Social Security Advisory Board Letter Urges Eliminating Filing Deadlines for COVID-19 Relief Payments for Dependents
April 28, 2020
Washington, DC – Today, the Social Security Advisory Board (“Board”) wrote to the Commissioner of Social Security about the short turn-around time from announcement to deadline for families to complete the online form to receive the $500 relief payments for eligible dependents under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act:
- The April 22, 2020 deadline for Social Security beneficiaries was only announced on April 20.
- The May 5, 2020 deadline for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients was announced on April 24.
The Board’s letter urges the Commissioner to continue his work with Treasury to seek elimination of the filing deadlines for Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients.
“The Board appreciates the Commissioner Saul’s work with Treasury to assure relief payments were automatically delivered to those receiving Social Security and SSI benefits, The Board is now concerned that many beneficiaries and recipients will have trouble learning about and complying with filing deadlines for dependent benefits because of limited access to computers and the internet, especially with required social distancing and closure of libraries and field offices, where assistance would otherwise be provided,” said Board Chair Kim Hildred.
The Board’s mission is to provide the President, Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security advice and guidance with respect to matters of policy and administration of the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs.