The U.S. government introduced the Economic Impact Payment under the CARES Act to help Americans during the financial crisis caused by COVID-19.
Eligible individuals can receive up to $1200, while parents can get an additional $500 for each child under 17. The IRS and SSA are responsible for distributing these payments.
Who Gets the Stimulus Check Automatically?
For most people, the $1200 payment is sent automatically. If you filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, the IRS will use that information to send your payment.
If you receive Social Security benefits, including SSI, SSDI, or retirement benefits, you should also receive the payment without needing to do anything.
What If You Have Children Under 17?
If you receive Social Security benefits and have children under 17, you need to take extra steps to get the additional $500 per child.
You must register as a Non-filer with the IRS to claim this money. The IRS will send the $1200 payment automatically, but the extra $500 per child must be requested.
What If You Receive VA Disability Benefits?
If you receive disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the process is similar to Social Security recipients.
You will automatically receive $1200, but you must register for the extra $500 per child. This ensures that your family gets the full amount they qualify for.
What If You Didn’t File Taxes in 2018 or 2019?
If you or your spouse had income in 2019 but did not file taxes, it’s important to file a tax return instead of registering as a Non-filer.
Filing a tax return could make you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which provides up to $6557 for families with children or $529 for qualifying individuals without children.
How to File Your Taxes for Free?
If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you can do it online for free. Websites like MyFreeTaxes.com allow you to complete your tax return without any cost.
Filing your taxes ensures that you get any additional tax credits you might be eligible for.
What If Your Bank Information or Address Changed?
If you filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, the IRS will use your most recent tax return to send your payment.
If your banking details or address have changed, you need to update your information on the IRS Economic Impact Payments portal. Keeping your information updated will prevent delays in receiving your money.
How to Register as a Non-Filer?
If you are not required to file taxes but need to claim your stimulus check, follow these steps:
- Visit the IRS website and go to the Non-filer registration page.
- Provide personal information, including your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
- If you have dependents under 17, enter their details to claim the additional $500 per child.
- Provide your banking details if you want direct deposit.
- If you receive benefits on a Direct Express card, you will need to request a paper check instead.
- Create an email account if you don’t have one, as it is required for registration. You can sign up for a free email account on Gmail or similar services.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
The IRS sends payments in three ways:
- Direct Deposit: If you have provided your bank details, you will receive the money directly in your bank account.
- Paper Check: If you did not provide banking information, the IRS will mail you a check.
- Prepaid Debit Card: Some people will receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) debit card instead of a check.
When Will You Get the Payment?
Most payments are sent within weeks after registration or tax filing. If you already receive Social Security benefits, the $1200 payment should arrive in the same way as your regular monthly benefits.
If you registered as a Non-filer or updated your bank details recently, expect some delays.
Read More:
- IRS Announces New Stimulus Payments for Eligible Americans Before Deadline!
- Deadline Approaching: IRS Urges Americans to Claim $1,400 Stimulus!
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Here are some issues people face when claiming their stimulus check and how to solve them:
- Didn’t Receive Your Check? Track your payment on the IRS website under the “Get My Payment” tool.
- Wrong Bank Information? If your bank details change, the payment might be returned to the IRS. In that case, a paper check will be sent to your registered address.
- Dependent Payment Missing? If you didn’t receive the extra $500 per child, you may need to claim it when filing your next tax return.
Final Thoughts
The IRS and SSA have made the stimulus payment process simple, but some people still need to take extra steps.
If you haven’t received your payment yet, check your eligibility, update your details, or file taxes if needed. Make sure you don’t miss out on the $1200 payment and any additional benefits for your family.
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