This article provides updates, income qualification thresholds and FAQs on previously approved and proposed stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact payments.
While multiple rounds of payments have been made over the last few years, including those claimed via tax returns, many are asking if the government will make another (4th or 5th round) of federal payments to help folks cope with high inflation and the rising costs of basic goods and services.
Each round of stimulus “check” payments had slightly different rules (and payment constraints) so please ensure you review each payment round separately. Click the links below to jump to the relevant stimulus payment.
If you have not received one or more of your stimulus payments, then you will need to claim this as a recovery rebate via your tax filing for the relevant year. See key 2024 tax filing dates. This include retroactive stimulus check payments.
Note, as discussed below, stimulus check and similar payments have been issued at both a federal and state level.
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More Stimulus Payments in 2024?
President Biden and the Democrat controlled Congress recently passed two major spending bills – $1.7 trillion omnibus government funding bill and a scaled down Build Build Better (BBB) act, known as the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376).
While each piece of legislation included funding for several groups it did not include another stimulus check or economic impact payment in 2023. Further, neither bill contained funding to extend the pandemic Child Credit Credit (CTC) or emergency SNAP allotments.
While many individuals and families could have benefited from some form of government support, especially with higher interest rates, there simply was not enough political support for further payments or tax credit expansions that could spur further inflation.
There was however some relief for medicare recipients and record raises for those on the federal GS pay scale and Military pay charts, thanks to the record 2023 COLA increase.
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A Fourth Stimulus Check to Deal With Inflation Pressures?
There has plenty of talk of a fourth stimulus check, originally as a relief payment in Biden’s build Back Better Bill (BBB) and now as a way to offset higher costs many consumers are seeing due to record inflation.
However progress on a 4th stimulus check has stalled in Congress due to lack of agreement among Democrats and Republicans and what they can sell to their constituents ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections.
With the economy rebounding strongly, higher inflation and unemployment claims falling, it was hard for most Democrats in Congress to justify spending billions of dollars on even more stimulus payments.
Some states like California however, are making state specific stimulus payments to provide inflation relief for lower income workers which may be replicated in other (Democrat leaning) states.
These are being done via additional tax rebates and immediate payment for lower income workers who filed a recent tax return.
There is also the expanded monthly Child Tax Credit (CTC) stimulus payment for families who have qualifying dependents. While this is not technically a fourth dependent stimulus and rather more of an advanced tax credit (against your 2021 tax return) it will act like a stimulus payment because it is being paid directly by the IRS to nearly 70 million dependents and their families.
The IRS has also completed making millions of plus-up or catch-up stimulus payments to those who have filed a recent tax returns.
Based on these filings (which are separate to 2021 refund payments) the IRS reviewed earlier stimulus payments’ eligibility and if they found underpaid or missed payments – mainly due to a change in income or missing dependents – they then issued these supplementary payments.
All plus-up and catch-up payments for past credits has now completed. You will need to claim them via filing a tax return.
As discussed in this article, be careful how you account for past payments to avoid facing extended refund payment delays.
$1200 Stimulus Check (Working Family Tax Credit) for Low Income Families
With another stimulus check for the masses unlikely in the year ahead, there have been reports of more targeted and state specific stimulus checks to help those facing mounting financial pressures, including many working families.
This includes a $1200 working families payment by the Washington’s Department of Revenue (WDR). The stimulus payment would be in the form of a tax credit that could help up to 400,000 low-income working households in the states.
Eligibility will be based on income as reported for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and qualifying household dependents. Single person households would get up to $300, with families getting up to $1,200. The minimum amount based on income of eligible children is $50.
Applications for this state tax credit opens from February 1, 2023. While it is currently offered for Washington residents, it may be rolled out in other states if successful in helping targeted households.
Third Stimulus Check Under Biden COVID Relief Package
Under the now passed $1.9 Trillion Biden COVID Relief Package (American Rescue Plan, ARP) there are provisions included for another (third) round of stimulus checks. The amounts will be $2800 for couples, $1400 for single adults and $1400 for each eligible dependent per the final bill crafted by the Congressional Democrats.
Based on the income qualification levels, nearly 85 percent of American households would receive a full or partial stimulus payment under the Biden plan. A typical couple with two children making $100,000 annually would receiving about $5,600 with this third round of stimulus check payments.
The full payment will be made to singles filers making less than $75,000 and couples earning less than $150,000 in adjusted gross income (AGI). Phase out limits to get a partial stimulus payment are also shown in the table below. To get the dependent check you need to qualify for the adult stimulus payment, and the payment would be sent to the adult recipient claiming the dependent.
| 2019 or 2020 Tax Filing Status | Income Below Which FULL Stimulus is Paid | Maximum Income To Qualify for Partial Stimulus |
|---|---|---|
| Single or Married filing separate | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Head of household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 | $160,000 |
Expanding Dependent Eligibility
The latest round of stimulus checks will allow people to use the later of their 2019 or 2020 tax data (file your tax return via TurboTax) to ensure the latest dependent and payment information can be used. Further, the new legislation has expanded the dependent eligibility criteria to include college-aged and elderly dependents claimed on tax returns. While this means many dependents who missed out on earlier stimulus payments will get paid this time around, I expect payment issues and delays for dependents to repeat themselves.
The $1400 stimulus payment will considered as an advanced refundable credit against your 2021 taxes. You won’t have to pay taxes on it, but can also be claimed in your 2021 return as a recovery rebate credit if you don’t get it for some reason this year.
Should I hold off on filing my tax return?
It likely won’t make a difference in the longer term other than to update dependent or payment data, but the IRS will only use your 2020 tax return data to determine eligibility for this round of stimulus checks if they have processed your return (WMR refund state = refund sent). If your 2020 return has not been filed and processing, they will use 2019 tax data for payment.
If your 2020 return is filed and/or processed after the IRS sends you a third stimulus check, but before July 15, 2021 the IRS would send you a second payment or require a repayment for the difference between what your payment should have been if based on your 2020 return and the payment actually sent based on your 2019 return.
When Could Stimulus Payments Start?
Following approval of the bill on March 11th, millions of Americans will start seeing the third stimulus payments by mid-to-late March 2021 per the estimated IRS payment schedule and official Biden administration guidance. Comments below confirm these are going out now. You can also check the IRS Get May Payment (GMP) tool for the latest status of your payment. See payment FAQs from the second round of payments, which will also apply for the most part this time around.
Due to the fact that payments are going out in the middle of tax season it may be very hard to get a hold of someone in the IRS to help with payment issues and you will likely have to wait until after April 15th to follow up on issues.
New Debit Cards to be Issued for Third Round of Stimulus Checks
The new legislation includes provisions for those receiving payments by debit card. With this round of payments, new debit cards will be issued for the third/latest stimulus payments. The IRS cannot use the prior debit cards used for earlier stimulus payments.
Second $600 Stimulus Check Details
[Update Feb 16th, 2021 – Payment Status] While the CAA legislation, under which the stimulus payments were funded, required that the second round of payments be issued by Jan. 15, 2021, some second round Economic Impact Payments may still be in the mail and delivered by the end of February. The IRS however has confirmed has issued all first and second Economic Impact Payments it is legally permitted to issue, based on information on file for eligible people.
Get My Payment was last updated on Jan. 29, 2021, to reflect the final payments and will not update again for first or second Economic Impact Payments.
If you haven’t yet received your payment and GMP is not showing payment details then the IRS is recommending you claim this (and past missing payments if eligible) via a recovery rebate credit in your 2020 tax return that you will file this year. Major tax software providers have updated their software to allow tax payers to claim their missing first or second stimulus payment as a recovery rebate with their 2020 tax filing.
Under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, the IRS has delivered more than 147 million EIPs (stimulus payments) totaling over $142 billion. Due to the lower income qualification thresholds and smaller payments this was lower than the 160 million payments ($270 billion) made via the first stimulus check.
President Biden also recently signed an Executive Order for the IRS to provide a new tool to claim missing stimulus checks and conduct more analysis to ensure those who were unable to get their first or second check are notified around their eligibility.
[December 29th, 2020] President Trump signed the $900 billion COVID relief stimulus package into law despite earlier objections and last minute demands to triple the size of the stimulus/economic relief payment. He eventually signed the COVID relief package due to Congressional and public pressure, not to mention the plight this would have placed millions of Americans into. The second round of stimulus checks however have been cut to $600 (singles) and $1200 (couples) versus the first round of economic impact payments of $1200 ($2400 for couples). This was done in order to keep the overall COVID relief bill price-tag to below $1 trillion to get passed through the Republican controlled Senate. The dependent stimulus check however was increased to $600 versus the $500 in the CARES stimulus package.
To be eligible for the full stimulus check payment eligible recipients will have to have earned less than $75,000 (150,000 couples). The stimulus check will fully phase out for singles with incomes below $87,000 and $174,000 for couples. Those earning above that amount will not be eligible for the stimulus check for themselves or their dependents. See the table below for the second stimulus check income thresholds (and earlier updates below for how this compares to first round of stimulus checks). Your second stimulus check qualifying income is based on your 2019 tax return for those who file a return. SSI and veterans will get this payment in the same way they got their first stimulus check.
Second Stimulus Check Income Thresholds
| 2019 Tax Filing Status | Income Below Which FULL Stimulus is Paid | Maximum Income To Qualify for Partial Stimulus |
|---|---|---|
| Single or Married filing separate | $75,000 | $87,000 |
| Head of household | $112,500 | $124,500 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 | $174,000 |
When Will the New Stimulus Payments/Checks be made?
The IRS will be responsible for making these stimulus payment checks and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, whose department oversees the IRS, said that payments go out within a week of the bill being formally approved.
This means payments could hit bank accounts before the end of the year. Payments would be made in multiple batches and if all goes according to plan the first round of payments would begin on 12/28 (subject to bank processing). Processing will go until January 15th for Direct Deposit payments. Checks and Debit Cards will take until the end of January 2020 to get processed. See more on the IRS Stimulus Check Payment Schedule.
The inclusion of the one-time stimulus payment however has also meant a cut in extra unemployment benefits that are also part of the overall package. More to come as the bill gets finalized and I will post updates. See this $600 stimulus update video for a quick summary as well.
Here are some questions and answers around this new stimulus payment:
If I didn’t file taxes in 2019/2020 will I receive the stimulus (non-filers)? Unlike the first stimulus payment where those who didn’t need to file a tax return could update the IRS’ non-filer tool, this time around due to the speed of roll-out of the second stimulus check and with tax season around the corner the IRS has said the non-filer tool is closed for updates.
The IRS will be using information they have as of Nov 21, 2020 or from your first stimulus check payment (if applicable). Otherwise they are encouraging you to the stimulus (known as a recovery rebate credit in tax terms) by filing a 2020 1040 or 1040-SR tax return. Free tax software programs can be used by people who are not normally required to file tax returns but are eligible to claim the credit.
How will I get paid? Like the first stimulus payment in 2020, the IRS will facilitate payment of these checks based on your 2019 tax information. You will also get the dependent stimulus payment for eligible dependents claimed on your tax return. For other groups who don’t file taxes the IRS will work with other government departments (e.g Social security agency for SSI recipients) or the Get My Payment tool. Direct deposit will still be the fastest way to get your payment.
How will I receive the payment in my bank account? If you’re eligible to receive a payment via direct deposit it will be deposited directly into the same account used when you filed your 2019 tax return and/or the account number used in the previous stimulus payment program. The payment will appear in your account summary as “IRS TREAS 310 XXTAXEIP2” or something similar. You can also check the IRS site for the latest status of your payment.
If you did not give the IRS your direct deposit account information through your federal tax return in the last two years, and have not provided the IRS with your information as a non-filer, you will likely receive a US Treasury check. The check will be mailed to the address on file at the IRS from the prior year tax return. It could take 5 to 6 weeks to get the check via mail.
