Check the Status of Your COVID -19 Federal Stimulus Payment

Find Out Where Your Stimulus Check Is – Up to $1,400 Per American for Coronavirus Relief

There have been 3 rounds of stimulus checks so far, which were authorized by federal legislation over the past year. Here’s what you need to know about stimulus checks.

Federal COVID-Relief: Stimulus Bills

The federal government has passed 3 major stimulus packages as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these bills includes a provision for direct payments to individuals, called Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) and more commonly known as stimulus checks. Each round of stimulus checks has been slightly different, so it’s important to understand the distinctions between them.

The CARES Act (2020)

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (a.k.a. CARES Act) was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. This historic stimulus package allocates funds for a number of programs, including $1,200 stimulus checks for many Americans (plus $500 for each qualified dependent child), among other legislative changes.

The COVID-Related Tax Relief Act (2020)

On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed a second major COVID-19 stimulus bill into law. This time, the stimulus checks for individuals will be $600 per eligible American, plus $600 for each qualified dependent child.

The American Rescue Plan Act (2021)

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. This bill creates a third round of stimulus checks, this time for $1,400 per individual, plus an additional $1,400 for each dependent.

Check the Status of Your Stimulus Payment

The IRS has developed an online tool that allows people to check the status of their COVID-19 stimulus payment and see when it will arrive. The IRS will be updating this platform once a day.

To find out when your payment will be sent to you, and whether it will be via Direct Deposit or a mailed paper check, log in to the “Get My Payment” application of the IRS “Economic Stimulus Payment” portal.

>> Economic Stimulus Payments: Get My Payment

NOTE: The “Get My Payment” tool may be temporarily offline as the IRS makes updates to its portal based on new legislation related to Coronavirus stimulus checks.

Please continue to monitor this page as the “Get My Payment” tool is updated and becomes available again.

Most people will receive their stimulus check by Direct Deposit – in other words, the IRS will deposit the money directly into your bank account. If you do not have your bank information on file with the IRS, then you will get a paper check or prepaid debit card in the mail. If you want to provide your bank information to the IRS for Direct Deposit and your stimulus check hasn’t been mailed yet, you can do that in the “Get My Payment” portal as well. Additionally, the “Get My Payment” portal can be used to update your mailing address if needed.

$1,200 Stimulus Checks: The First Round of Payments

From the original CARES Act, the maximum payment for an individual is $1,200 (or $2,400 for a married couple filing jointly). Most people will get the full amount, however, some will get less. The amount of your stimulus check is based on the most recent federal tax return you filed with the IRS (for tax year 2018 or 2019). Additionally, households can receive an extra $500 for each qualified dependent child.

$600 Stimulus Checks: The Second Round of Payments

The second stimulus package includes Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) for most Americans as well, however, the amount is $600 for the second round of checks. For more information about this legislation, please see $600 Stimulus Checks for 2nd Round of Payments.

Note that if you typically don’t file a tax return, you will need to file a “simple tax return” if you want to receive a stimulus payment. Those who don’t file taxes can enter their information using the IRS “Economic Impact Payments” online tool for non-filers.

RELATED: How Do You Qualify for a Stimulus Check?

$1,400 Stimulus Checks: The Third Round of Payments

The most recent stimulus deal, the American Rescue Plan, creates a third round of stimulus checks. This time, eligible individuals can receive up to $1,400 each (or up to $2,800 for a married couple filing jointly). Furthermore, households with dependents can receive an additional $1,400 for each dependent.

RELATED: $1,400 Stimulus Checks – Third Round of Direct Payments Are on the Way

Who Is Eligible for a $1,400 Stimulus Check?

Your stimulus payment amount will be based on information from the most recent tax return you filed with the IRS. (Note that you will qualify for a stimulus payment if you don’t earn enough to file but you receive Social Security payments.)

Your eligibility depends on your income level. You will receive a third stimulus check if your income is:

• $75,000 or less for a Single filer
• $150,000 or less for a Married Couple Filing Jointly

NOTE: If you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you will not be eligible for a stimulus check. For more information, please visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments center.

How to Track the Status of Your COVID-19 Stimulus Check

Millions of Americans will get their stimulus payments deposited into their bank accounts. However, the IRS has been experiencing some system glitches since the rollout of the “check stimulus status” tool due to the quick launch and high volume of users. Please be patient and check back again if you find you cannot access your stimulus payment status.

You can check the status of your stimulus money online using the “Get My Payment” tool provided by the IRS. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit the Get My Paymentwebpage and click on the blue button that says “Get My Payment.”
2. On the next page, you will see a notification message about authorized use. Click the blue “OK” button.
3. On the following page, enter your personal information – including your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN), date of birth, street address, and ZIP or postal code. Then click the blue button that says “CONTINUE.”

The next screen will display your stimulus payment status and whether it has been scheduled for deposit/delivery or if the website cannot determine your status yet.

Updates will be posted as they become available. Please continue to check this page for the latest COVID-19 stimulus information.

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