IRS: SSI DOES NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING INCOME FOR THE STIMULUS PAYMENT

[dajoki]

I also posted this in GD, but felt that I should also put it here because of the complete unfairness of the whole thing.

Today I recieved a notice from the IRS about the stimulus checks. People on SSD can get them, but people on SSI can't. WHAT A BUNCH OF BULLSHIT!! It has been really bothering me since I got it in today's mail and I can't stop thinking about how many people are getting a royal screwing. What kind of rationale was used to come up with this? Why SSD and no SSI? They are both large groups of HUMAN BEINGS that have the same needs and the same problems. So what makes one more deserving over the other? I really hope you can help me on this because I don't understand it, and more than that, I AM TREMENDOUSLY PISSED OFF!! I will get one as I am on SSD, but it is still totally wrong. If I wasn't in such dire straights financially and didn't need it I would send it back!! So that is my rant for today, but I won't let it go until get some answers.

From IRS Website:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179201,00.htm ...

Economic Stimulus Payments: Information for Recipients of Social Security Benefits

Updated March 12, 2008

This section is for people who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits. The IRS and Treasury will be working closely with the Social Security Administration to ensure that all eligible individuals know what to do to receive a stimulus payment.

Normally, certain Social Security payments are not subject to income tax. However, the economic stimulus law passed in February contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.

For eligible Social Security recipients who do not normally file a tax return, the IRS has prepared a 10-page informational package that provides instructions, a sample Form 1040A and a blank Form 1040A — everything needed to file the tax form today. See eligiblity requirements below.

Package 1040A-3, 8-page informational package
SUPPLEMENTEAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) DOES NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING INCOME FOR THE STIMULUS PAYMENT.

[Wickerman]

1. This is freaking stupid at best, mean-spirited at worst

The poor are the ones who will actually go out and by goods with their check (if they were to get one). My family will pay down some debt or bank it and I suspect we are not anywhere near alone. None of that stimulates the economy. Simply an election year bribe.

[DesertFlower]

2. that sucks.

i was on SSD for years. when i reached my full retirement age it changed to regular SS.

i had to pay tax on 85% of my SSD because of my husband's income. now i pay it on SS. it seems we made too much money last year -- so we won't be getting a check. i'm okay with that. we really don't need it, but goddamit give it to those who do.

:-(

[papau]

3. Social Security Trust Fund benefit payments count - SSI is not funded by tax - its welfare and

no agreement was made to increase welfare payments.

[dajoki]

5. I don't think its welfare...

Its run by SSA.

[happyslug]

13. SSI is title XVI of the Social Security Act, Welfare is another Title of the Social Security Act.

The fact SSI is run by SSA is just part of the confusion, Disability for SSI is defined by referring you to Title II of the Social Security Act which cover Retirement, Survivors, Disability Income (RSDI) which is the technically correct name for Social Security And Social Security Disability.

Since Social Security is based on your the amount you paid into the system, it is generally called an "Insurance" or "Retirement" plan, through technically it is a Tax and Welfare plan (i.e. The tax is collected and people get benefits NOT from what they paid into the program but what is being paid in today, through a surplus has been building up since 1982).

SSI was passed in 1964 to cover those people who are disabled and can not work, but are NOT eligible of Social Security Disability OR their Social Security Disability is below the "Standard of Need". Thus the SSI payment is equal to the "Standard of need" less any other income the recipient may be receiving (There are also assets limitations for SSI that do NOT exist for RSDI). Both of these rule, reduction for other income AND reduction do to excessive assets, are the same rules as applies to someone on Welfare, thus SSI is often called Welfare, for that is what it is (Through Technically called a different name).

Thus if you really look at ALL THREE PROGRAMS, SociaL Security Disability, SSI and Welfare you will see all of them are Welfare programs. Each pay a set amount, except Social Security, which pays based on how much you paid in the past.

[dajoki]

15. I am on SSD...

and it was based on what I paid into the system, very complicated indeed!!

[bobbolink]

14. thank you for caring for the least of these.

[dajoki]

16. Hi...

Please check your PMs. Thanks!!:hug:

[MichiganVote]

4. SSI= Supplemental Security Income. It is reserved for...

SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources and are:

* Age 65 or older;
* Blind; or
* Disabled.

If you are applying for SSI, you also should ask for What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income. Disabled or blind children also can receive SSI.

The basic SSI amount is the same nationwide. However, many states add money to the basic benefit. You can call SS to find out the amounts for your state.

It is not earned income.

[undergroundpanther]

23. It is barely enough to keep alive income

in this rich greedy parasites run economy of inequality and financial abuse of the people.Contempt to especially the disabled and poor imperfect ones that our culture condones, that fucking lie from the pampered rich 'earn it' has run rampant over everyones lives.

[Inchworm]

6. I'll also add- they keep Social Security about $3 too high for me

to qualify for SSI.

I think Social Security is paid into through your FICA where SSI is based solely on ones income.

:hi:

[pengillian101]

7. Thanks for posting info. Here is some more for folks who haven't filed in awhile.

Social Security News

Economic Stimulus Payment Mailer Targets Social Security, Veteran Benefits Recipients

This mailing especially targets senior citizens and others that may not have filed a 2006 return

March 18, 2008 – The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of mailing special information packages to 20.5 million recipients of Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits – primarily senior citizens - to help them get their 2008 economic stimulus payment. Many of these probably did not file a return for 2006 but must file for 2007 to receive the stimulus payment.

The 10-page tax package contains everything the recipients will need to file a 2007 tax form immediately. Each package contains an informational notice, tips for completing Form 1040A, a sample Form 1040A and an actual Form 1040A for the filer to complete.

The package is specially designed for people who may qualify for an economic stimulus payment but who normally aren’t required to file a tax return – most of these did not file a 2006 return.

“We want to put everything right at the fingertips of the people who need this information the most,” said Linda E. Stiff, Acting IRS Commissioner.

“In some cases, seniors and others in this group haven’t needed to file a tax return for years or even decades. To help them get a stimulus payment, we’re doing everything we can to make this as easy as possible. These packages mean many people will just need a pen and a stamp, and the IRS will do the rest.”

Under the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, people may be eligible for the minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) even if they do not normally file a tax return. There also is an additional payment of $300 for people with eligible children younger than 17. However, people must file an income tax return in order to receive the payment.

People who don’t normally need to file also can use Free File – Economic Stimulus Payment, which is available at IRS.gov. Several Free File software providers are making their products available for the simplified filing of a tax return.

“These stimulus payments have the potential to help people in real need and stimulate our economy,” said Tom Nelson, AARP’s Chief Operating Officer. “The IRS, through efforts like this, is doing a great job of informing people that they might be eligible for a stimulus payment, offering step-by-step guidance on how they can apply, and what scams they need to avoid.”

To qualify for the minimum economic stimulus payment, people must have at least $3,000 in any combination of qualifying income from retirement, disability or survivors’ benefits from the Social Security Administration; disability compensation, disability pension or survivors’ benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs; Tier 1 benefits from Railroad Retirement, certain combat pay and earned income from wages, salaries, tips or net earnings from self-employment that are includible in taxable income.

The mailing list of 20.5 million names represents Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefit recipients who did not file a tax return in 2006, allowing the IRS to directly target the special package to people likely to qualify for a stimulus payment but who may not otherwise file a tax return this year. The mailing, called Package 1040A-3, is separate from more than 130 million other economic stimulus letters (Notice 1377) being sent this month to taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2006.

Generally, the special mailing does not include low-wage workers without a filing requirement who could qualify for economic stimulus payments. The IRS is working with numerous community, governmental organizations and charitable groups to reach low-income workers and their families. People in this category also need to fill out a tax form, preferably a simple Form 1040A.

With so many people potentially unaware of the stimulus payments, Stiff encouraged people to reach out to help their friends and family members.

“We don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks,” Stiff said. “People can help friends and family members by making them aware of the payments or helping fill out the forms. These forms are very simple. In just a few minutes you can complete the entire process by filling in just a few lines.”

A sample Form 1040A is included in the tax package and is available at IRS.gov. People need to complete the lines for the mailing label and provide a Social Security number; the filing status (single or married) and exemptions (children younger than 17 and their Social Security numbers)

People with earned income must complete Line 7 to report their 2007 annual income. Recipients of Social Security, VA and Railroad Retirement payments must complete Line 14a of Form 1040A to report their 2007 annual benefits. Certain recipients should have a Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 with that information. Or, people can multiply their 2007 monthly benefit by the number of months the payment was received for 2007 to estimate their annual benefit amount.

The IRS encourages recipients to complete the direct deposit information on the Form 1040A if they have bank accounts. Direct deposit will be the easiest and fastest way to receive a payment. The IRS also encourages people to file their income tax return as soon as possible. The IRS will begin issuing economic stimulus payments starting in May.

