SSI and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries have until May 5 to claim $500 stimulus checks for their dependents under age 17

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries have until Tuesday May 5 to claim stimulus checks for children in their care.
• Americans who receive federal benefits will automatically receive $1,200 stimulus checks sent to their bank account or home address.
• In order to get an additional $500 for each dependent under age 17, they need to register with the non-filers tool on the IRS website.
• Read more personal finance coverage.

The IRS has announced a fast-approaching deadline for people who normally don't file a tax return but receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs benefits.

By Tuesday May 5, anyone who gets these federal benefits, didn't file a tax return in the last two years, and has dependent children under age 17 must use the non-filers tool on the IRS website to qualify for the additional $500 per child stimulus payment. The tool can be found here.

"We want to 'Plus $500' these recipients with children so they can get their maximum Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 plus $500 for each eligible child as quickly as possible," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a news release. If you don't make the deadline but qualify for an additional payment, you won't get the money until next tax season.

Keep in mind that stimulus checks don't affect federal benefits or tax refunds, and they're not taxed as income.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who are not claimed as dependents themselves will be getting $1,200 stimulus payments the same way they normally receive benefits, whether through direct bank deposit or mailed to their home address. These payments are automatic and are expected to begin going out in early May.

Under the CARES Act, anyone who is eligible for a stimulus payment and has a dependent aged 16 and under is eligible for an additional $500 per child. Because federal benefits recipients who don't file a tax return are getting paid automatically, the IRS is asking them to take this extra step to get their maximum payment.

• Read more on managing your money in this tumultuous time:
• 3 options for people struggling to pay their mortgage during the global health crisis
• 4 reasons to get disability insurance, even if you don't think you need it
• If you've been financially impacted by the coronavirus, you may be able to pause payments on these 8 bills
• How to get a stimulus check from the US government, which could pay up to $1,200 if you qualify
• In response to the coronavirus, credit card issuers like Amex and Capital One are letting customers skip payments without interest and more

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