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Larson, Davis Calls for Simple Path Forward for Social Security Recipients to Receive Economic Impact Payment

March 31, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) called for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) to develop a simple path forward for Social Security recipients to receive the economic impact payment. Yesterday, the IRS released guidance stating Social Security recipients would have to file a simplified tax to return to receive the payments.

"Yesterday's announcement from the IRS goes against the point of the economic impact payments, which is to get money, especially to the most vulnerable, quickly. This requirement will hinder seniors and people with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits from accessing these payments. Many of the resources normally available to help them file are not available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Social Security Administrator Saul must find a simple path forward instead of making it more difficult for our most vulnerable to receive these vital payments. Additionally, we should be further expanding relief payments for these populations, as they are the most susceptible to this virus. That's why I introduced The Emergency Social Security Benefits Improvement Act to expand Social Security benefits for all beneficiaries. Now is the time to make economic relief easier to access, not harder. I urge Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Social Security Administrator Saul to act quickly," said Larson.

"The reality of life for many seniors is that they receive (and subsist on) so little income that they are not required to file an income tax return. It is precisely these seniors that need this assistance most urgently. These same seniors may also be least likely to be able to communicate and respond via internet. Social Security has on file the information necessary to get this critical aid delivered quickly and reliably. In this time of crisis we should expect that our government acts compassionately, efficiently and with all due speed to support our people, especially the most vulnerable. I urge Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Social Security Administrator Saul to act quickly," said Davis.

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