Millions of Americans are still waiting for their stimulus checks three weeks after the Economic Impact Payments program was approved in a $2 trillion stimulus package.
So far, the Internal Revenue Service reports it has sent out $158 billion to 88 million people. At least $15.8 billion in EIPs have been sent to 9.1 million Californians to date, the IRS and US Treasury Department reported Friday, April 24.
So, where’s your check? It’s coming, the IRS says.
“More than 150 million payments will be sent out, and millions of people who do not typically file a tax return are eligible to receive these payments,” the agency said.
So, how does it work? Payments, roughly $1,200 per adult based on adjusted gross income, will be distributed automatically for most, including:
People who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019
Those who receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years.
The stimulus package, or CARES Act, requires EIP recipients provide a valid Social Security number. An effort by Democratic lawmakers including Reps. Lou Correa and Judy Chu and Raúl Grijalva of Arizona would amend the act with the Leave No Taxpayer Behind Act, adding an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number as an acceptable credential to receive government benefits.
The payments are calculated based on a household’s income. Those individuals who earn less than $75,000 will typically get the full $1,200. Qualifying couples, for example, would get $2,400. For those who earn more annually, payments are scaled downward.
Qualifying households with children also will get $500 per child under age 17.