I’ve read that because of Coronavirus, people are getting stimulus checks. But what is a stimulus check?
Since many people have lost their jobs because of the Coronavirus lockdown, people can use some financial help to cope with their loss of income.
Under the CARES Act, the US federal government is providing financial help called Economic Impact Payments, which is commonly known as the Coronavirus stimulus check.
Who is eligible to get this Economic Impact Payment? And how will they receive it?
If your 2019 income level is lower than a certain amount, you and your kids under 17 are eligible for the stimulus check. This income cutoff depends on your tax filing status.
If you are eligible, you can receive your stimulus check in one of 3 ways:
- As a direct deposit to your bank account, if the IRS has your direct deposit information
- As an actual check, just like the name suggests
- As a prepaid debit card, which is a debit card with money already loaded onto it
How much money would you get?
If your filing status is ‘single’, you are eligible to get a stimulus check of $1,200 if you earned less than $75,000 in 2019.
If your filing status is ‘married filing jointly’, you are eligible to get a stimulus check of $2,400 if you earned less than $150,000 in 2019. You also get $500 for each child under 17.
For incomes more than these levels, the stimulus payment amount starts to decline. There is no stimulus payment at all if the income is over $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for married couples.
If I am eligible, how do I get a stimulus check? Do I have to apply for it?
No, you don’t have to apply for it. The IRS is sending the payment automatically to all those who qualify, after getting your information from past tax returns, Social Security Administration, etc.
When do I get the stimulus check payment?
The government started sending out stimulus checks in April 2020. Most people received theirs in April or May, but don’t worry if you haven’t got yours – they are still being sent out.
What can I do if I am eligible, but did not receive the stimulus check?
You can go to the IRS website and easily check the status of your stimulus check.
Podcast: What is a Stimulus Check or Economic Impact Payment?
Fun, informative and concise episodes by a 10-year old, breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that kids and beginners can understand. Episodes cover personal finance topics like saving, investing, banking, credit cards, insurance, real estate, mortgage, retirement planning, 401k, stocks, bonds, income tax, and more, and are in the form of a conversation between a cowboy (a finance novice) and his friend, a stock broker. Making finance your friend, only at Easy Peasy Finance.
A little bit about me: I have been fascinated with the world of personal finance since I was 6! I love to read personal finance books, and keep myself updated on the latest by reading various personal finance magazines. My friends often ask me questions about finance because they find it complex and intimidating. That’s what inspired me to start my YouTube channel called Easy Peasy Finance when I was 8, and this podcast 2 years later.
All you need to know about the Coronavirus / Covid-19 related stimulus check / Economic Impact Payment: what is a stimulus check, who is eligible to get this Economic Impact Payment and how will they receive it, how much money would you get, how do you get a stimulus check, do you have to apply for it, when do you get the stimulus check payment, what can you do if you are eligible but did not receive the stimulus check, and more.
Show notes and transcript at: https://easypeasyfinance.com/what-is-a-stimulus-check-or-economic-impact-payment/
