These are unprecedented times we are experiencing as a country. Grocery stores are social distancing land mines, true “essentials” are being defined, and the long-debated question of which meetings could have been emails has finally been answered. While it is important that we maintain levity during this pandemic, there are still serious inquiries that are imperative to answer. One such question concerns the impact coronavirus will have on social security payments.
According to the Social Security Administration, payments will be continued during quarantine. While local Social Security offices are closed to the public, the SSA consistently updates their website to keep beneficiaries informed. The most valued information found on the website being economic impact payment.
“Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not have qualifying children under age 17” will automatically receive the $1,200 from the economic impact program via direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or paper check. Those beneficiaries that have qualifying children under the age of 17 and did not file an income tax return for 2018 or 2019, or those that are new beneficiaries since January 1, 2020 who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, will not receive automatic payment and must go to the IRS’s website to enter information in order to receive their funds in addition to $500 per dependent child.[i]
It is of value to remember that some will take advantage of people through scams during this time of uncertainty. If you receive a call or email or some other form of communication threatening suspension of benefits due to office closure, do not respond. Benefits will still be dispersed even when we’re stuck at home.
If you are hurt on the job due to unsafe working conditions, seek legal counsel, as you may be entitled to workers’ compensation or other benefits. As we have since 1967, we will continue to protect the legal rights of our clients – those who are hurt on the job while working for Alabama employers. If you have been injured on the job and want to learn your rights, please consider contacting the Nomberg Law Firm. Our office number is 205-930-6900.
[2] https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/.
Bernard D. Nomberg has been a lawyer for more than 20 years. Bernard has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell’s peer-review rating. In 2019, Bernard was named a Super Lawyer for the 7th year in a row.