Some good news for all of us facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic – it was recently announced that U.S. government is set to issue a new round of stimulus checks. According to reports, both individuals and families are eligible to receive this much-needed financial help. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible or not, we’ve got the answer for you.
Firstly, if you filed taxes in 2019 or 2020 and earned less than $75,000 as a single taxpayer or $150,000 as a married couple, you are eligible for the full stimulus check amount. If you have dependents under the age of 17, you will receive even more money. Meanwhile, those who earned between $75,000 and $80,000 as single taxpayers, or $150,000 and $160,000 as a married couple, will receive a smaller amount. Those who earned above that threshold will unfortunately not receive a stimulus check.
However, there are few changes in the eligibility criteria this time around. For example, taxpayers who were previously ineligible due to an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number, can now claim their stimulus checks as well. College students and those who were claimed as dependents are eligible as well, which was not the case in the previous rounds. Overall, this will come as a huge relief to millions of Americans who have been struggling financially due to the ongoing pandemic.
Eligibility Requirements for Stimulus Checks
When it comes to eligibility for stimulus checks, the rules can be a bit complex. However, there are some clear criteria that will make you eligible to get a stimulus payment. Lets take a look at the main requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a qualifying resident alien
- You must not be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return
- You must have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- You must file a tax return for 2020 or 2019, or provide the IRS with your information using the Non-Filers Tool on their website
- Your income must be below a certain threshold
The income threshold for the stimulus payments is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent tax return. For the third round of stimulus checks, individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000 and married couples with an AGI of up to $150,000 will receive the full stimulus payment of $1,400 per person. However, the amount of the payment will gradually decrease for those with higher incomes, and will completely phase out for individuals making over $80,000 per year and married couples making over $160,000 annually.
If you have any specific questions about your eligibility for a stimulus payment, make sure to check the IRS website or consult with a tax professional who can provide you with tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
Income thresholds for stimulus checks
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a plethora of challenges, including economic fallout. The US government has rolled out various economic stimulus measures to cushion the blow. One of these measures is the stimulus check, and as of January 2021, a third round of stimulus checks has been approved. The stimulus checks provide a much-needed cash injection to eligible Americans, but not everyone is eligible. The income thresholds for stimulus checks vary depending on several factors.
- The amount you receive in a stimulus check depends on your income. Generally, if your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) falls below certain thresholds, you should expect to receive a stimulus check.
- For the third round of stimulus checks, eligible recipients may receive up to $1,400 per individual, $2,800 for couples filing jointly, and an additional $1,400 for each dependent.
- The income thresholds for stimulus checks for the third round are different from the previous rounds.
Here is a breakdown of the income thresholds for stimulus checks for the third round:
| Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) | Stimulus Check Amount (per individual) |
|---|---|
| $75,000 or less | $1,400 |
| $75,000 – $80,000 | Gradually reduced stimulus check amount |
| Above $80,000 | Not eligible for stimulus check |
| $150,000 or less (joint filers) | $2,800 |
| $150,000 – $160,000 (joint filers) | Gradually reduced stimulus check amount |
| Above $160,000 (joint filers) | Not eligible for stimulus check |
It’s important to note that these income thresholds are based on your AGI from your most recent tax return. If your income has changed since your last tax return, that could affect your eligibility for a stimulus check. If you fall within the income thresholds and haven’t yet received a stimulus check, you may need to take action to claim it. Be sure to visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional for more information.
Dependents and Stimulus Checks
When it comes to stimulus checks, one question that many Americans are asking is whether dependents will qualify for their own stimulus checks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dependents who are under the age of 17 will qualify for their own $600 stimulus check.
- Dependents who are 17 years or older will not qualify for their own stimulus check.
- If you claimed a dependent on your 2019 tax return but that dependent turned 17 in 2020, you will not receive an additional $600 for that dependent.
If you have dependents who are under the age of 17, you can expect to receive an additional $600 per child in your stimulus check. For example, if you have two children under the age of 17, you will receive a total of $1,200 for your dependents in addition to your own stimulus check.
