No stimulus check? Claim it now, even if you’re incarcerated

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 2, 2020) — In March, when Republicans agreed with Democrats that the COVID-19 pandemic’s threat to the U.S. economy called for action, Congress approved the CARES Act. Among its provisions were the Economic Impact Payments (also known as “stimulus checks”) paying up to $1,200 per adult.

Didn’t get yours? It’s not too late — even if you didn’t file a tax return in 2019 or you are incarcerated — you can still claim your payment, but time is running out to file your claim.

All Americans should have received up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, plus $500 per dependent child under 17 years old — or up to $3,400 for a family of four. If you did not automatically receive your Economic Impact Payment, check your payment status here.

On Oct. 8, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS could not withhold CARES Act stimulus funds from incarcerated folks solely on the basis of their incarcerated status. That means incarcerated people serving a sentence in state or federal prison are eligible for CARES Act stimulus checks of up to $1,200 per eligible person and an additional $500 per qualifying child, if they meet certain requirements. But incarcerated citizens must mail claim forms that are postmarked by Nov. 4 to receive these funds. Learn more here.

Some who didn’t file a tax return in 2019 did not receive their payments. You may still be eligible, but the deadline to request your payment is Saturday, Nov. 21. Learn more here.

Also, Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Department of Veteran Affairs benefit recipients who already received a $1,200 payment have until Nov. 21 to register for a payment for their spouse or qualifying child. Learn more here.

Please share this information with anyone you know who may be due their Economic Impact Statement. Time is running out to request it!