News Release

“The Trump administration did the right thing by allowing recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to receive relief payments without filing a tax return.  The administration’s decision removes an unnecessary barrier that would have made it difficult for millions of our most vulnerable citizens to obtain the same cash payments available to other Americans under the CARES Act.  This follows an equally wise decision earlier this month not to require Social Security beneficiaries to file tax returns for the purposes of receiving relief checks.

On April 2nd, the National Committee sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, urging the administration not to require tax returns from SSI or Veterans benefits recipients.  We are gratified that the Treasury Department has reversed course and allowed SSI beneficiaries to receive stimulus payments without filing tax returns, but still urge that VA beneficiaries be afforded the same treatment – something that has not yet been forthcoming.

Seniors and people with disabilities are among the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.  They struggle to make ends meet on fixed incomes, many living with debilitating conditions and many without families who can provide support. These federal relief payments improve their chances of surviving the next few months both physically and financially. Today, we know that these poor, disabled, and elderly will receive their relief payments automatically just like everyone else – without undue burdens or delays.” – Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

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Media Inquiries to:

Pamela Causey 202-216-8378; 202-236-2123
Walter Gottlieb 202-216-8414