Covid-19 Federal Stimulus Check Considerations for SSI Recipients

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 04/24/2020 03:00 PM AKDT

Governor’s Council On Disabilities & Special Education

SDS E-Alert: Federal Stimulus Check Considerations for SSI Recipients

 

SDS is sharing information compiled by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS).  NASDDDS offered this information as guidance for the DD population but it may also be informative for all Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are automatically receiving stimulus checks of $1200.

 

Federal Stimulus Check Considerations

 

For recipients automatically receiving stimulus checks of $1200, these funds will not count as income, and will not be counted as assets for the first twelve months, as pertains to SSI and Medicaid eligibility.

 

Whether individuals in the DD service system receive the check through SSI or other means, the following key considerations are important for I/DD leaders:

  • Many individuals may need education and support to understand why they are automatically receiving a large sum of money and how they can use it;
  • Some people who qualify may need help in obtaining funds if they are not able to receive an automatic payment;
  • Those who serve as representative payees, including facilities or providers, should receive education about the stimulus funds and how the funds may be treated as an asset if not spent within 12 months or used to purchase something that could be counted as an asset;
  • Individuals may need support to understand how the stimulus check may be obtained by debt collectors or pose an increased risk for scams; and
  • It is important for individuals and representative payees, as appropriate, to know that the money is intended to pay for basic necessities and not to pay for the cost of care in facilities or community-based programs

 

These resources may be helpful:

  • Guide to Stimulus Checks For People with Disabilities (by self-advocates who choose identity first language)

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/will-disabled-people-get-stimulus-checks/

https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/covid-19-stimulus-checks-impact/

  • IRS Warning About Coronavirus-related Scam