The IRS reminds taxpayers it does not gather information for stimulus payments over the telephone, and it does not send unsolicited e-mail to taxpayers about tax account matters. If taxpayers receive an unsolicited e-mail from someone claiming to be from the IRS, don't click on any links. People should forward it to [email protected], and then delete it.

The only official IRS Web site is located at www.irs.gov

To be eligible for economic stimulus payments, people must have valid Social Security numbers, have at least $3,000 in qualifying income and not be a dependent or eligible to be a dependent on someone else’s income tax return.

For taxpayers who normally file an income tax return, the maximum stimulus payment is $600 ($1,200 for married couples), amounts that will phase out starting with adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). For taxpayers who file a 2007 income tax return, the amount of the economic stimulus payment will be calculated automatically by the IRS.

http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/SocialSecurity/2008/8-03-18-EconomicStimulusPayment.htm


update irs link

[Inchworm]

8. Or file free online at link

It was a link from IRS.gov and this is the first time I've tried it. It was rather easy to complete if you are internet savy.

https://www.fileyourtaxes.com/allianceesp/page/stimulus.html

Good luck and don't forget to file.

:hi:

[pengillian101]

9. Thanks for the link.

I've been using TurboTax for 7 years or so. It's also from an IRS link for free filing (depending on income).

Electronic filing - what could be easier, eh? :hi:

[Inchworm]

10. I just hope everyone who can use it do

I even posted it in the lounge. It sunk like a rock :D

:hi:

[pengillian101]

11. I even posted it in the lounge. It sunk like a rock

Maybe post it again in General? I don't know, I haven't learned the ins and outs of posting here, yet.

:hi:

My understanding is that if they are eligible to get it (retirees and disabled veterans who have not filed for a few or more years) will receive the packet in the mail. Only folks who just throw away their mail w/out opening would miss out, is what I'm thinking.

[cutlassmama]

12. Part of Obama's economic stimulus package, if he's elected is to

give every SSDI/SSI recipient a $250.00 check. I guess he's thinking Bush's plan is BS too.

[JL810]

17. Its more of the same treatment of SSI claimants.

I was disappointed but not surprised that SSI claimants are not getting stimulus checks whereas SSDI Claimants are receiving checks. It is just one more sad, example of our government's attitude toward the poor. If your interested here are a few more examples of how we treat SSI Claimant's differently from SSDI Claimants:

When a an SSDI claimant is eventually found "disabled" they receive back benefits for the time period they have been appealing (sometimes it is 2 years or more). The back benefit check ("retroactive benefits) for an SSDI claimant ranges from 30,000+. They receive it ALL in one lump sum.
(Which is great they need it--they haven't been able to work!)

When an SSI claimant is eventually found "disabled" they too are entitled to back benefits, not as much, but typically 15,000-20,000. HOWEVER THEY DO NOT RECEIVE IT ALL AT ONCE --IN ONE LUMP SUM. They receive their back benefits in "Installments." The first installment is a set amount for every SSI claimant, approximately 1800.00. The second installment is paid six months later, and is for the same amount (1800) AND the third installment, one year later is for the remaining amount-the BULK of the back benefits owed to them, usually 10,000 or more (w/no interest).

Why the difference? I can't think of a legitimate administrative or fiscal reason for treating them differently.

Its like big brother doesn't think the poor man can handle getting all that dough at once and might just go out and go crazzzzy. Have a big party -blow it all once---end up in jail or dead (then we won't have to give him the rest..) So better to PROTECT him and just issue small amounts... a few test runs before he gets all that money in his pocket and gets happy with it....SSDI Claimants they work....they have 'experience' with money...they know how to control themselves they won't be having big parties and buying television sets.....

Oh, if AN SSDI Claimant has a drug or alcohol problem they will receive their back benefits in installments like an SSI claimant. One could say, ALL SSI claimants are treated like SSDI Claimants with drug and alcohol problems.


One more way the government sticks-it-to the SSI claimant is when they calculate the amount of the back benefit check.
It is not uncommon for a disabled claimant to receive State Financial Assistance while they are appealing their social security disability case. And the state typically enters into a contract with them to be paid back-this is permitted by the social security act.

For the SSDI claimant, who is eventually found disabled, Social Security pays back the state, usually its around 5,000 or so, that is the end of it.

For the SSI claimant, who is eventually found disabled, Social Security pays back the state AND ALSO when calculating the amount of back benefits owed to the SSI claimant, deducts the same amount of state assistance received from each back benefit month as "INCOME" to the SSI claimant -- Meaning, the "loan" from the state costs them DOUBLE.