Dependents in 2020? Households who added dependents in 2020 might not qualify for full payments immediately, since based on 2019 tax return information. But they can request additional money as part of the 2020 tax returns they will file in early 2021. See more in this articles for dependent qualification income thresholds.
Qualification Income thresholds changing? Income thresholds will stay in line with the original stimulus check levels, but the maximum limits have been lowered per the table above.
I heard the amount could be higher than $600? $600 is now the amount Democrats and Republicans have agreed to. While there are some members of Congress (including President Trump) wanted the full $1200 or higher $2000 payment, it would have made the overall stimulus package too expensive and unlikely to be approved by more conservative Republicans. However we may see a $2000 stimulus under the new Biden administration based on recent reports and I will post an update on that soon.
[Update following $908 billion proposed stimulus] Congress is back in session after a tough election cycle which enlarged the already wide chasm between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to agreeing on a new Coronavirus / COVID stimulus package. At this stage the main hope is that the lame-duck Congress (until January 2020) can approve an interim stimulus package ahead of a more comprehensive one during the Biden administration era.
The one major issue with this bipartisan stimulus proposal is that it does not include funding for another round of stimulus checks. However the $918 billion proposal (from Trump/Mnuchin shown below) does have a stimulus check payment! As you can see from the table below, which shows the various areas being funded like extended unemployment benefits and COVID vaccination distribution, there is no line item for economic impact payments (a.k.a stimulus checks). This was a nearly $300bn line item under the CARES act, so a significant funding item. By cutting this, the bipartisan group of senators were able to bring the price tag to below $1 Trillion. Unfortunately this means no $1200/$2400 stimulus check and $500 child stimulus payment to over 80 million Americans.
[Second Stimulus Check Update] Congressional leaders have agreed in principle that a second stimulus check will be paid in 2020, given the ongoing economic fallout from the COVID crisis. This CARES 2 economic impact payment (a.k.a stimulus check) will be part of the next stimulus package, which is still under review due to several other politically contentious items (like an extension of unemployment benefits). However another round of one-time stimulus check payments seems to be agreed upon by Republicans and Democrats, and the general consensus is for a $1200/$2400 payment in August.
Some proposals had the stimulus check as low as $600, all the way to a recurring $2,000 monthly payment! Income eligibility levels are also set to remain the same as the first stimulus check (detailed below) and based on 2019 or 2018 tax returns. Further another $500 child stimulus payment will also be made and will be expanded to cover those under 24 (versus under 17 in the first stimulus payment), so high school and college age dependents would be covered.
The stimulus payments are expected to be paid soon after the final stimulus package is approved by Congress and the White House. The first round of checks was plagued by problems as the IRS had to update systems, account for non-filers and work with several other agencies to verify payments. Luckily that is now in place so I expect the payments to be much more efficient this time around and hit most people’s bank accounts by late August.
For those waiting for their first round of stimulus payment, the IRS is still recommending these be claimed in their 2020 tax returns filed in 2021. This would also apply for those who don’t receive their second stimulus check.
First Stimulus Check (Economic Impact) Payment in 2020
[Updated June 2020] The $2.2 trillion dollar stimulus bill (CARES act) has now been signed into law. Under this bill there is the widely reported economic stimulus payment checks of $1,200 per adult and $2400 for couples. For families they would provide $500 for every eligible child. The full stimulus check would be made to those earning less than $75,000 ($150,000 for couples) and would phase out to zero for those earning more than $99,000 ($198,000 for couples). Head of household tax filers will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less.
In the phase out range (i.e. between $75,000 and $99,000 for singles) for every $100 you earn above the lower limit ($75,000) payment drops by $5 until you reach the maximum limit ($99,000).
Example (single) – If Brian made $67,000 last year based on his latest filed tax return, he would get the full $1200 payment. If he had made $90,000 he would only be eligible for $450 ($1200 – $750). If he had made $110,000 he wouldn’t be eligible at all.
| 2019 or 2018 Filing Status | Income Below Which FULL Stimulus is Paid | Maximum Income To Qualify for Partial Stimulus |
|---|---|---|
| Single or married filing separate | $75,000 | $99,000 |
| Head of household | $112,500 | $136,500 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 | $198,000 |
Example (married) – My wife and I made $185000. We filed jointly. Are we eligible to get anything from the 2020 stimulus? Answer – You would be eligible to get $650.00 (partial amount) under the direct payment program. Up to $150,000, you get 100% of the $2,400 stimulus payment. Anything over 150,000, you would subtract 5% of the amount over $150,000. So in your scenario, 35k over 150k. 5% of 35k is $1750, So $2400- $1750=$650.00
In addition to the above income limits to qualify for the $1200 or $2400 Economic stimulus check (or economic impact payment per IRS), recipients must have a valid Social Security number and cannot be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer,
Child or Dependent Qualification for the $500 payment?
Several readers have asked questions around the $500 child dependent additional stimulus payment. To get this payment you must have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and claimed the child as dependent AND the child must be younger than 17-years-old at the end of 2020. They must also be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption (similar to the Child Tax Credit). There is no limit to the number of dependents who can qualify for the additional $500 in one household.
This age limit is much younger than what is used by the IRS in the qualifying child test where a child must be younger than 19 years old or be a “student” younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year. Hence the confusion being caused by this. So just remember if your child or eligible dependent is 17 or over you cannot claim the stimulus payment for them.
College Kids and High School Seniors
The younger than 17 yr old requirement has ruled out several thousand college students and high school kids who are older than 17, but still being claimed as a dependent by their parents on their federal tax return.
However if you are a college student AND filed a recent tax return you can qualify for a standard/adult stimulus check per the above eligibility rules. But note as soon as you file a return you cannot be claimed as a dependent by others, which means they lose certain other tax benefits and credits.
What about on Social Security or SSDI (Disability)?
Social Security recipients, disability (SSDI), Survivor Beneficiaries and Railroad Retirees who are not otherwise required to file a tax return will also be eligible for the stimulus payments, as long as their total income does not exceed the eligibility income limits above. The IRS in conjunction with the Treasury and Social Security Administration announced that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive the $1200 Stimulus Check (formally called Economic Impact Payments). See details here. This group of recipients will receive the stimulus check the same way they currently get their federal benefits in early May with no further action needed on their part.
