Hey there, folks! If you’re like me, you’ve been eagerly awaiting your stimulus check since the government announced the economic relief package. But what happens if your check is lost, stolen, or even accidentally thrown away? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are steps you can take to get your stimulus check reissued.
Getting a stimulus check reissued can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s not impossible. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who haven’t received your stimulus check yet, don’t panic. First things first: make sure you’re eligible for a stimulus check. If you filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you should automatically receive a stimulus check if you meet the income requirements.
If you believe your stimulus check was lost or stolen, there are a few things you can do to get it reissued. One option is to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) directly. You can fill out a payment trace form on their website to track your payment and request a new one if necessary. It’s also a good idea to check with your bank or financial institution to see if they’ve received your payment. With a little bit of effort and persistence, you’ll be able to get your hands on that much-needed stimulus check.
Reasons for not receiving stimulus checks
Since the announcement of the first round of stimulus checks, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding the eligibility criteria and the application process. Some individuals or households may not have received their stimulus checks as expected. Here are some possible reasons why:
- Incomplete or outdated information: The IRS used data from your most recent tax return or Social Security statement to determine your eligibility and calculate the payment. If there were any inaccuracies or changes in your personal or financial situation after filing, and you did not update the IRS, you may have missed out on the payment.
- No direct deposit information: If the IRS did not have your bank account details on file or if your account was inactive or closed, the payment could not be sent electronically, and you would have to wait for a paper check or a prepaid debit card to be mailed to you.
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria: There were a few strict rules that determined who qualified for a stimulus check, such as having a valid Social Security number, being a US citizen or resident alien, and not being claimed as a dependent by someone else. If you did not meet these criteria, you would not receive a payment.
- Identity theft or fraud: Unfortunately, some people have fallen victim to scams or have had their personal information stolen, which could have resulted in someone else claiming their payment or blocking their eligibility. If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, you should report it to the appropriate authorities and contact the IRS to resolve the issue.
Qualifications for Receiving Stimulus Checks
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, the US government has sent out multiple rounds of stimulus checks. These payments were intended to assist individuals and families financially, who were impacted by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. To be eligible for these payments, certain qualifications must be met. Here are the qualifications for receiving stimulus checks:
- Income: Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 and married couples who file jointly and have an AGI of up to $150,000 are eligible for the full stimulus payment. Those whose income levels exceed this limit may still qualify for partial payments, but the amount would be less than the full stimulus payment.
- Dependents: Individuals with dependents under the age of 17 can receive an additional $500 per dependent in stimulus payments. However, dependents who turned 17 by the end of 2020 are not eligible for this additional payment.
- Citizenship: To receive a stimulus check, individuals must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or a qualifying resident alien. Individuals without legal status are not eligible for stimulus payments.
It is important to note that the qualifications for receiving stimulus checks may vary depending on the particular round of payments being distributed. As of 2021, there have been multiple rounds of stimulus payments sent out, with varying eligibility criteria.
If you believe that you should have received a stimulus check but did not, there are steps you can take to request a reissue. The first thing to do is to check the status of your payment on the IRS website using the “Get My Payment” tool. If you received a notification that the payment had been sent, but you did not receive it, you may need to request a payment trace or file a claim for a recovery rebate credit on your tax return.
Conclusion
Stimulus payments have provided much-needed relief for many individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the qualifications for receiving stimulus checks is important to determine whether you are eligible for the payments. If you have not received a stimulus payment that you believe you are eligible for, there are steps you can take to request a reissue or claim the credit on your tax return.
| Stimulus Round | Qualifications for Payment |
|---|---|
| 1st Round | $1,200 per individual/$2,400 per couple. $500 per child dependent under the age of 17. Individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000 and married couples who file jointly and have an AGI of up to $150,000 are eligible for full payment. |
| 2nd Round | $600 per individual/$1,200 per couple. $600 per dependent under the age of 17. Individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000 and married couples who file jointly and have an AGI of up to $150,000 are eligible for full payment. |
| 3rd Round | $1,400 per individual/$2,800 per couple. $1,400 per dependent of any age. Individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000 and married couples filing jointly with an AGI of up to $150,000 are eligible for full payment. Payments phase out for individuals earning more than $80,000 and couples earning more than $160,000. |
It is important to note that the qualifications for receiving stimulus checks may vary depending on the particular round of payments being distributed. As of 2021, there have been multiple rounds of stimulus payments sent out, with varying eligibility criteria.
