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 was in prison 2018 and 2019.if I qualify in every other way will I get a check.i could not file my taxes for the years I was locked up.
You can use the IRS Non-filer tool to submit the stimulus claim per this article.
If someone claim adullt do their get money on their check
I’m seeing many people mention their stimulus was intercepted to be paid to their child support arrears, does anyone know how long it takes to get deposited to the owed custodial parent?
every state is different. In missouri it is 3 months. I saw that the stimulus money will be deposited faster but they still give the NCP time to contest it.
Hi, I see so much on child support. Here is what I was able to verify. The non custodial parent owes $25k plus. The non custodial parent didn’t get payment but irs stimulus check but listed deposited. The Texas attorney general stated the stimulus payments ARE being taken for back support. So the NCP files for injured spouse on taxes. This is not a tax return. The Texas child support division said there won’t be any injured spouse requirement. The IRS listed no new form required. Said the NCP will receive letter they will take the entire $3900 since arrears is taken with no exception on injured spouse. This is not tax refund but stimulus check. The CARES ACT mandated this. The entire amount will go to CP due to arrears. The parents didn’t decide any of this. I was informed if the arrears is $1800 and stimulus is $3900 the person will only have $1800 paid to child support and balance to NCP. Hope this helps. We were also advised these payments aren’t subject to 180 hold but as the CP I haven’t received funds yet since IRS has to mail two letters one to NCP and one to NCP spouse.
This contradicts the Treasury offset program Letter I received regarding the offset. It specifically says that the Injured spouse can get half the stimulus payments while the other half will go the parent with arrears. How did you verify that the full household stimulus will go to child support arrears? I feel like there is so much confusion and infuriation that the whole family must pay for the debt of one parent. On no planet does this make sense.
Tina. My full household payment was taken for child support and I have filed as injured spouse for 10 years.
I received a letter that said my portion would be taken and my husband received the same letter.
He pays monthly support for his adult children to pay back the arrears. He just hasn’t caught up yet.
Thank you for you article but the following statement is pure fiction:Direct Deposit payments will generally be deposited 2 to 3 days after the IRS confirms income eligibility for the payout. I added my direct deposit info on Wednesday April 15 at 8:24 am PDT. I am eligible and everything is correct. There has been no update of when my check will be deposit.
Same here. Nothing yet.
My husband fell behind on child support about 5 years ago while waiting to get approved for social security. I wasnt working because our new born daughter has down syndrome and needed help with everything. After almost 3 yrs of waiting he was finally approved. He always kept the child support payments up before he became disabled. Now he’s behind but still making the payments every month on the original order. Over half of his check is being garnished. So when people automatically assume that everybody who owes child support is a deadbeat have no clue what they are talking about. We struggle every month, not just now! I had to spend extra money for supplies due to covid-19. I’ve heard ypu can file an “injured spouse” form but how can you when you dont even file taxes. Plus child support will also take whats due to our daughter and give to his ex!! And she makes more money than we do, how is that even fair? It’s as if people who owe child support aren’t among those who are suffering! Not everyone who owe child support is a deadbeat. Everybody’s situation is different. It would be nice to catch up on bills or have a little extra cash. My pkan was to buy my daughter some much needed clothes but not now. I could go on and on about the struggle but I’m sure I’m not the only one. And im sure we will be left out of the next 2000 a month payments too, if it passes.
Please let me know if you find any information on this, I’m in a similar situation, long story short my sons mother said he wasn’t mine for 3 years, and I went after her, dna says he is , and the courts made me pat back child support , even though I went looking for him! Then never was late or missed a payment, I have 14 months left to pay regular, and 1100.00 total in arrears . I’ve recently lost part of a lung and a leg do to a severe illness, and I need to know if they are going to take it. I could totally use it for my new leg, after child support I only live on 673.00 a month after CS . And this is unreal.
My nephew has helped me take care of my disabled mother. He takes care of her at night while I sleep and I take care of her during the day when he sleeps. I’m retired but he is 35 and hasn’t been able to work for 7 years since she became disabled. Would he get a check?
He should, as long as someone didn’t claim him as a dependent. But if he hasn’t filed taxes in the last two years, he needs to enter his info online as a non-filer.
As long as nobody claims him on their tax returns, he should get one! The best way to find out, is to go straight to their website and type in his name & SSN. Good luck to your family!
