Am I Getting a Stimulus Check? How to Check Your Eligibility

The prospect of receiving a stimulus check can be a financial lifeline for many individuals and families. These payments offer critical economic relief during challenging times, but understanding eligibility criteria is essential to ensure you receive the aid you qualify for.

Eligibility is determined by factors such as income levels, filing status, and dependent claims. Each plays a role in assessing whether you will receive a payment.

Income Threshold

Income thresholds are central to determining eligibility for stimulus payments. Adjusted gross income (AGI) is a critical factor. For the 2024 tax year, the AGI limits are $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. Payments are reduced incrementally for incomes exceeding these limits, with $5 deducted for every $100 above the threshold. For instance, a single filer with an AGI of $85,000 would receive a reduced payment. Payments phase out entirely at $99,000 for single filers, $136,500 for heads of household, and $198,000 for joint filers.

Reviewing your AGI on your most recent tax return is key to determining eligibility. Changes in income or filing status can also affect your payment.

Non-Filers

Non-filers, individuals who typically do not submit tax returns due to low or no income, face unique challenges when navigating the stimulus payment process. To address this, the IRS offers a Non-Filers tool, which allows individuals to provide basic information to determine eligibility and facilitate payment.

Non-filers should ensure they submit accurate information, including their full name, Social Security number, and current address. Those with dependents should include this information to increase their payment. Non-filers receiving federal benefits, such as Social Security or Veterans Affairs payments, may automatically receive stimulus funds but should confirm this with the IRS.

Claiming Dependents

Claiming dependents can increase the size of a stimulus payment. For 2024, an additional $1,400 is provided per dependent.

Dependents must meet specific criteria under the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, a dependent is a child under 19, a full-time student under 24, or a permanently disabled individual of any age. Dependents must not have provided more than half of their own financial support during the tax year. Providing accurate information, including correct Social Security numbers, is essential to avoid delays or audits.

Shared custody arrangements can complicate dependent claims. Only one parent can claim a dependent in a given tax year, and clear agreements are necessary to prevent disputes.

Payment Status Tools

The IRS offers an online tool, “Get My Payment,” to help individuals track their stimulus payments. This tool provides information on payment status, methods, and delivery dates.

To use the tool, individuals must input their Social Security number, date of birth, and address. It reveals whether a payment has been processed and the delivery method—direct deposit or mailed check. The tool also highlights issues, such as incorrect banking or address details, that may require action to resolve.

Payment Issuance Methods

Stimulus payments are issued through direct deposit, physical checks, or prepaid debit cards. Understanding these methods can help recipients anticipate when and how they will receive their funds.

Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure option, transferring funds directly to a recipient’s bank account. Taxpayers who have provided banking information on recent tax returns typically receive payments this way. Physical checks are mailed to the taxpayer’s most recent address, which can take longer to arrive. For those without a bank account, the IRS may issue prepaid debit cards, which must be activated before use.

Potential Payment Hold-Ups

Several factors can delay stimulus payments. Discrepancies in personal information, such as incorrect Social Security numbers or outdated addresses, can cause processing delays or misdirect payments. Taxpayers should ensure that their latest tax return reflects accurate details.

The IRS has faced backlogs in processing paper returns and correspondence, which can slow the issuance of payments. This is especially true for individuals who recently filed amendments or updates. Additionally, if a financial institution rejects a direct deposit due to incorrect account information, the IRS must reissue the payment as a check or card, further delaying delivery. Addressing these issues proactively can help reduce wait times.