How to Check the Status of a Stimulus Check
If you’re wondering when your stimulus check will arrive, you can check its status online. Here’s how:
- Visit the Get My Payment tool on the IRS website.
- Enter your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, date of birth, street address, and zip code.
- Click “Continue” to see the status of your payment. You’ll either see the scheduled delivery date or the reason why your payment hasn’t been processed yet.
Note that the tool updates once per day, so you don’t need to check it more than once per day.
Process for Requesting a Reissue of a Stimulus Check
If you have not received your stimulus check, or if it was lost or stolen, you have the option to request a reissue. The process for requesting a reissued stimulus check is relatively straightforward, and can be done online or by phone.
- Visit the official IRS website, and select the “Get My Payment” tool.
- Enter your personal information, such as your Social Security number and date of birth.
- Verify your identity by answering a series of security questions.
Once you have completed these steps, you may receive a message indicating that your payment has been processed and will be reissued. However, if you do not have access to the internet, or if you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call the IRS toll-free number and follow the automated prompts to request a reissue.
It is important to note that requesting a reissued stimulus check may take several weeks to process, and there may be additional steps required depending on the circumstances surrounding your original payment. For example, if your address or bank information has changed, you will need to provide updated information before your payment can be reissued.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing incorrect information when submitting your request.
- Not keeping track of your payment status or correspondence.
- Assuming that a reissue will be automatic if your original payment was lost or stolen.
Additional Resources
If you are experiencing difficulty with the process of requesting a reissued stimulus check, there are several additional resources available to assist you. The IRS website provides a helpful FAQ section, as well as a toll-free assistance number for individuals who require additional support.
| Resource | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| IRS Website | www.irs.gov |
| IRS Toll-Free Assistance | 1-800-829-1040 |
By following the steps outlined above and taking advantage of available resources, you can navigate the process of requesting a reissued stimulus check with confidence and ease. With patience and persistence, you can ensure that you receive the financial assistance that you are entitled to.
Common issues with stimulus check reissues
As Americans eagerly waited for their stimulus checks to arrive in the mail or be directly deposited into their bank accounts, many encountered issues with their payments. Even some individuals who received their initial payment encountered problems when attempting to get a stimulus check reissued. Here are five common issues individuals face:
- Lost or stolen checks: Unfortunately, some stimulus checks have been lost or stolen in the mail. If this happens to you, you can request that a new one be sent to you. However, it may take several weeks for the reissued check to be delivered. In the meantime, you can try calling the IRS to report the lost or stolen check and see if they can provide any assistance.
- Incorrect address: If the IRS does not have your current address on file, your stimulus check may be sent to the wrong location. This can result in lengthy delays as you wait for the check to either be forwarded to your correct address or sent back to the IRS. It’s important to keep your address updated with the IRS to avoid this issue.
- Bank issues: If you provided incorrect bank account information, or your bank account has been closed or frozen, your direct deposit may fail. This can result in a reissue being necessary. Additionally, some individuals may encounter problems when depositing their checks due to bank policies and restrictions. It’s important to check with your bank to see if there are any limitations on how you can deposit a stimulus check.
- Identity theft: Unfortunately, some individuals have had their stimulus checks stolen by identity thieves. This can result in the check being cashed or deposited into the thief’s account. If you suspect that your stimulus payment has been stolen or compromised, you should contact the IRS and your bank immediately to report the incident and take steps to protect your identity and finances.
- Non-receipt: Finally, some individuals may not have received their stimulus check at all, even after the initial round of payments. This could be due to incorrect information on file with the IRS, or a delay in processing. It’s important to check with the IRS to make sure that they have your correct information and to inquire about the status of your payment if you think it may be missing.
How long it takes to receive a reissued stimulus check
Getting a reissued stimulus check can be a time-consuming process, and it largely depends on the reasons why you need a new check. Here are the different scenarios that could affect the amount of time it takes to receive a reissued stimulus check:
- If your original stimulus check was lost or stolen, it could take up to 16 weeks to receive a replacement check. In this case, you should notify the IRS as soon as possible to start the process, and be prepared to provide some information that confirms your first payment was lost or stolen.
