Archive for Social Security Income

What Is A Social Security Benefit Verification Letter?

Social Security Verification Letter

The Social Security Benefit Verification Letter, sometimes called a    “budget letter”, a “proof of income letter”, or a “proof of award letter” serves as proof of your retirement, disability, social security or medicare benefits. You may use your letter for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and for other income verification purposes. You can also use it to prove you do not receive benefits, have applied for benefits, or that you have never received social security benefits.

In addition to name, date of birth, and benefits received, the Social Security Benefit Verification letter includes other identifiers to prevent misuse and fraud.

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Written by | Posted in Social Security • Social Security Earnings Request • Social Security Income

Social Security Tax And Employer Withholding

Social Security Tax And Employer Withholding

Must You Pay Social Security and Medicare Tax?

Nonresident aliens who are F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visa holders are not subject to social security and Medicare taxes (FICA) on services are performed to carry out the purpose for which they are admitted to the United States [IRC sec. 3121(b)(19)]. This generally includes on-campus work for which authorization is granted on Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record, or Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

A nonresident alien admitted to the US as a student is not permitted to work off campus for a wage or to engage in business unless given approval by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). This should be noted on the student’s copy of Immigration Form I-20, or Form I-688B, Employment Authorization Document.

Off-campus work due to severe economic necessity or for optional practical training is considered by the IRS to qualify for the exemption. The IRS does not consider other off-campus work performed by a nonresident alien student to be performed to carry out the purpose of a student visa.

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Written by | Posted in Expatriate Taxes • Social Security Income

How To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social Security Retirement Benefits

According to the Social Security Administration government site, you can apply for retirement benefits easily online. The U.S. government offers an online application that can be completed in as little as fifteen minutes. You can apply from the comfort of your home at any time convenient for you. There is no need to drive to the Social Security Office or speak to a Social Security representative to apply.

In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. Social Security will process your application and contact you by telephone or by mail if any further information is needed.

You can apply for Social Security Benefits at this link

Who can apply for retirement benefits online?

You can apply online for retirement benefits or benefits as a spouse if you:

• are at least 61 years and 8 months old;
• are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record;
• have not already applied for retirement benefits; and
• want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.)
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Written by | Posted in File For Social Security • Government Benefits • Social Security Income

Supplemental Security Income Recipients Will Receive Automatic Economic Impact Payments

Supplemental Security Income Recipients Will Receive Automatic Economic Impact Payments

The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Social Security Administration, announced today that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive automatic Economic Impact Payments.

SSI recipients will receive a $1,200 Economic Impact Payment with no further action needed on their part. The IRS projects the payments for this group will go out no later than early May.
Moving SSI recipients into the automatic payment category follows weeks of extensive cooperative work between SSA, Treasury, IRS as well as the Bureau of Fiscal Services.
“Since SSI recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns, the IRS had to work extensively with these other government agencies to determine a way to quickly and accurately deliver Economic Impact Payments to this group,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Additional programming work remains, but this step simplifies the process for SSI recipients to quickly and easily receive these $1,200 payments automatically. We appreciate the assistance of SSA and the Bureau of Fiscal Services in this effort.”
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Written by | Posted in Economic Impact Payments • Social Security Income • TaxConnections