I filed taxes for 2019 including the injured spouse form. I received my part of tax return. But now I received 2 letters from the IRS, one in my husband’s name and one in both of our names, stating that the stimulus check was applied to back child support. Does that mean they applied my part of the stimulus check to my husbands back child support too? Do I need to send another injured spouse form to the IRS to get my part of the stimulus check? However, the IRS web portal states that a deposit was send to my account, but I didn’t see it. Can someone explain this to me??
Hello Sigrid this exact same thing happened to me. All we can do is call the IRS and inform them of the issue. There is a a facebook group with a standard letter to be sent to your congressmen and/or representative. Its absolutely infuriating that one parents debt will mean the whole household will loose everything. I have never seen anything like this before. Even during the 2008 stimulus injured spouse were able to get their half. All we can do is wait for the IRS to open and speak to a live person. I am sorry you are going through this.
Did the letter specify that your stimulus amount was applied as well? Is there any contact info (tel/email) on the letter that you can try?
I filed taxes for 2019 including the injured spouse form. I received my part of tax return. But now I received 2 letters from the IRS, one in my husband’s name and one in both of our names, stating that the stimulus check was applied to back child support. Does that mean they applied my part of the stimulus check to my husbands back child support too? Do I need to send another injured spouse form to the IRS to get my part of the stimulus check? However, the IRS web portal states that a deposit was send to my account, but I didn’t see it. Can someone explain this to me??
My AGI for 2019 exceeded the limit making me ineligible to receive the 1200.00, however, in 2019 I withdrew from an IRA which was included I that figure. My annual salary for filing head of household does qualify me. If I hadn’t filed my 2019 taxes I would get it and should get it based on income. Is there an appeal process or a way for me to prove income so I can be eligible?
I am in the exact same scenario. I filed my 2019 taxes in mid-March which had a large IRA withdrawal. Anyone delaying their 2019 tax filing will receive the payment if they are in the same scenario, which is beyond unfair. In that case it should be based on the lower of 2018 or 2019. Why should anyone doing their civic duty by filing on time any paying their taxes and penalties early be fulther penalized? We already paid full federal and CA state penalties (is it even constitutional for two government entities to assess a penalty on the same amount?) plus higher tax rates, and now we effectively receive yet another IRA penalty of $2900 by being denied the stimulus? Perhaps to be fair the IRS should refund the “would have been” amount from the previously paid early IRA withdrawal penalties, even if it means not receiving the money until 2021.
Sorry to hear that. IRS needs to provide access to appeal cases like yours!
I lived with my aunt last year november to january. She provided me for food and the house is my dad’s house she just moved here to take care of me . She provides food and electric bills but I provide my self like school expenses , personal things , I pay my own bills and school supplies. She claimed me on her 2019 tax return and now I am so worried because I live by my self now . I pay my own. I rent. I provide everything for me. What do I do to get the stimulus check that I deserved ? I know I’m not eligible for it because she claimed me but my situation now is different. I’ve been trying to call irs to make an appeal but they’re closed. Can anyone help me with this situation . Thank you
Go to non filers enter payment here and input your information. And when it asks you if anyone can claim you as a dependant don’t check the box. Its the best option to try.
If your payment status is “need more information,” you’re eligible for a payment, but the IRS doesn’t have your banking info. You can use Get My Payment in this case to provide it.
I got my letter today saying 1700.00 to child support but with filing married and 2 dependants it should have been 3400.00. Does anyone know how to find out where the rest went? I file injured spouse every year. I kid mine and 1 his. I should get at least 1700.00 for myself and my child. And of course there is no one to talk to just like unemployment… all of this promised help and when it gets real there is no help. I have worked ever since I could full time great career. First time I have ever asked for help by being laid off and I get nothing….
My husband and I filed taxes but we didn’t get a refund or owe anything. So our direct deposit info was not listed. We both get Social Security. Which is direct deposited. So will we get a check by mail or direct deposit. I went on the site to find out but it ask for refund amount or amount owed. We have neither. So didn’t give any information.
Will we get a check if we had to pay IRS Federal, ( we pay the total amount) but received money from the State ?
Will I lose my stimulus check over past due child support even if it already taken care of in my Chapter13?
Well I think I know which way in voting in november. Stimulus checks were emergency funds, and all the web site gives is errors, not telling me if it’s gonna be direct deposited, mailed,what I might have needed to do to correct anything. Shared the point of the check if we don’t get it now?
My husband makes over 75k but I don’t make anything. We filed jointly. Will we be qualified for the stimulus check ?
You should be as along as you meet all the criteria and filed a recent tax return.
