Can I get a tax refund if my only income is social security disability?

Asked by: Roberto Spinka  |  Last update: March 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)

If your only income is social security disability benefits, it's unlikely that you will owe the IRS anything at the end of the year or need to file a return. Clearly, if you don't file, you also won't earn a refund check. But, this is only if your sole income is the benefits.

Can I get a tax refund if I am on Social Security disability?

Yes, receiving SSI doesn't prevent you from getting a tax refund, though you're not likely to get a refund unless you qualify for one of the credits discussed above. Read more about tax refunds for disability recipients.

What if Social Security is my only income?

Generally, if Social Security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

Is there a tax credit for Social Security disability?

Generally, if you retire on disability, you must report your pension or annuity as income. There is a federal tax credit for people who are permanently and totally disabled. For more information, see IRS publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.

Do I have to file taxes if my only income is SSDI?

If you receive SSDI then you may have to pay taxes based on your yearly income and marital status. Fortunately, you will not be taxed on your benefit unless your total income is over these amounts: However, your tax liability does not start until you reach the tax minimum.

Do I have to file a tax return if I only receive Social Security?

17 related questions found

Does social security disability count as income?

You report the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits on line 6b of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

Do you get a tax break for disability?

If you get disability payments, your payments may qualify as earned income when you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Disability payments qualify as earned income depending on: The type of disability payments you get: Disability retirement benefits.

What is the 5 year rule for Social Security disability?

The so-called “five-year rule” for Social Security disability allows people who have already received disability benefits to skip a required waiting period in the re-application process after they've returned to work.

Can I claim a disabled adult on my taxes?

You can claim a person with disabilities as a dependent when: They have lived with you for more than half of the tax year. You have provided at least half of their support for the tax year. They are either your: child, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of these.

What tax form do I use if my only income is Social Security?

The net amount of Social Security benefits that you receive from the Social Security Administration is reported in Box 5 of Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, and you report that amount on line 6a of Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors.

Who does not have to file a tax return?

At a glance

The minimum income amount depends on your filing status and age. In 2023, for example, the minimum for Single filing status if under age 65 is $13,850. If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return.

Can a single person who has never worked collect Social Security?

Although many of the programs base benefit amounts and eligibility to work history, there are some instances where a person who has never worked can collect benefits. One program that provides benefits to people, not based on their work history, is Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Can I get my Social Security tax refunded?

Yes, you can get a refund when too much Social Security tax is withheld from you. The procedure depends on whether the excess withholdings were caused by multiple employers exceeding the maximum or too much being withheld by a single employer.

What qualifies as a disability on tax return?

However, you're usually considered disabled for tax purposes if either of these applies: You're unable to engage in any gainful activity due to physical or mental impairment. Your impairment is expected to result in death or last for a long or indefinite period.

Can I get earned income credit if I get Social Security?

You must have some form of earned income to qualify for an EITC. Social Security benefits do not count as earned income under the program.

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.

At what age does Social Security disability turn into regular disability?

Social Security Disability can stay active for as long as you're disabled. If you receive benefits until age 65, your SSDI benefits will stop, and your retirement benefits will begin. In other words, your SSDI benefits change to Social Security retirement benefits.

What gives 100% disability?

The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.

Does the IRS have a disability tax credit?

A credit for taxpayers: aged 65 or older OR retired on permanent and total disability and received taxable disability income for the tax year; AND. with an adjusted gross income OR the total of nontaxable Social Security, pensions annuities or disability income under specific limits.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

How do I get taxes off my disability check?

Download Form W-4 V: Voluntary Withholding Request from the IRS' website. Then, find the Social Security office closest to your home and fax or mail us the completed form.

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

Exactly how much in earnings do you need to get a $3,000 benefit? Well, you just need to have averaged about 70% of the taxable maximum. In our example case, that means that your earnings in 1983 were about $22,000 and increased every year to where they ended at about $100,000 at age 62.

What if my disability check is not enough?

When your disability check isn't enough to live on, you may have additional options at your disposal. For example, you may qualify for extra help in specific areas such as health care costs, food, and housing. Different federal, state, and local programs may be available.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.