It’s important to note that there are income limitations for receiving a stimulus check, so not everyone with dependents will qualify for the full amount.
Dependent Definition
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a dependent as “a qualifying child or a qualifying relative.” To claim a dependent on your tax return, the dependent must meet certain requirements such as living with you for more than half of the year and not providing more than half of their own financial support.
Stimulus Check Guidelines for Dependents
The following table outlines the guidelines for dependents and their eligibility for a stimulus check:
| Dependent Type | Age | Stimulus Check Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Child | Under 17 | Eligible for their own $600 stimulus check |
| Child | 17 or older | Not eligible for their own stimulus check |
| Qualifying Relative | Any age | Not eligible for their own stimulus check |
Remember, it’s always important to consult with a tax professional if you have questions about your specific situation and eligibility for a stimulus check.
Non-US citizens and stimulus checks
One important thing to note is that non-US citizens who do not have a Social Security number are not eligible for the stimulus checks. These individuals include undocumented immigrants, immigrants who have overstayed their visas, and those who have temporary visas such as H-1B or F-1 visas.
- Green card holders with a Social Security number are eligible for the stimulus checks
- Non-US citizens with a Social Security number who are in the US and file taxes as residents for tax purposes are eligible for the stimulus checks
- Non-US citizens who are married to US citizens and file their taxes jointly are eligible for the stimulus checks, but only if they have a Social Security number
For non-US citizens who are eligible for the stimulus checks, they will receive the same amount as US citizens – $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, and an additional $500 per child under 17 years old.
However, for non-US citizens living abroad, the rules are a bit different. According to the IRS, non-US citizens who are not residents of the US and do not have a US mailing address are not eligible for the stimulus checks. This includes US citizens who live abroad and do not have a US mailing address.
| Eligibility Status | Can Receive Stimulus Check? |
|---|---|
| Non-US citizen without Social Security number | No |
| Green card holder with Social Security number | Yes |
| Non-US citizen with Social Security number, filing taxes as a resident for tax purposes | Yes |
| Non-US citizen married to US citizen, filing taxes jointly with Social Security number | Yes |
| Non-US citizen not a resident of US, no US mailing address | No |
It is important for non-US citizens to understand their eligibility status for the stimulus checks and to make sure they have all necessary information and documentation, such as a Social Security number, if they do qualify.
Social Security Recipients and Stimulus Checks
If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you are eligible to receive a stimulus check as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. This means that you must have a valid Social Security number, make less than the income threshold, and not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
There are several important things to note if you are a Social Security recipient and expecting a stimulus check. Here are some of the key points:
- You do not need to file a tax return to receive your stimulus check if you are a Social Security recipient. The IRS will use the information from your Social Security benefits statement to determine your eligibility and send your payment.
- If you have dependent children under the age of 17, you may be eligible for an additional $500 for each child. You will need to use the IRS’s Non-Filers tool to provide your dependent’s information.
- If you have not received your payment yet, you can use the IRS’s Get My Payment tool to check the status of your payment. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the IRS’s hotline at 1-800-919-9835.
Here is a table to help you determine how much you may be eligible to receive as a Social Security recipient:
| Filing Status | Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) | Stimulus Check Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Less than $75,000 | $1,200 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Less than $150,000 | $2,400 |
| Head of Household | Less than $112,500 | $1,200 |
| Single, Married Filing Separately, or Widowed | Over $75,000 and less than $99,000 | Reduced by $5 for every $100 over $75,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly (without children) | Over $150,000 and less than $198,000 | Reduced by $5 for every $100 over $150,000 |
It’s important to note that the IRS has until December 31, 2020, to distribute stimulus checks, so if you have not yet received your payment, it may still be on the way. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility or payment status, you can contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS for assistance.
Unemployment beneficiaries and stimulus checks
Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment benefits or have received them in the past year may also be eligible for a stimulus check. However, the amount they receive may vary based on their individual circumstances.
If they meet the income requirements, they will receive the full amount of the stimulus check. If they earn more than the income threshold, the amount they receive will be reduced or they may not receive a check at all.
How unemployment benefits affect stimulus checks
- Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income, which means they count towards the income threshold for stimulus checks.