Thank you for your comment. I checked my status and it said it is status unavailable. I am afraid because we r not qualified. I just filed 2019 tax 2 weeks ago.
My status is saying they can’t make a determination as to whether or not I qualify. I updated my banking on the site, and that’s the message I’m getting
This was supposed to help, but it’s working on a month already, where is ut?
The father of my kids owe back child i just got his tax return in Apri 2020 will his stimulus payment come to me as well? To this day he got back child support to pay in the amount of $2945.48. Thanks!!
Yes you will get part of this payment for overdue child support – assume he didn’t file a return and/or change bank account
Thank you for your prompt response
I filed with my ex boyfriend last year and direct deposited in his account. We are not on speaking terms. Is there anything I can do?
Do the people on unemployment that receive the $600 additional with the unemployment , also receive the $1200 stimulus?
Please Help! My daughter’s ex received the stimulus check on his account because they filed taxes together on 2018 but now they are not together, and he refuses to give her her share. What can She do??
My status today says: Payment Status Not Available
According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time.
First off, mine should be the easiest to figure out, and secondly, they say that but don’t ask for more information or clarity? Do they think I’ll just forget about it now?
Why cant my 18 college child recieve a stimulus she works as well although she is my dependent child I dont recieve a pay for her either. That nit right when someone on SSI with multiple kids recieve payment and they dont even work. This must be fixed.
I filed my 2019 tax return and got my refund. I ammended the return in early march to claim my grandaughter born in aug.2019 who lives with me and i support more than 50% of her needs. I received 1200 stimulus check. Will I get 500.00 for her?
I am on Disability and I have a Dependent she is 14 years old. I get a regular monthly check on the 3rd of each month so does my daughter. She receives her check in a custodial account which she has her own bank account but my name is on it. The government/Social Security also has her bank account information as well as mine. Will I have to do anything so she can get a seamless check? Or do I have to fill out a form for her? I am the one that’s on disability but she is my blood daughter and she is on my record also and she receives benefits from me. So do we both get a stimulus check when I get $1200? And will she receive the extra $500?
Hi, it’s said on their site that they didn’t have my direct deposit info on file, which I got 2019 refund via direct deposit already. Anyway, I have the info, any idea how long it will take to send it?
My hubby and I file jointly with one kid and an injured spouse form for him as i have past due education debt. In 2019, he worked for our income for a grand total of 24083. I did not work. Does anyone know why we only received 1450 today for the 3 of us when its suppose to be 2400 for joint couples and 500 for our child????!!!!!!!
Sounds like your payment was garnished for some reason (based on your husband I assume given he has a IS form). I would check status on the IRS Get my payment tool. If that fails, I would say you need to be patient and wait till the IRS provides a way to lodge an appeal for unpaid stimulus monies. Finally, you can also get this stimulus as part of your 2020 tax return, but I know that is a long wait.
You received your 50% of the total stimulus if he owed child support.
My ex claimed me and my 2 children on taxes last year and deposited money into his personal account and he did not give me any of refund or anything for the children, I just checked to see when I would get mine & the childrens payment and they where deposited into his personal account today. I have left messages and he will not return my calls
I just heard someone that’s behind in child support with a court order revel their stimulus check so it cannot be all true.
Me and my wife received our joint stimulus deposit,and we made less than $150,000,but we didn’t receive the full $2400.00, looks like they took out $410.00 in taxes, leaving a actual deposit of $1990.00??? I talked to other people at my job and they had no taxes withheld???
I can’t find an answer to this anywhere. I’m on disability so my husband files married. He owes back support, so, does that mean I won’t get my $1200? I’m so confused.
I’m in the same boat, filed with Injured spouse too. Also have 2 kids on SSDI survivors. I’m so worried we aren’t getting a penny
I am divorced and am the custodial parent. This tax year 2019 he got to claim her and I get to for 2020 taxes. I filed head of household but I only received 1200.00. Does the non-noncustodial parent get her $500.00.
Same here. I didn’t get the $500 for my child since we alternate claiming him, and his father got to claim him on 2019 taxes. I can’t find much info on this issue. But it’s crap since I’m the one paying for everything and his father don’t see him often. I did read somewhere that if we didn’t get it now, we would get it when we file 2020 taxes. Not sure how true that is.
My dad has been on disability for years now so I know he’ll get the stimulus payment but what about his spouse. They haven’t filed their taxes since 2014 bc my mom doesn’t work and he’s been disabled. Will they give him the 2400 bc they are married or just his own share. I’m not sure if I have to take extra steps so that my mom will get her payment.
