Have I received my stimulus check? This is a question that has been on the minds of millions of Americans since the first round of stimulus payments were distributed in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the possibility of additional rounds of stimulus checks, it’s important to understand how to check the status of your payment and what to do if you haven’t received it yet.
The first round of stimulus checks, commonly referred to as Economic Impact Payments (EIP), were authorized by the CARES Act in March 2020. These payments were designed to provide financial relief to individuals and families affected by the pandemic. Eligible recipients received a one-time payment of $1,200, with an additional $500 for each qualifying dependent child under the age of 17.
Checking the Status of Your Stimulus Check
If you’re wondering whether you’ve received your stimulus check, there are several ways to check the status of your payment. The IRS has created a “Get My Payment” portal on their website, where you can enter your Social Security number, filing status, and bank account information to see if your payment has been processed.
Another option is to use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which allows you to track the status of your refund, including stimulus checks. This tool provides updates on the status of your payment, including whether it has been sent, deposited, or if there are any issues with the payment.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Stimulus Check
If you’ve checked the status of your stimulus check and it shows that you haven’t received it yet, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:
1. Verify your information: Make sure that the IRS has your correct bank account information or mailing address. If you recently moved or changed your bank account, update your information with the IRS.
2. Check for a delay: There may be delays in processing payments due to high volumes of requests or technical issues. If you believe your payment should have been processed, wait a few more days before taking further action.
3. Contact the IRS: If you still haven’t received your stimulus check after waiting, you can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and other personal information to verify your identity.
4. File a claim: If you didn’t receive your stimulus check because you didn’t file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you may still be eligible for a payment. You can file a tax return to claim the missing stimulus check.
Conclusion
Receiving your stimulus check is an important step in navigating the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. By checking the status of your payment and taking appropriate action if you haven’t received it yet, you can ensure that you receive the financial relief you need. Remember to keep an eye on updates from the IRS and stay informed about any additional rounds of stimulus checks that may be authorized in the future.