However note that because the IRS has no information regarding dependent data for this group of recipients, the $500 kid dependent stimulus payment would not be automatically paid to this group. They need to use the non-filers tool on the IRS website to claim this.
How will the Stimulus check payments be made?
[IRS Updates] – The IRS has confirmed that payments for most working Americans are expected to be calculated and deposited or mailed via check based on 2018 or 2019 federal tax filing payment details. Most people won’t need to take any action and the IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic stimulus payment to those eligible. The Treasury department, under which the IRS falls has also created a website/portal for those who are not required to file U.S. income taxes or who have to change payment information (e.g direct deposit information).
For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the last valid return filed. So if your 2018 information is out of date or your income situation changed in 2019, make sure you file, even if you have no taxes due (start filing for free with TurboTax).
2020 Stimulus Check Payout Schedule
The IRS has confirmed that the distribution of economic impact payments (stimulus checks) has started and millions of Americans should have their stimulus check payment by now. Note that this will likely only apply to those receiving the payment via direct deposit (in line with how they get their tax refund or Social security check today). You can see the status of your stimulus check payment on the IRS Get My Payment portal.
- Direct Deposit payments will generally be deposited 2 to 3 days after the IRS confirms income eligibility for the payout.
- Physical checks will take at least 6 to 8 weeks to be mailed out.
Social Security Retirees and Disability recipients who are eligible for the payment will get the stimulus checks/payments deposited the same way they currently get their payments.
Given over 120 million Americans could be eligible for the payment, it will take a while to process the stimulus checks.
Stimulus Check Missing Payment Issues or Errors?
The IRS will also be mailing Stimulus Payment letters to each eligible recipient’s last known address 15 days after the payment is made. The letter will provide information on how the Payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the Payment. Note that the IRS or other government departments will not contact you about your stimulus check payment details either.
Why didn’t I get a stimulus check? Remember that the IRS has to have your direct deposit details, which is normally only provided if you received a 2018 or 2019 refund. If you file a return and they cannot use their portal to add direct deposit details, then your payment will come via check which could take several weeks. At this checks will likely start arriving at your IRS registered address from the end of April.
Finally you will also likely be able to claim any missing payments in your 2020 tax return as a tax credit. All this unfortunately will mean delays in getting your stimulus payment until issues are worked through.
How will child support arrears and payments be impacted with stimulus check?
I seem to be getting a lot of comments on this question around child support. The IRS has confirmed (see q21) that the stimulus check payment will NOT be offset or intercepted for those owe tax, have a payment agreement or owe other federal or state debts. It will however be OFFSET for past-due child support.
This is because a court order for child support continues until it is modified or terminated. Similarly with unemployment compensation stimulus increases, your child support may be withheld from the UI payments. You will get a notice from BFS if this happens.
Injured Spouse Claim and Spousal Claims
The IRS also stated that If you are married filing jointly and you filed an injured spouse claim with your 2019 tax return (or 2018 tax return if you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return), half of the total payment will be sent to each spouse and your spouse’s stimulus check payment will be offset only for past-due child support.
There is no need to file another injured spouse claim for the payment. I have received dozens of comments on this this, so hopefully this answers the questions many have had based on official IRS guidance.
Note that if you were current with your child support payments at the time of the stimulus eligibility determination (end of March) but fell behind afterwards due to a COVID-19 related job loss, you would still be eligible to get the full stimulus payment.
Updating Direct Deposit Information
This question has come up a lot in the hundreds of comments to this article. The IRS has setup a portal for individuals to provide their updated banking information to receive payments via direct deposit as opposed to checks in the mail.
The IRS does recommend that 2018 Filers who need to change their account information or mailing address, file 2019 taxes electronically as soon as possible. That is the only way to let us know your new information..
If your bank account details changed, was closed or no longer active (so payment is rejected by the bank) a check will be mailed to the address the IRS has have on file for you based on your most recent tax return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS). You cannot call the IRS to update payment or address details at this point in time.
Do I have to pay taxes on my stimulus payment?
No. Since the stimulus check is considered a refundable tax credit, it is not classified as earned income. Hence not considered taxable income you will have to report in your 2020 tax return (filed in 2021). It also won’t affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
This payment also does not have to be paid back if any over payment happens or your gross income in 2020 changes. This includes your income rising to above the qualifying thresholds. If you unexpectedly got the payment, congratulations! You get to keep it now.
Returning Incorrect Stimulus Check Payments
A few people have commented that a spouse, relative or child who died since they filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return received a stimulus check payment. The IRS has provided official guidance on this issue which states that any payments made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS in full.
The exception to this is for payments made to joint filers and one spouse who had not died before receipt of the Payment, in which case, you only need to return the portion of the Payment made on account of the decedent
I filed head of household in Feb , just received s letter asking me to verify identity, I cannot do it online as I don’t have a credit card or student loan in my name and when I call there not taking calls . will this affect the direct deposit of my economic stimulus payment ? I i havent had to file since 2016.
My refund says still processing,,,will I get a stimulus check r not
If I filled my 2019 tax’s and received my taxes on an e1 card will I receive my stimulus check the same way
I have an E1 card that my taxes have gotten direct deposited into is that how my stimulus checks going to be given?
You need to go to the IRS website and to their econonmic impact portal to update your information (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here)
Hi but did you get ur money on your E1 card ? Please because my tax prepper sounds like she is feeding me bullshit! It says my money was deposited into a account I never used.
NO.. what ever Bank product she use it went there/ they will send it back to IRS and IRS will mail you a check .. Thats their Rule right now.
The irs took $700 for back child support last month from my taxes. I am paid up but got my stimulus check and they also took $700 for back child support. how do I get a refund for overpayment?
I would call the Child Support division. Perhaps the payment on the 1st $700 paid didn’t go through when the IRS Stimulus occurred and you were double charged. It will be easier to call Child Support than the IRS. Good Luck !!
My husband owes back child support. We file married jointly. Will my kids and I still get the stimulus check?