I filed jointly as married. My common law spouse and I both worked and have 2 children.. we were supposed to get 3400… we only got 2200… seems like they left my stimulus check out… wtf.
My husband owes back child support, because he fell on hard times. He has always taken care of his child, and the only reason his ex put him on child support, is because we got married. Spouses, of those who owe child support, should not be penalized for these payments. We have families of our own, and need the money for bills and food. My husband’s ex still has a job and is currently working. She also has 3 other children, which she will get money for, and she has more than enough for her household. The government really needs to make serious modifications to the laws concerning child support because it is having a devastating affect on the spouses and children in the other household.
Pay for your kids, don’t complain go get a third job.
Checked payment tool on IRS website, appears as if I will get my deposit today, nothing. Called offset program, have always filed injured spouse form with my past tax returns. Was advised by offset program the whole stimulus was sent for back child support my spouse owes. IRS is only available for automated calls. As of now have to wait and see if anything will be done for injured spouse or if refiling a new form is necessary.
I am having the same issue. I always file Injured spouse with each year’s return. I only received $100 yesterday, which is far from the 1/2 I expected due to my husband’s past child support being in arrears. I find it hard to believe that the IRS will not have a work around for this at some point, but it doesn’t help with the current financial situation. It is terrible to punish some people on debt that isn’t their own.
I agree 100%. This is bs! My husband’s excuse for an ex took off with their 4 kids and he lost everything trying to find her. Ended up 5 states over with a level 3 sex offender. He moved down there and fought for custody of the kids but was eventually laid off due to a work injury couldn’t afford rent and lost the apartment they were living in. Ex had left home of aex offender and moved on to some other guy and he was forced to give e the children to her so they’d have a roof over there head. He returned home to try and get back on his feet but she got legal aid to file a divorce. He couldn’t obtain legal counsel from NY to represent him in SC so a bs child support order went through based on income he hadn’t had on years. Tried getting assistance to fight that but again same bs only this time his ex skipped state again and didnt mo e the case with her. It took 3 years to get help from our states child support unit and of course by the time we reached an agreement there was $35000 in back support due that they would not even look at. I cant stand people that are like oh well pay for your kids..its not that simple. We have 1 children in our household now when from my prior marriage and one of our own that we do support. It makes no sense for him to work because they’d take his whole check for the ex and we’d have to pay someone to watch our toddler so we’d be even worse off. We get no help because at $40000/yr I’m over income for any kind of assistance. Of course she pulls the boohoo single parent bs while working as a waitress and pulling in tips that aren’t claimed fully as income and then she lives with is self employed and they arent married. She gets all kind of assistance and a huge return every year on top of a monthly child support payment from us and now she gets my portion of this payment too? My ex pays me $25 per month and has guaranteed income from social security. So before you go criticizing people acting like anyone who owes support is some kind of deadbeat….understand there are two sides to every story and the perao. Owed is not always right or deserving. Oh and we have the kids 2 and a half months out of the year while she still collects food stamps and support.
Pay for your kids!
I had the same issue. On the website says was direct deposited to my bank yesterday but I received nothing. I file injured spouse to because of my husbands past due child support. I guess I will have to wait for the letter that is supposed to arrive in 15 days to see if was offset to CS. That is not fair at all though. They should have at least paid half. Taking the whole thing devastates an entire family.
I checked the my payment portal and saw that the checking account the stimulus check was deposited into went to my ex-girlfriends account. This is the account that I used for my taxes last year. Now she is going to get $1,700 is there anyway to get these funds legally? We are not on speaking terms and she is currently away in the Army. What steps should I take to retrieve the funds???
My 28 yr old daughters ex boyfriend claimed her and their son. Does that mean she can’t /won’t get the $1200?
Not only am I’m on SSDI,My husband owes back child support. We file married jointly. Will my grandbaby and I still get the stimulus check?
My husband has a 25 year old daughter and owes some arrears in child support but we are court ordered to pay monthly and have been. They kept his stimulus check because of it and we are out of work due to covid19. I have a 17 year old daughter living at home can I file a injured spouse relief form?
As of right now even if you claim injured spouse they are still giving your stimulus to the ex if there is past due support. I know it’s not right as so many families like yourself need it as well.
My ex claims the kids for taxes but they live solely with me. Only one child qualifies for the stimulus. He literally got paid $500 for a child he doesn’t care for. Yes, he pays child support but she lives with me. I am dealing with online school, kids home all day, trying to find necessities in empty stores…just bugs me. I know the government can’t sort this out but you would think he would have a conscious…
Hi quick question will I get a stimulus check if I owe ssi for overpayment?
