I am 64 collecting 1009 every month on ssi. I won a jackpot at a casino for 1500.00. I did not take the federal taxes out. Do I need to file taxes? Or need to claim it somehow> Thank You

Hi,

When you say you're receiving SSI, I assume you mean that you're drawing Social Security benefits. SSI is the abbreviation normally used for Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs based benefit that Social Security administers. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, then yes, gambling winnings could affect your benefit rate or eligibility so you would need to report the winnings to Social Security.

However, assuming that what you're receiving is in fact Social Security benefits, then winning a jackpot at a casino would almost certainly not affect your benefits. Only earned income counts for Social Security's earnings test, and gambling proceeds aren't considered as earned income unless you are a self-employed professional gambler.

My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, so I can't answer your question about taxes. You'll probably want to check that out with the IRS.

Best, Jerry