- If an individual’s income includes both unemployment benefits and earnings from a job, the combined income will be used to determine their eligibility for a stimulus check.
- If an individual is only receiving unemployment benefits and their income falls below the threshold, they will likely be eligible for the full amount of the stimulus check.
Impact of state unemployment benefits on stimulus checks
It is important to note that the rules regarding unemployment benefits and stimulus checks may vary by state. Some states may have different income thresholds or exclude certain sources of income when determining eligibility for a stimulus check.
For example, in California, individuals who are receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) may not be eligible for a stimulus check. This is because PUA benefits are not considered taxable income and therefore do not count towards the income threshold for stimulus checks.
How to find out if you’re eligible
If you are currently receiving or have received unemployment benefits in the past year, be sure to check your eligibility for a stimulus check. The best way to do this is by using the IRS’s online tool “Get My Payment.”
| Information required to use “Get My Payment” | How to access “Get My Payment” |
|---|---|
| Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | Visit the IRS’s official website and click on “Get My Payment” |
If you are eligible for a stimulus check, you can expect to receive it in the same way you receive your tax refund or unemployment benefits.
Timeline for Receiving Stimulus Checks
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact millions of people in the United States, the federal government has taken steps to provide economic relief through stimulus checks. Here are some details on when and how you can expect to receive your stimulus check.
Firstly, it’s important to know that not everyone will receive a stimulus check. Eligibility requirements include having a Social Security number, not being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, and meeting income thresholds. Individuals who earn $75,000 or less and couples who earn $150,000 or less will receive the full stimulus amount of $1,200 per person.
If you are eligible for a stimulus check, the timeline for receiving it is based on several factors. The most important one is whether the IRS has your direct deposit information on file or whether you will receive a physical check in the mail.
- If you filed your taxes in 2018 or 2019 and have received your tax refund via direct deposit, you should have already received your stimulus check in the same account.
- If you did not provide direct deposit information on your tax returns, the IRS has created a portal where you can submit your bank information and get your stimulus money deposited into your account.
- If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, the IRS will use the information on file to send your stimulus check.
For those receiving a physical check in the mail, the timeline is longer. The IRS began mailing checks in late April, starting with those with the lowest income, and continuing in order of income level. It’s estimated that it could take up to five months to process and mail all the checks.
For a more specific timeline, check the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool, which allows you to track the status of your stimulus payment. If there are any issues with your information or eligibility, the tool will prompt you to provide additional information or contact the IRS.
| Payment method | Estimated timeline |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit | Within a few weeks of the CARES Act being signed into law |
| Social Security beneficiaries who do not file tax returns | Late April |
| Physical checks mailed to individuals with lowest income | Late April |
| Physical checks mailed to individuals with higher income | April-June |
Overall, while the process of receiving stimulus checks may take some time, it’s important to stay updated on the status of your payment. Be sure to check the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool, and take action if necessary to ensure that you receive the full amount you are eligible for.
FAQs About Who Will Get a Stimulus Check
Q: Who is eligible to receive a stimulus check?
A: Individuals who had an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 in 2019 or 2020, depending on the most recent tax return information available to the IRS, are eligible for a stimulus check.
Q: What if I didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020?
A: People who didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020 may still be eligible for a stimulus check if they receive Social Security benefits or other government aid.
Q: Are U.S. citizens living abroad eligible for a stimulus check?
A: U.S. citizens living abroad who meet the eligibility requirements can receive a stimulus check.
Q: Will I receive a stimulus check if I owe back taxes?
A: Yes, individuals who owe back taxes can still receive a stimulus check.
Q: How much money will I receive in a stimulus check?
A: Individuals will receive up to $1,400 in a stimulus check. Couples who file jointly will receive up to $2,800 and an additional $1,400 per dependent.
Q: When will I receive my stimulus check?
A: The timing of when you will receive your stimulus check depends on several factors, such as the processing of your tax return and the method of payment.
Closing: Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has answered your questions about who will receive a stimulus check. Remember to check with the IRS for the most up-to-date information. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us again soon for more news and updates!