I am in the same situation…but with 2 ex’s trying to take from our daughters (2yrs old) taxes..gave birth to her April 2018. I am appealing it now…we got married last year in july 2019. After taxes taken..including all of state. (Which goes to his ex who lives in Indiana but claims in ky. Pretty sure that a stretch in the pokie.) They also take out his paycheck. This is a crisis so how can they take what’s suppose to help us from poverty? When they’ve taken half of paycheck every week…I have left message to governor but no response. I called child support in Ky left message and again no response…I understand none in office but surely someone has them sent to email or somethin. If someone could direct me on the next step…it be a blessing. God knows our daughter n I need ad deserve what’s ours. Hopefully we get stimulus and my husband just gets cut half on stimulus.
No unfortunately of your husband owes, they will take every dollar regardless of who it’s for. They did it to me too. My husband’s ex girlfriend got mine and my 2 kids money
Nope, not if the past due exceeds the amount you are allotted for the stimulus
I am in this same boat my husband owes back child support, I however do NOT owe and they did not deposit my half of the stimulus check either so what now? Is there someone we call or we are just out of luck now? I’m so frustrated right now because his kids mom and her boyfriend just sit there neither one work now and collect tribal money and child support and both me and my husband work our butts off and now are struggling due to COVID I would have at least thought I would get my half!
Amanda Peterson your a bitch. The words came directly out of president Trumps mouth that this “stimulus” check is to help keep Americans afloat. This should be ALL Americans whether you do or do not owe back child support. Everyone’s situation is a little different and of course we dont know their whole story, but there really is no reason for you to be answering these folks with those smart ass remarks. Are you trying to help these people answer their questions or bully them?
Hi. I filed head of household last year with my 2 boys as dependents and it was direct deposited, my husband did not file last year. this year we filed jointly with the 2 boys but had to mail it in..I recieved my stimulus check for me and the boys by direct deposit so they obviously used last year info…so for my husband, will he get his separate for himself by mail ?
I file an injured spouse form with my joint taxes every year so my part of return is not applied to my husband’s past due child support. Will I receive part, or all, of my stimulus check with the form being filed with my taxes? Do I need to file it again?
I have the exact same questions. Filed an injured spouse form with my 2019 taxes, received my portion of the tax refund – do I need to file again for my portion of the economic impact money.
But isn’t a injured spouse report supposed to be for an injured spouse and not for somebody that’s just decided not to work? doesn’t it have to be documented that they’ve actually been injured for you to be able to claim injured spouse?
“Injured” is just the term for saying that one spouse has debts not owed by the other, usually child support. By filing injured spouse that person will get their portion of the tax return and the person who owes child support will have their payment sent to the parent owed the child support. It doesn’t mean you’re actually injured or can’t work.
Please research before you speak. An injured spouse form is for people whose spouse owes money that could be taken from a tax refund. The form means the spouse do doesnt owe the money can get their portion of the tax refund and not have it go to the other spouse’s debt., like child support. My husband owes child support but I am not responsible fot it so I file the form to be able to get my portion of the refund. The form has nothing to do with injuries or not being able to work
Injured spouse does not refer to someone that is physically hurt. It is referring to the spouse that gets “injured” by the other spouses debt that they are not responsible for by having payments taken.
These people are referring to a spouse that has children with someone else and pays child support. The other spouse that is not responsible for their husband or wives child support can claim injured spouse so they can get some or all of their taxes back. Right now, even the non responsible spouse will have their stimulus reduced in the amount that is due in back child support.
I used DD for my 2019 refund with my E1 bank card will my stimulus check be on that card
My question is this. For people who fell behind on child support, and also lost their job due to covid 19 pandemic, how will they feed themselves or pay their bills if their stimulus payment is intercepted? How will someone pay rent if the money goes to child support? How am does someone buy groceries or feed the other children they have living with them? What resources are there for this situation
We are in the exact same situation here. My spouse lost their job a few months back barely scraping by now, and with the pandemic it has made finding work to do even harder so we NEED the money. But their “other” parent that is RICH is getting ALL of their check and then part of mine since we are married. It is absurd and we are hurting bad.
The law favors the child that is not getting the financial support of the parent that is behind on the child support. Can you really argue that?
I totally get it but injure the other innocent children by taking their money during a pandemic??? This makes no sense.
I read earlier that the government is injuring immigrants by not allowing them to receive the stimulus and are going to give it to them. What about these kids who are being injured by no fault of their own because daddy owes money?
Just saying!
I filed a joint return, my wife owes for a federal aid/grant, will I get the stimulus check or will they keep it
They are only withholding for back child support not for any aid or grants so you should get yours.
In 2018 I filed married joint and in 2019 I filed married separately. My separated spouse has not filed his taxes yet. So what will they base my stimulus payment on? Will I get my own payment?
Based on 2019 filing. You should get your own payment but you can check status here.
I owe the state of Oklahoma arrears for FOSTER CARE SUPPORT..there is not a current child support or foster care support case. I am disabled on ssdi they take 50$ a month for the back foster care support…so is the state going to get my stimulus money while i CONTINUE TO SUFFER!?
I received my $1,200 stimulus check deposited in my account but never received the $500 for my 1 year old daughter. Will that be sent separately if anybody knows the answer to this please advise?
Was she claimed as a dependent of someone else’s return? It may come seperately or else you can claim this in your 2020 return.
The same thing happened to me. I got my $1200 but not the $500 for my daughter I
Will my stimulus payment be loaded into my eone prepaid visa debit card I received from the IRS?
I got my tax refund on a e1 card from my tax person will I get my stimulus check on that card as well
Not sure. I suggest you update/check via the IRS DD portal. Details on this page – https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-stimulus-check-direct-deposit-payment-information-portal-now-available-for-non-filers/
Me and my husband owe back child support but we do have our daughter now . does that mean we won’t get the check ?
You will not get the check. If you do not owe the child support, but your husband does, send in an injured spouse form. I am not sure what tax year to use on the form. You can also call 1-800-304-3107 to see if your check is being offset.
