Federal Emergency Relief PackageVermont Senator Bernie Sanders The federal relief package that was passed last week is the largest in American history. As I've said before, I am proud that much needed relief is going to the working families of this country who are currently suffering due to this crisis. A major accomplishment of this law, while not enough, is the direct aid to individuals in the form of cash payments. To be clear, we must do more and I am continuing to fight in Washington to ensure that benefits are quickly made available to help the American people throughout this crisis. |
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What You Need to Know about Direct Aid to Individuals |
$1,200 Direct Payments
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How to Receive Your Economic Relief Check: |
If you've filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019:
If you are normally not required to file a federal return and you are a Social Security beneficiary who receives a SSA-1099:
If you are normally not required to file a federal tax return and you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with no other types of Social Security benefits:
If you are normally not required to file a federal tax return and currently qualify for public assistance programs:
If you are required to file a tax return and have not for 2018 and 2019:
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Frequently Asked Questions: |
Where can I get the latest updates and resources on my economic relief check? The IRS has created a special page on their website with the latest official updates on the disbursement of the economic relief checks and other tax-related coronavirus relief programs. You can find the page here: https://www.irs.gov/ |
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What do I do if the IRS page does not have the information I am looking for? Given the speed and enormity of the task that the IRS and the Treasury Department are undertaking, many of the program details and regulations are still being written. The IRS will post updates on their coronavirus relief page. |
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How much will my check be? Most adults will receive $1,200 and an additional $500 per child (16 years old or younger). As discussed below, you may receive a reduced amount or no check depending on a variety of factors including income level, age, and immigration status. There is no official calculator yet from the IRS, but some privately created calculators provide an estimate of how much you and your family may receive. You can find an example of one such simple calculator here. |
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When will I receive my check? We're not sure yet. The Treasury Department has stated that checks may go out as soon as mid- or late April. In previous programs like this one, it took a few months for all the checks to go out, so it may not be until later in the Spring or early Summer before they arrive. In an effort to speed up the process, the Treasury Department has indicated that they will create a website allowing individuals who have not previously provided their direct deposit information to do so. Visit the IRS coronavirus relief site for more information, as well as the IRS economic payment FAQ site: https://www.irs.gov/ |
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Who will receive a reduced check and who is excluded from receiving the economic relief check? While the economic relief checks have been characterized as going to everyone, millions of people will not receive them.
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What information is my check based on? In order to get payments out as fast as possible, the Treasury will draw on multiple years of data. Ideally, your check will be based on your income and status in 2020.
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If I receive the economic stimulus check, will it count as income for the purposes of other government assistance programs? The economic stimulus check will not be treated as income and will not affect your eligibility for other government assistance programs like subsidized housing, Social Security Income (SSI), food stamps (3SquaresVT), and more. |
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Will the stimulus check go to veterans? Veterans who otherwise fit the income and filing requirements are eligible to receive a stimulus check. |
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Is the economic relief check taxable? No, it will not be taxable. |
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Will my benefit be reduced if I have defaulted on federal student loans or if I owe federal or state taxes? No, it is not subject to garnishment. |
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Is the $1,200 check enough assistance during this time to help families? While the $1,200 payment to every adult and the additional $500 per child will provide a critical lifeline to families during this hard time, it is not enough to help many families. I believe that every person in the United States should receive $2,000 payments each month until this health crisis is over, and I will continue to fight for more support for all families across the country. |
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My office is here — know that we are doing everything we can to fight for you, and be responsive to your needs. We will continue to provide helpful information as it becomes available. Do not hesitate to contact my office with questions or concerns. You can reach my office on our website, or by phone at 802-862-0697 or 1-800-339-9834. While these are difficult times, it heartens me to see the spirit and resilience of my fellow Vermonters. Every day I see acts of kindness — people selflessly protecting and helping our most vulnerable community members. If we all do our part, we will get through this together. |
Bernie Sanders: What you need to know about the federal relief package
Submitted by tim
on