After months of negotiations, the Senate has passed a new coronavirus stimulus plan. The $900 billion economic relief package will deliver emergency aid to a trampled economy and provide struggling Americans with desperately needed funds.
However, the primary concern of many Americans is the second round of stimulus checks, or Economic Impact Payments (EIP). Here’s all you need to know:
Who qualifies for a stimulus check?
The $600 payments will be distributed to eligible recipients based on their 2019 tax returns as follows:
- Each adult who earned $75,000 or less will receive $600.
- Married individuals filing jointly who earned $150,000 or less will each receive $600.
- Heads of households earning $112,500 or less will receive up to $600.
- Parents and legal guardians will receive $600 for each dependent under age 17.
- Adults who earned more than $75,000, married individuals filing jointly who earned more than $150,000 and heads of households who earned more than $112,500 will have their payout reduced by $5 for every additional $100 of income.
Who does not qualify for a stimulus check?
- Adults who earned $87,000 or more, married couples filing jointly who earned $174,000 or more and heads of households who earned $124,500 or more.
- Adults who are claimed as dependents.
- Undocumented immigrants.
If you have not filed a tax return for 2019, you’ll need to complete this form to receive the stimulus payment.
When will I get my check?
The distribution of these payments is expected to be much quicker than the first EIPs back in March, with the first round of payments out before New Year’s Day.
Most people who have filed taxes for 2019 will receive their checks first via direct deposit into their accounts. Those who have not yet filed taxes for 2019 will receive their EIP in the mail, via paper check or prepaid debit card. This process may take up to five months.