I don't think they are told of the result should they accept the assistance, but it probably wouldn't matter because they are in a situation where they have no other options.

And the SSI statute allows for this to happen -it allows the state to be paid back and it allows for any "income" received for the month to be deducted from that month's SSI benefit. Typically it wouldn't have this result (paying back double).

And,
Social Security has a statute referred to as the Fleeing Felon statute (whereby an disabled claimant's benefits are suspended/stopped if they have an outstanding felony warrant), this statute NOW applies to SSDI claimants -however only in the last few years. It has applied to SSI Claimants for at least (and i am not sure exactly) but I think at least 10 years.


What the hell is going on?

Increasingly disillusioned Me.

[undergroundpanther]

21. SSI

I hate this.I am so tired of the BIGOTED bullshit heaped upon the poor and heaped even more upon SSI recipients.If you are on SSI for invisible injuries like pstd or whatever they just treat you as if you are lying.I hate the CONTEMPT.

SSDI people have worked before so in the rich evil minds` of washington PIGS getting trillions in government welfare "they earned it".So WE who are on SSI are not entitled we didn't work hard enough to please rich pigs..Well those rich pigs never work a day in their pampered lives either but somehow society excuses them..cause their great great grand daddy invented something or was a robber baron and that is somehow makes the children of these pigs WORTH more? I am on SSI Because I am injured In pain and got pstd.I can't work. But the non injured rich as shit welfare recipients are who deserve NOTHING but to be taken from power and stomped until they are mush in the dirt for all they do is take and screw the poor and suck the tax money away for themselves in sums many times larger than all the SSI payments since SSI started combined..
The rich must have their wealth taken from them.Or they will destroy everything.They are addicts to robbing the poor.And yes I DO hate over-wealthy people.I hate them all and wish they did not exist because if they did not exist there would not be this class war and the contempt they have for us.

[Imagevision]

18. Not true, just received my stimulus for $300.00 yesterday - all I did

was fill out the form they sent to me regarding the stimulus check, with it they sent a form for 2007 income tax form to be filled out. -> even though I still don't require to pay any taxes for 2007 they MUST have that form to see that you have collected some $$$ from disability or SSA. Grant it it did take about 3 months to get but it was electronically deposited into my bank listed as "Stimulus check US. Government". Go on line and download the form fill it out and send it in and eventually it'll help to make your day!

[dajoki]

19. I already received mine...

and am very happy to hear that you got yours'. But you must have had income other than SSI, maybe SSD, in either case I'm glad you got it!!

[Naturyl]

20. "It is not earned income."

That statement should explain it all. Because SSI does not meet the all-important EARNED criteria, SSI recipients are not deserving of this (or pretty much any other) benefit.

God, I hate the word "earn" with a passion. I happen to think that if we must use the word at all, then every human being "earns" the right to a decent life simply by being born.

I feel zero obligation to EARN anything necessary for the basic maintenance of life. To hell with that. Only "extras" should have to be "earned."

[undergroundpanther]

22. I do too

Earn, like we are on a behavior modification program,as in if we do__ we earn privileges from the "master"who controls who gets what.Fuck that!

Ugh.The word Earn is just a very hateful selfish evil concept.Earn? Earn what? In reality for instance,we all need food.But access to food was once free to everything alive on Earth. Food was not"earned"..It was free for us all before we let PIGS take it all for themselves,laying claims they own the land.(LIE) and so they have the 'privilege to force others to PAY them to exist there.(the real meaning of earning) for the privilege of existing.
Private OWNERSHIP of what was commons for all(the Earth)created this mess.This lie of who deserves comes from that.
Earning cannot be a concept at all if there wasn't rich parasites of privilege passing out "rewards" for the desperate and duped able bodied insecure people doing what these pigs command of them believing the bullshit they say.

I know this CEO's do not EARN those multi million golden parachutes,Bankers that fuck up do not EARN the welfare THEY get or got(850 billion bailout for instance).

FUCK the PURITAN Work Delusion..And tear the rich apart redistribute wealth so all will have some,none will go without and none can own it all.Wealthy people's greed must be limited by force if necessary.This Class war has GOT to be stopped,and the rich must pay for what they do.to the poor and to the disabled.Even if it is with their bank accounts or their lives. or both..

[Naturyl]

24. Just found this response

Dunno how I missed it, but bravo. My sentiments precisely.