My husband payed off his arrears last year with our income tax and this year when we filed he didn’t owe anything we got all our money. It wasnt until after we received our refund that they brought something up from 2009 when he was working they said the government was still collecting so now he owes again so how will that affect my stimulus check
My Ex and I alternate claiming my now 17 year old. I claimed her in 2018 and she did for 2019… Also I haven’t yet filed my 2019. Where will the Covid $500 go?
My wife and I file taxes every year jointly but we have two checking accounts on file and split up our returns every year between those accounts. So my question is will the stimulus check just get put into one of those accounts or will it get split 50/50 between the accounts on file? Doesn’t matter either way I was just hoping they wouldn’t now mail it out instead of direct deposit since we have two different accounts on file with the IRS.
It will likely be paid the same way it was done for your tax refund/filing. You can go to the IRS site from next week to adjust the DD information
Hi. I filed head of household last year with my 2 boys as dependents and it was direct deposited, my husband did not file last year. this year we filed jointly with the 2 boys but had to mail it in..I recieved my stimulus check for me and the boys by direct deposit so they obviously used last year info…so for my husband, will he get his separate for himself by mail ?
Yes. But he should go to the IRs site and update for non filers. I just published a post on this which should be on the home page
My EX sits on welfare.Hes been waiting since August to see if he qualifies for SSDI.the 6th year in a row…he owes alot in support for our twins.Do people on welfare qualify? Or would his stimulus come directly to me? If so when?
My EX sits on welfare.Hes been waiting since August to see if he qualifies for SSDI.the 6th year in a row…he owes alot in support for our twins.Do people on welfare qualify? Or would his stimulus come directly to me? If so when?
My girlfriend owes child support, but it was not reported until February 2020, will her check be held by Nebraska if they are using 2019 tax reports?
My ex husband and I have an agreement that he claims our oldest who is 13. and we have two more. Our three children live with me all year full time. But he does claim one the oldest every year. So if I read that correctly he will get the 500 for the oldest. I have a noticed from bank stating they were depositing the 2200 and not 2700. But the kids are with me full time. When I filed my taxes through turbo, it states do we have an agreement that he can claim one which I chose. But I have all 3 as my dependents everyday all day every year.
If you agreed to let him claim one of the children then he gets that 500from that said child why are you being so petty? maybe you shouldn’t have been so gracious and let him claim one kid if he never takes care of any of them. why would you do that anyways if you aren’t together and he doesn’t take care of any of them? it doesn’t make sense this is on you. and you said your bank already let you know how much they were giving to you… so that should already tell you what they’re doing and that he’s getting the 500 for the one child. the government doesn’t know what you do on your personal time they only know what you write down on paper.
I think a lot of these comments are to simply vent.
I file an injured spouse for my every year so my part of return is not applied to husband Past due child support. Will I receive part of stimulus with the form being filed with my taxes? Also I had my refund set up to be deposited on turbo tax card. Will the stimulus be deposited on there?
Yes and Yes.
Anyone find out if the injured spouse form worked to protect stimulus checks if your spouse owes child support?
Everywhere I have read the injured spouse form has NOT worked…. our check says it was deposited today but is not available yet. So, I don’t know if it was intercepted or not?
Although I file my injured spouse form every year to protect myself against my husbands previous debt, it did not work to protect my stimulus payment. The gov’t took the entire $2900 for child support and did not consider myself or my son at all. A great many people are seeing the same result. Apparently the gov’t doesn’t consider my child as important as the one from a previous relationship; though I believe they should be compensated equally.
My husband and I filed jointly last year but he did not have any income. I received 1200. I thought we were supposed to get 2400
My ex husband claimed the kids this year for 2019. He was NOT supposed to. I sent in my amended return a month ago and haven’t heard a thing.
Guess who gets the STIMULUS money for the kids that live with me. He only pay his support otherwise is absent in their lives.
This is wrong. Why is the money for the kids going to absent father’s.?
I reside in the state of vt and I owe back child support. Will my stimulant check be taken?? I’m very confused about this because I thought The stimulant pay is for people to survive? How am I supposed to survive if you are possibly going to garnish my stimulant pay?
They ARE going to take it. My husband’s arrears was set up at the time of divorce and he pays on time every month. They took it.
A stimulus check is to stimulate the economy ONLY! it’s not to help any one person or group out of financial ruins. Does it do both at the same time? Yes but helping you is not its purpose is to keep the economy afloat until we can get back to work. Economy is a fancy way of saying “jobs”. Stimulus is to keep us running- somewhat, as if those jobs are still in place. I’m not good with explaining things but I hope you understand now what is stimulus is for and what it’s not for. oh and if people spend their stimulus checks on dope on the street it’s not going to do what it was intended to do… So please spend it on rent, bills and local businesses…
I owe $472 in back child support. My question is- Will my entire stimulus check be taken due to me owing or will it be deducted what is owed and the rest be sent to me??
They should only take up to what you owe.
so I filed taxes for 2019. My AGI was less than $30,000 but more than $25,000. I filed jointly with my husband and have 3 children under the age of 8 years old. I qualified for child tax credit as well. I should be eligible for full stimules payment plus $500 for each child. I did recieve payment but in the amount of $1346. Why did i not get full payment, when i qualify?
You or your spouse may have had an offset. Call the Treasury Offset Line and put in both of your social security numbers to see if one of you do. If it’s child support arrears, it’s been intercepted and you won’t get back. Student loans or tax offsets you should receive a refund.
Treasury Offset Program Call Center at 1-800-304-3107
Our WHOLE stimulus check was intercepted. My current husband owes arrears andvthey took mine and my children’s from another marriage! Ironically my ex doesn’t file taxes so I won’t even get his. How am I supposed to support my kids??
Hey Madyson, I owe like 6k (from 23k) to child support. Do you happen to know for sure if the money they take from my stimulus check (1200) will go toward my outstanding debt to child support? I can’t seem to find an answer to this question anywhere.
Yes, it will definitely be intercepted. You can always call the Treasury Offset program number and they will tell you your offsets.