- If your original stimulus check was damaged or unusable, the process for getting a new one should be easier. You can contact the appropriate IRS office and provide some details about the damage or problem. Once confirmed, you can expect to wait around four to six weeks for a new stimulus check to arrive.
- If your original stimulus check was sent to the wrong address, you’ll need to notify the IRS and provide some updated information. It could take up to 16 weeks to receive a new check in this scenario, but the wait time could be shorter if you provide all the necessary information quickly and accurately.
- Finally, if you haven’t received a stimulus check at all due to a mistake, it can take some time to resolve. This could involve confirming your eligibility, verifying your identity, or updating your tax records. In this case, the timeline could vary but expect to wait around six to eight weeks for resolution.
It’s important to note that the IRS is still processing a lot of requests related to stimulus checks and other pandemic-related assistance. This means that wait times could be longer than usual due to increased demand. If you’re in urgent need of financial assistance, consider contacting your local government office, or the IRS directly, to request expedited services.
| Scenario | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Lost or Stolen Check | Up to 16 weeks |
| Damaged or Unusable Check | 4-6 weeks |
| Wrong Address | Up to 16 weeks |
| No Check Received | 6-8 weeks |
Overall, getting a reissued stimulus check can be an frustrating and time-consuming process. However, by following the proper procedures and providing accurate information, you could potentially expedite the process and receive your new check sooner than expected.
Other financial assistance options during COVID-19 pandemic
If you didn’t receive a stimulus check or need more financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are other options available:
- Unemployment Benefits: If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits through July 31, 2020. Check with your state’s unemployment office to see if you qualify and to apply.
- Small Business Administration Loans: If you own a small business impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans can help you cover payroll, rent, and other expenses. Visit the SBA website to learn more and apply.
- Student Loan Relief: The CARES Act provides relief for federal student loan borrowers. Payments and interest on federal student loans are suspended through September 30, 2020. Contact your loan servicer to see how this impacts your loans.
If you are still struggling financially, consider reaching out to local nonprofit organizations or community groups that may be offering assistance. Many cities and states have also launched financial assistance programs for residents impacted by COVID-19. Check with your local government or community organizations to see what is available in your area.
Claiming a Missing Stimulus Check
If you did not receive a stimulus check, there are steps you can take to claim it. First, make sure you are eligible for the payment. Check the IRS website for eligibility requirements. If you are eligible and did not receive the payment, you can use the IRS “Get My Payment” tool to track your payment and request a reissue if necessary. You can also claim the payment on your 2020 tax return.
COVID-19 Scams
Be aware of COVID-19 scams. Scammers may try to take advantage of the pandemic to steal your personal information or money. The IRS will not call you to verify personal or financial information or demand immediate payment. If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text message, do not provide any personal or financial information and report it to the appropriate authorities.
| Financial Assistance Option | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Benefits | Lost job or reduced hours due to COVID-19 | Contact your state’s unemployment office |
| Small Business Administration Loans | Small business impacted by COVID-19 | Visit the SBA website to learn more and apply |
| Student Loan Relief | Federal student loan borrower | Contact your loan servicer |
Overall, there are options available if you are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to research and apply for any assistance that you are eligible for and be aware of potential scams.
FAQs: How do I get a stimulus check reissued?
Q: I never received my stimulus check. Can I request for a reissue?
A: Yes, you can request for a reissue of your stimulus check if you haven’t received it or lost it.
Q: Will I have to pay a fee to get my stimulus check reissued?
A: No, there is no fee to get your stimulus check reissued.
Q: How do I request for a reissue of my stimulus check?
A: You can request for a new stimulus check online on the IRS website or through mail by filling out Form 12143.
Q: How long will it take for me to receive my reissued stimulus check?
A: It can take up to six weeks to receive your reissued stimulus check.
Q: What should I do if my new stimulus check arrives after I already received the previous one?
A: You should return the previous stimulus check to the IRS or contact them for instructions on how to return it.
Q: Can I track the status of my reissued stimulus check?
A: Yes, you can track the status of your reissued stimulus check on the IRS website.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to read this article on how to get a stimulus check reissued. We understand the frustration of not receiving your stimulus check, and we hope these FAQs have been helpful in resolving any issues. Remember, if you need to request for a reissue of your stimulus check, it can be done easily online or through mail, and there are no fees involved. Don’t forget to check the status of your reissued stimulus check on the IRS website, and visit us again for more useful information.