fac_bk_img

COVID FAQs

COVID FAQs

The New Norm – COVID-19

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, have decades of experience fighting for your Social Security benefits. However, with the coronavirus, none of us can look into the future. But know that we will be there with you every step of the way. The benefits all Americans are receiving are important as many wage earners have been furloughed. But when it comes to the inner workings of the U.S. Government, this should not overshadow your benefits. You may still have many questions.

FAQs

Will I continue to receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment if I use direct deposit?

Yes. You will continue to receive your monthly benefit amount if you use Direct Deposit.

 

Will I continue to receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment by mail?

Yes. Please visit the United States Postal Service for their latest statements about COVID-19 and if/how USPS services may be affected. To apply for direct deposit, visit this website. Direct deposit is not only safer, but faster during this backlog.

 

How do I get my COVID-19 economic impact benefit?

The Department of the Treasury announced on April 1st that Social Security retirement, disability and survivors’ beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an economic impact payment. The IRS will use SSA-1099 information they already have to automatically generate $1,200 economic impact payments to eligible Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.

Treasury, not Social Security, will make automatic payments to Social Security beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will receive these payments by direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their Social Security benefits.

For updates from the IRS, visit Coronavirus Tax Relief.

Note for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients:

SSI recipients are eligible to receive the economic impact payment. The SSA is working closely with Treasury to address outstanding questions about SSI recipients in an attempt to make the issuance of economic impact payments as quick and efficient as possible. They realize people are concerned, and the IRS will provide additional information at Coronavirus Tax Relief when available.

Please note that the SSA will not consider economic impact payments as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.

 

What scams should I know about?

Unfortunately, there are scammers who will take advantage of the current situation and try to trick you out of your money and personal information. Don’t be fooled!

If you receive calls, emails or other communications claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, or another government agency offering COVID-19 related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams. Visit Treasury’s website if you suspect economic impact payment fraud. Report Social Security scams about COVID-19.

Below are some of the scams we know about, but there can be many variations:

The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. The SSA will not suspend or discontinue benefits because their offices are closed to the public for in-person service. Read this and other fraud advisories.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. For example, scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. Learn about this and other COVID-19 fraud from HHS.

 

Will Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, still conduct hearings?

Yes. We are conducting hearings by telephone in certain cases. If you are scheduled for a hearing, your attorney will be in contact with you to discuss your options to proceed or request a continuance if you do not wish to proceed with a telephone hearing.

If you have additional questions about Social Security benefits, or if you’d like to learn more about filing a Social Security disability claim, feel free to contact us anytime at 877.526.3457. We have an experienced team of Social Security Disability attorneys, and one of our representatives will be happy to answer your questions. Or if you’d prefer to contact us online, please fill out this form and we will respond to you shortly.

We Won't Take “NO” for an Answer®

To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
N/a