Adapted from FAQ: CARES Act Stimulus Payments, prepared by Legal Council for Health Justice
Millions of Americans have already received their federal Economic Impact (Stimulus) Payments authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to calculate and send payments to most eligible individuals, some Americans may have to provide additional information to the IRS to receive their payment.
Who is eligible for stimulus payments?
Stimulus payments will be made as follows:
- $1,200 for single taxpayers with incomes of $75,000 or less;
- $2,400 plus $500 payments for each child under the age of 17 for married couples with incomes of $150,000 or less; and
- $1,200 plus $500 payments for each qualifying child for heads of households (usually single parents with children) with incomes of $112,500 or less.
The following individuals are not eligible for a CARES Act stimulus payment:
- People without a Social Security Number; and
- Young adults who are age 17 and older and who are claimed as dependents on another person’s income tax return.
How can I receive my stimulus payment?
- If you file a 2019 tax return, the IRS will use the bank direct deposit information on that form (bank routing number and account number) to make an electronic stimulus payment directly into your bank account.
- If no 2019 income tax return has been filed, the IRS will look to see if you filed a 2018 income tax return and use the direct deposit information on the 2018 form to make the electronic payment.
- People whose bank information has changed will need to update their bank information on the “Get My Payment” portal.
- SSI recipients will also receive stimulus payments directly to their bank accounts, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their monthly SSI benefits. These payments will be made no sooner than early May.
- SSI recipients with qualifying children under age 17 will need to go to IRS webpage to enter their information in order to receive the additional $500 per qualifying child payment.
- If you do not have a bank account, you will be mailed a stimulus check.
- You can also receive your stimulus payment through Cash App, if you have a Cash App account. Find more information here.
- If you are not required to file taxes in 2019 and did not file in 2018, you need to complete the IRS short form application for non-filers.
You can check the status of your stimulus payment here.
BE CAREFUL OF SCAMMERS!
If you receive calls, emails, or other communications claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, or another government agency offering COVID-19 related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, or an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless at 1 (800) 940-1119 or beth@chicagohomeless.org.