or Social Security benefits.
When it comes to stimulus checks, the amount you receive can be influenced by your tax filing status. For those who file joint returns or have a status of "Married Filing Jointly," the combined adjusted gross income (AGI) of both spouses is taken into account. This means that if the combined income exceeds the set thresholds, the stimulus payment might be reduced or even phased out completely. For instance, in the case of the third stimulus check, couples with a combined AGI exceeding $160,000 would not be eligible for the payment. It's essential to understand how these income thresholds apply to ensure you receive the correct amount.
The IRS has provided tools for individuals to check the status of their Economic Impact Payment. One such tool is the "Get My Payment" application on the IRS website. This tool provides information on whether a payment has been issued and if it was direct deposited or sent by mail. In certain situations, the tool also allows individuals to provide their bank account information to receive their payment via direct deposit. It's updated once a day, so there's no need to check more than once daily. However, there are some key points to note:
Before using the tool, individuals must verify their identity by answering security questions. If the tool displays a "payment status not available" message, it could mean the IRS can't determine the person's eligibility at the moment. This could be due to reasons like not having a 2018 or 2019 tax return on file or being claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.
Recipients of SSA-1099, RRB-1099, SSI, or VA benefits can also check the status of their payment using the "Get My Payment" tool, provided they can verify their identity.
Tax Return Impact: The timing of the third stimulus check overlaps with tax season. If the IRS hasn't processed your 2020 tax return, it might base your payment on your 2019 tax return or even earlier. This could affect the amount you receive, especially if there were significant changes in your income or dependents between the two years.
Dependent Eligibility: The third stimulus check expanded the definition of a dependent. Now, any dependent, child or adult, counts toward a payment. Previously, only children age 16 and under were considered.
Income Limits: The third stimulus check has strict income limits. For instance, individuals with an AGI of $80,000 or more, heads of household earning $120,000 or more, and couples filing jointly with an AGI of $160,000 or more are not eligible for the third stimulus payment.
Claiming Missing Stimulus Money: If you believe you're owed more from the stimulus checks, you can claim the missing amount. The IRS has until Dec. 31, 2021, to send out the payments, and any discrepancies can be claimed as a Recovery Rebate Credit in 2022.
The American Rescue Plan has been a beacon of hope for many, especially in West Virginia, where the economic and health crises have taken a toll. The state has been allocated significant funding to help its residents and rebuild its economy. Here's a breakdown of who in West Virginia is eligible to receive a stimulus check:
While the specific details from the provided link did not explicitly mention SSDI benefits, historically, individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have been eligible for stimulus checks. It's crucial for SSDI recipients to stay updated with the latest information from the Social Security Administration and the IRS to ensure they receive any entitled benefits.
The American Rescue Plan aims to provide direct financial assistance to most West Virginians. The plan includes:
INDIVIDUAL AID: $1,400 stimulus checks to most West Virginians. This aid also encompasses child tax credits, Earned Income Tax Credit, health insurance assistance, student loan assistance, and extended unemployment benefits through September 6.
For those who haven't recently filed an income tax return, the stimulus check distribution might be based on other criteria, such as receiving federal benefits. The IRS and the Treasury Department have mechanisms to identify and provide stimulus checks to these individuals. It's essential for residents to check the IRS website or consult with a tax professional to ensure they don't miss out on any benefits.
Some couples may experience receiving their stimulus money in two separate payments. This is due to a system glitch that divides the payments for married couples where one person has filed an injured spousal claim. Such a claim, known as Form 8379, can be filed by a couple when one of them owes federal back taxes, has defaulted on a federal student loan, or owes child support. If the IRS approves this claim, a portion of the couple's refund won't be offset to cover these debts. Even though couples in this situation are eligible for the full stimulus payment, they might receive the money in two separate payments.
The second payment could arrive within the same week or a few weeks after the first. To check the status of their payments, couples can use the IRS's online "Get My Payment" tool, but they should check the status for each spouse separately. In most scenarios, the second payment will be delivered in the same manner as the first, based on the information from the 2019 or 2020 tax return. If the tax return includes direct deposit details, the payment will be sent to that bank account. If there's no bank account information available, the IRS will send a paper check or a debit card by mail. In rare cases, one payment might be direct deposited while the other is mailed.
The American Rescue Plan has allocated funds for various sectors in West Virginia:
SMALL BUSINESS AID: The plan reauthorizes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and provides assistance to shuttered venues and restaurants. West Virginia small businesses have previously received over $1 billion in direct aid.
BROADBAND: $138 million has been allocated for broadband, with an additional $2 million for hotspots.
LOCAL FUNDING: $679 million will be directed to cities and 55 counties in West Virginia, administered by local governments.
STATE FUNDING: The state government will receive $1.355 billion, overseen by the Governor and legislature.
EDUCATION: The plan allocates $800 million for pre-K through 12th grade in West Virginia and $190 million for colleges and universities in the state.
The American Rescue Plan is a comprehensive package designed to address the various challenges posed by the pandemic. It's essential for West Virginians to stay informed and utilize the resources available to them.
Governor Jim Justice announced that West Virginia has received over $677.7 million in stimulus funds from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan. The state's administration is currently reviewing the best ways to utilize this funding and is developing a strategic plan for its distribution. The goal is to ensure that the funds reach West Virginians who need it most. More details about the distribution and utilization of these funds will be provided as they become available.
Furthermore, West Virginia is offering a $100 incentive to residents between the ages of 16 and 35 to encourage vaccination. This incentive will be retroactive, meaning those in this age group who have already been vaccinated will also receive the $100. The state is also organizing free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at all West Virginia State Parks and State Forests leading up to Memorial Day. The aim is to make vaccines more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
In addition to these efforts, the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) on COVID-19 vaccines is working with manufacturers and businesses across the state to increase vaccine access for employees and their families. Church leaders are also being encouraged to collaborate with the JIATF to organize vaccination clinics for their congregations.
Both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries in West Virginia are set to receive stimulus checks as part of the government's effort to provide economic relief during these challenging times. While the stimulus checks have provided much-needed relief to many, it's essential to understand the various factors that determine eligibility and payment amount. Staying informed and using the tools provided by the IRS can help ensure you receive the correct amount.
Learn more about SSI back payment installments by checking out our detailed guide. Visit Benefits Aid and browse through the available resources to learn more.