Send the IRS an injured spouse form. Mail it asap. Google the form. This hopefully will protect you and the kids portions and months from now you should get it. File this form every year.
I did file the IS form electronically in early Feb!
File a injured spouse form 8379. I’m not sure what tax year to use. I hope someone will answer and tell us so I can file my form, too.
you should have attached the injured spouse Form 8379 with the original return, however since you did not, you will need to paper file Form 8857 requesting innocent spouse relief.
what do you guys not understand about what a stimulus is and that if you have children you are solely responsible for them and should have been saving money and supplies for emergencies. This is parenting 101. a stimulus is to stimulate the economy ONLY. It’s not to help any one person or group out of financial ruins its to literally keep the economy AKA jobs afloat until we get back to work.
It is meant to help people pay Bill’s and buy food right now. What do you not understand about, not all folks can save for emergencies like this. Alot of folks barely get by from day to day let alone being able to follow your definition of “parenting 101”. Your ridiculous.
Wow you are beyond RUDE and IGNORANT
No..He is not ignorant. He is right. This is a one time opportunity to get the economy going. No one knew this money was coming. Now all of a sudden everyone comes out of the closets to claim. Cmon this stimulus is a gift to get things going. A ray of hope for some. For those of you who are selfish…God don’t like ugly.
I’m married and my Husband don’t work due to back injury and I have been filling Married Jointly and every year they take my taxes. Are they gonna take mine and my kids stimulus check? I think they shouldn’t cause we are in a damn crisis and we all need it. Please let us all know something So we can figure out what to do or if we need to prepare on been homeless soon.
If it’s child support arrears, yes. Our whole stimulus payment was taken. Even my children from another marriage. Sounds like you didn’t file Injured Spouse with your taxes. If it was any offset (student loans, taxes) you’ll receive stimulus. If it’s from child support arrears go to igotmyrefund.com and join the group Injured Spouse. A lot of info on there regarding this issue.
I file injured spouse every year and they still took mine and my daughters and put it towards my husband’s back owed support. In 2009 they divided it if they filed injured spouse so I wonder why its different for 2020
Yes but this off set for child support is not fair my husband and I support his children as well as their mother who has full custody we do everything we can to make sure the kids are well taken care of. We had the kids from the beginning of last summer until the beginning of this year We pay to support them and take care of them so how is it fair that we lose money and are home that does go to the children when they are here like it’s just ridiculous. He does pay his child support on time he only fell behind because of something he did stupid when he was younger but he is paid on time ever since and supports his kids fully as do I his new wife. I feel there should be exceptions for people like us that work our asses off and do help take care of our children. Because from the moment we got married those children became mine as well.
Question… when will we receive the stimulus checks that they are intercepting from the parent that owes back support? I haven’t seen that answered anywhere? Thank you!
Some states will hold on to them for up to six months. Contact your cs office and they’ll tell you your state’s procedures. Obviously the owing parent had to register or had to file taxes in past two years for you to receive it.
Thank you! My ex just contacted me letting me know it will be coming to me as well as his tax return too so I was curious how it worked in NY thank you so much for answering ;)
Well I filed my 2018 taxes claiming 2 dependants and my 2019 taxes claiming 1 dependant. I got my deposit on Friday evening but only got the 1200. No where have I received any 500 credit for any dependants. Has anyone else experienced this.
My husband owes on back child support. We file married filing joint. Will I still get my stimulus check and my kids? Or will our checks to to child support as well?
Our whole stimulus check was taken for family of four. There seems to be some discrepancy on what happens now. We may be able to file Injured Spouse to receive only HALF of the stimulus. Not our share, but half. Too much to post here. Please go to igotmyrefund.com and join the injured spouse group. They have been a wealth of information for people in our position.
My ex-husband is in arrears nearly 5K in child support, but this did not go into effect until our last court date in Jan 2020. The last time the State of Illinois reported child support arrearages to the US treasury was in Dec. 2019, and won’t again until May 2020. Will/Did/Has the US treasury checked “real time” current amount of arrearage as of the stimulus package in March, which would allow his expected stimulus check of $2700 to be redirected to me, to help cover some of the 5k in arrearage he owes? Or am I stuck only getting my $1200 because of the timing of his arrearage being reported, being between Dec. 2019 and May 2020, so this will slip through that crack and I won’t get any additional funds from his stimulus to help cover this arrearage?
How “real-time” is the Treasury doing checks on past-due child support before direct depicting these checks? What are the chances his will be re-directed to me?
Thanks,
Stephanie
Call 800-304-3107. Option 7. Option 1. Option 1 again I believe. Then option 2. This is the option about a consumer debt or debt you incurred in a personal capacity. Enter the social security number of the person whose would trigger the offset, ie my husband has backowed support, i entered HIS social. This told me our entire $3900 check was taken, and gave the name and number of the agency that requested the offset. Hope this helps.
Call the Treasury Offset Program Call Center at 1-800-304-3107. They will tell you the offset for each social security number. Our whole stimulus was intercepted family of four. My kids are from another marriage. It’s crazy.
If my ex never asks for his will it automatically come to me for back CHILD support?
Yes, I owe back Child support myself, being a mother I was screwed over by my ex husband, have the government ever wondered that people May be behind because they actually need some help? My son is with me more than he is with his father, lives with me and I still have to pay child support!!! That is not right, so yes I’m behind due to the fact, I support my son, he lives with me, why would I send money in every month to the person that is not supporting him. I’m out of work right now due to this virus! So how is it fair my ex gets my stimulus. What’s the point of saying it’s to help when it’s not gonna help the person who actually needs it!! It’s bull. And not fair!! The government goes off numbers and only what they see on paper, but they never know the back stories and just assume!
It’s not to help you or any one person or group out it’s a stimulus to a stimulate the economy… Economy is a fancy word for jobs! a stimulus is to keep the economy afloat until we’re able to get back to work. It’s so cute you think the government actually cares about anyone. They only care about what keeps money in their pocket and that’s the economy. Is it going to help people out during the process? yes it will but that’s not what it’s intended for. Do I believe Trump is an exception to this rule? yes, I do.. to an extent. I think Trump cares about Americans lives and America, but the government as a whole does not.