Thanks
Yes. The IRS is not holding back stimulus payments for overpayments (only for arrears child support). You can see how to get your stimulus status here.
I was sued by a debt collectors a couple of weeks before this virus happened and I missed my court date will the debt collectors take my stimulus check
My husband has been paying and paying child support for 20+ years through the State of California. The state child support systems are extremely flawed. His child is 27 years old. We have three children together. Last year, we filed taxes together for the first time in 21 years, and over two-thirds of my dependent credits went to his ex-wife. I filed injured spouse. After four months, I finally received a refund for less than what was due to me as a credit for one full child. The government should not give this woman credit for my dependents. In addition, my husband’s child only contacts him when he wants money, which he has sent directly to him on many occasions and that amount is not included in his child support. The ex wife tells this, now adult, child that she doesn’t collect child support…. I have filed taxes separately for years, and have missed out on a lot of credits for my children, because of exactly what happened last year. This year, I returned to filing my taxes separately from my husband so that I didn’t have to jump through hoops to get what belongs to myself and my dependents. Not all parents are deadbeats! The system is antiquated and needs to be revised. Non-custodial parents should not have to pay for the rest of their lives. Child Support is a State Level Issue and should be treated as such. My husband’s stimulus rebate shouldn’t go to his ex spouse. He pays child support biweekly, and his tax refunds and rebate should not be intercepted. Each situation is different. Everyone should not be placed in the same box. The same applies for the 17 year old and above dependent tax refund and stimulus credits. These kids are not supporting themselves… I have an 18 year old special needs child that is my dependent. Parents should receive the $500 rebate for these kids as well. Some citizens did not qualify for unemployment with their states before Covid-19 because the system is prejudiced and backs businesses more than citizens. Some of us are suffering and have been asked to stay at home by order of our states. So, again, we do not all fit into the same cookie cutter box. I have had interviews cancelled because of Covid-19. We the People aren’t all receiving the help that is desperately needed.
I work, my husband works. I have 2 children from another person. My husband was behind on child support. Im not responsible for. They took the stimulus check for me and my kids and gave it to his ex! How is this right? How can this be corrected? I filed injured spouse on our taxes and got nothing in return either. 1200+1200+500+500. Trump sent me 741.
When will they release my portion of the stimulus check, I’ve filed injured spouse with my taxes every year. My husband and I got divorce and remarried but the child support order was never cancelled. I filed our taxes and was accepted back on 2/3/2020 and I’m still waiting for my portion of the taxes even though my husband doesn’t work due to a back injury.
my ex-husband and i have a 6 year old that we rotate yearly to claim her. But I also have an 11 year old son whom I have all rights to and have claimed him every year. He filed our daughter for 2018 and i was allow to file claiming my son like I do but this year as the agreement I got to file our daughter as well. Why wouldn’t I get the 2 $500 credits instead of one payment if I claimed them both for 2019?
I don’t see how the government could truly single is out that owe backpack for child support! We are all going through a depression as they say and everybody is hurting from this! I’m a person who is homeless but yet filed my taxes which I didn’t get because child support intercepted and that is okay! But now I am not only homeless but I also don’t have a job now and yet I don’t qualify for a stimulus check because of the backpack I owe! My backpack is being paid on my children who are now 26 and 28 and they got there own stimulus checks while I’m basically ass out because they took my stimulus check to payback for the children they say it will go to and who deserve it and I would agree if it was going to my children if they were still under 18 but I’m my case they are not! I wouldn’t even mind if they just gave me something and paid toward my child support also, because just because I’m homeless does not mean I don’t have any bills! I have things that I could lose myself if I can’t pay them and with no job, then I’m not able to pay on them! An my unemployment unfortunately owe payback because sometimes there comes a time people have to do what they have to do for a lil bit of money and in the end you end up paying for it and if course it comes at a time when we are going through a depression! So moreover of all this, is that the government could he of have is a lil something especially when my stimulus check is not going to my kids because they are already to old and there dad has a good job for himself and is a essential job he gets to keep going to work every day/every week and to top it off, my kids got there stimulus checks themselves!
What if I’m on SSI but child support put a hold on my license and payments but they reinstate it and gave me my license back haven’t received any call are letters it says if I’m on SSI I do not need to file do I still get the stimulus money if I’m on SSI
What if I’m on SSI but child support put a hold on my license and payments but they reinstate it and gave me my license back will I still get the stimulus money