Those who receive federal aid through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can expect to receive their third stimulus payment in "the same way as their regular benefits." However, a payment date has yet to be announced by the IRS.
"Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits. A payment date for this group will be announced shortly," the IRS advised on March 12.
Federal benefits are usually distributed to SSI and SSDI recipients via their Direct Express card account.
The U.S. Bureau of the Fiscal Service explains: "Federal benefit payments, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans, are required to receive your payment electronically. You must either have the money deposited directly to a bank or credit union account or get your money each month on a Direct Express prepaid debit card."
Only current Direct Express card holders can receive the third round of stimulus payments, the Direct Express website advises. See the company website for more information on how to sign up for Direct Express card account.
Third stimulus funds sent to Direct Express card accounts that were recently closed "will be returned and the IRS will reissue the payment," the website notes.
How do I claim my third stimulus payment?
The IRS said in early March that most residents who received SSI and SSDI benefits in 2020 "should not need to take any action" to get their third stimulus payment.
The IRS will "automatically send" third stimulus payments to those who didn't file a tax return but are recipients of SSI, SSDI, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Affairs benefits.
However, some of those expecting to receive an automatic third stimulus payment based on their federal benefits information may need to file a 2020 tax return even if they don't usually file taxes.
"If your third payment does not include a payment for your qualified dependent who did not receive a third payment, you must file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional third payment even if you don't normally file," the IRS advised on March 4.
On March 4, the federal body said it is working with the aforementioned federal benefits agencies "to get updated information for 2021 to assist with stimulus payments at a date to be determined."
What Social Security Administration says
The Social Security Administration has yet to release updated advice on third stimulus payments.
The SSA stated on March 12: "The IRS is reviewing the tax provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, 2021. We will add helpful Q&As to this page soon, like we did for each of the first two rounds of EIPs.
"If you still subscribe to receive updates from us when we update our EIP1 and EIP2 pages, we will automatically add you to a subscription list for this new EIP page," the SSA added.
A spokesperson for NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association) told Newsweek: "Unfortunately, it appears we don't know enough yet [about the third stimulus payment date for SSI/SSDI recipients]. The only information we were given is that SSA rules require that legislation be passed before they can work to find eligibility and payment information."
Newsweek has contacted the SSA, IRS and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service for comment.
What if I don't receive my direct deposit?
Those who don't receive their direct deposit payments should look out for either a check or a debit card in the mail.
"To speed delivery of the payments to reach as many people as soon as possible, some payments will be sent in the mail as a debit card. The form of payment for the third stimulus payment may differ from the first two," the IRS says.
Residents can check the status of their latest stimulus payment using the Get My Payment tool available at the IRS website, which is being updated on a regular basis.
Around 90 million third stimulus payments issued
The IRS sent around 90 million third stimulus payments on Wednesday.
"The first batch of payments primarily went to eligible taxpayers who provided direct deposit information on their 2019 or 2020 returns, including people who don't typically file a return but who successfully used the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov last year.
"Additional batches and payments will be sent in the coming weeks by direct deposit and through the mail as a check or debit card. The vast majority of all Economic Impact Payments will be issued by direct deposit," the federal body said Wednesday.
The IRS noted last Friday: "Because these payments are automatic for most eligible people, contacting either financial institutions or the IRS on payment timing will not speed up their arrival."