Then why give us any money at all if it Isn’t to help us. By giving us the money to help us, buy food, pay bills, buy common household necessities, and support Ourselves and our families, we are in turn giving it back to the economy. Therefore the money is to help the American people. There are so many people that owe back child support for so many Different reasons, that this money is not doing anything but going right back into the government damn pocket. I owe back child support, but I thought that this $2 trillion stimulus package supposed to be enough money to help each and every single American with a social security number, which in turn will stimulate the economy where the consumers will spend the money. My kids are full grown men, and I live in an area that is in deep poverty. 80% of the people around me oh back child support for children that are already grown and they’re just trying to pay what they still owe will not be getting a stimulus bail out, Nor will the children that they are paying back child support for considering they are no longer children therefore it is going right back into the pockets of the government. Which in turn keeps the poverty, in poverty, middle class, in middle-class and the rich rich. I was hoping to use this money to fix my car, and renew my expired drivers license, so that I may be able to get a job and go back to work when this is all done and over. But after reading this ridiculousness on this so-called help, I have lost all hope.All these other people can get breaks on Student loans and other of debt the people that all child-support continue to sink in a hole I have a bad feeling that this is not going to go away. This entire thing is an absolute disaster. I feel really bad for all of the people that thought they may be able to make it for another month, And get caught up on a few bills just to find out they’re not getting any help as usual.
My ex hasn’t seen kids in 3 years. Child support is garnished, not through the state as we did it through civil court and his company sends me the garnishment. He has missed several payments due to him not working for a bit way before this, but no record of him being behind cause his company doesn’t collect arrears it’s up to him to pay it. He gets to claim dependency but I get HOH and EIC I’ve raised my 3 kids on my own since our last child was born. I didn’t file last year because I didn’t make enough as I was laid off. I haven’t filed this year. Is he going to get the $1500 for my kids?
I got my 2019 tax return on the emrald card will my stimulus check be put on my Emerald card also
I am so confused. I was caught up on my child support but was let go from work. The next month’s child support payment went on record, so now I am $500 behind again. Will the the ex only get the $500 and would I receive the rest ?
I am married and my husband has back child support. He is on disability and pays his child support every month with his disability. Every year I have to file injured spouse for both my state and federal because of his debt. The mother is a addict and does not have custody of the kids. My husband and I also share 2 children together. Will they take my children and my portion of the stimulus package even with me filing injured spouse? Please let me know. It would be really helpful. That would be messed up if they gave my kids and my package to an active addict. Thank you
I WORK FULL TIME, MY HUSBAND ON DISABILITY HE HAS BACK CHILD SUPPORT FROM LONG BEFORE ME, I ALWAYS FILE INJURY SPOUSE FORM ALSO I HAVE A CHILD WILL THE INJURY SPOUSE FORM STAND IN AS WELL FOR MY STIMULUS CHECK FOR ME AND MY CHILD, I DONT WANT MY MONEY GOING SOMEWHERE TO SOMEONE I DONT EVEN KNOW
THANK YOU PLEASE RESPOND
Yes, they took all of mine for my husband’s back child support, even OUR child’s $500 is going to his ex and it is no her child. Good luck!
did you receive an answer to this? I also filed injured spouse and can’t seem to find a solid answer if his back child support is going to affect stimulus payments for me and my children.
If i got direct deposit in 2018 and a paper check 2019 how will i receive my deposit
IRS has a tool to update/add your DD details. See article.
If some one cares you on income taxes and you get socal security as there depend.And you are in your 60 will you get 1200 because you are not a child .Are will they get 500 for you.
People who owe child support back pay are also facing economic crisis, job lay off, unemployment, and etc…. I guess they don’t matter to the world.
It’s not to help you or any one person or group out it’s a stimulus to a stimulate the economy… Economy is a fancy word for jobs! a stimulus is to keep the economy afloat until we’re able to get back to work. It’s so cute you think the government actually cares about anyone. They only care about what keeps money in their pocket and that’s the economy. Is it going to help people out during the process? yes it will but that’s not what it’s intended for. Do I believe Trump is an exception to this rule? yes, I do.. to an extent. I think Trump cares about Americans lives and America, but the government as a whole does not.
I filled my 2018 taxes on my own. And 2019 my step dad claimed me. Will i get a check?
Hmm….your situation may be complicated. I assume you were over 16 so your SD won’t get the $500 credit. My suggest is you file a 2019 return.
For Dad’s who owe arrears..yes it should go to the Mother or vice versa. Did you ever think how you impositioned her when to didn’t pay to begin with?!?! Instead you blame her now..when it was the kids that went without..before Covid. I get that not all circumstances are the same, but if it goes to her it’s because you have a large balance & its federally mandated because you owe significant.
I agree but not the next wife’s portion and their kids portion!!!
Amen! And another thing they don’t understand what a stimulus means they think it’s a way for the government to help a person… when it’s to stimulate the economy and keep it afloat until we get back to work not to pay their way. It does help but that’s not what it’s intended for. I’m so sick of these mothers and fathers not paying for their children but then want to whine and cry when they’re not going to cash in on the handout. do I think it would be beneficial for them to receive some money during this crisis of course I’m not cold-hearted but I’m tired of the whining and crying game when they obviously didn’t care that their children were going without or that the caregiver of those children were going without to make sure the children had what they needed.
Why do you even keep commenting? do you think repeating yourself makes things any easier. You have absolutely no idea What it’s like to be in these peoples shoes. Why don’t you STFU! Every time I read how inconsiderate, and hollow hearted your “Hey look at me, I get to kick these confused parents that are in peril while their down, and be a condescending bitch” comments I have to choke down the vomit from the absolute disgust I feel. This isn’t going to help anyone. And because of you’re inconsiderate and condescending backlash, I hope you have to choke down the fear of poverty and homelessness when Karma comes knocking on your door. You disgust me.
If I’m current on my child support, will my stimulus check be delayed by having to be checked by the child support agency first?