Hundreds of thousands of American people have already received their stimulus checks from the IRS – however, many more have not. Additionally, many individuals have had issues with using the IRS Get My Payment tool online, making it difficult for them to know the status of their check or update their banking information. Despite these issues, the IRS has announced that as of Wednesday, May 13 at 9 AM they were no longer taking additional direct deposit information for stimulus checks.
This doesn’t mean you won’t get your 2020 economic impact payment though. Instead, if you’re eligible for the check, you should receive it through the mail – so you’ll need to keep an eye on your mailbox moving forward. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to track the status of your check, even if you’ll be receiving it through the mail now instead.
Tracking Your Check Using the IRS Tools
While many Americans are still unable to access their stimulus check tools, recent changes were made to the tool that may allow you to see the status of your payment. Despite no longer taking direct deposit information, this means you’ll be able to see the following:
- if your check has been printed yet.
- the address to which your check is being mailed to.
- the total amount of money you’ll receive from the check.
In order to access the IRS tool, you’ll need the following information:
- your social security number or taxpayer ID.
- your date of birth.
- your street address and zip code.
Keep in mind there are multiple reasons you may not be able to see the information. To begin with, it may be that you are not eligible to receive a check. Additionally, some users had issues seeing their stimulus payments using Chrome. Other reasons might also include the platform you used to file your taxes, how recently you filed your taxes, and if you entered the correct information.
If this tool isn’t working for you, though, not all hope is lost. If you’re worried about whether you’re not you’re eligible to receive the check, you can always review the IRS guidelines for the COVID-19 economic impact check. These guidelines will give you an idea of if you should expect the check.
Check The Tool Daily
Did you previously check the tool, only to be told your payment couldn’t be found? If this is the case, you may want to check back each day. The IRS updates the Get My Payment tool daily. For some, their information wasn’t readily available to be loaded into the system. Therefore, as the IRS begins updating information and importing user info, those who previously couldn’t locate their payment may now be able to.
Watch Your Mailbox
This is your second best option. The IRS stated that as they close information for direct deposits, they will be ramping up the number of paper checks they mail out each day. Payment for you and any other member of your family who is eligible to receive the check at your address should arrive, but it’s hard to say exactly when.
According to their website, the IRS is working diligently to get eligible citizens their checks. They understand that, with the massive job loss that was caused by the coronavirus, many Americans were relying on the stimulus check to pay their bills and keep a roof above their heads. Therefore, they expect to begin sending more paper checks out in the near future and intend to provide the public with updates as they begin ramping up paper distribution.
Be Patient
At the end of the day, there are millions of people still without their checks. However, government officials advise that those who still have not received their checks should be eligible, and cannot access their information have patience. With a current backlog of information, there is a strain on the system. While waiting may not be ideal for some, it is the best solution, for the time being, in getting your checks.
Additionally, Congress has recently rolled out a bill for a second coronavirus relief check. This check would send single Americans up to another $1200, with families receiving checks of up to $6000. These checks would be received in the same way your first economic impact check was received – meaning if you’ve missed the deadline and are eligible for the check, you may also receive your second check through the mail.
Exact terms for this second check are uncertain at the moment, however, many expect that this second check would have the same eligibility terms as the first check. Politicians are urging a second check to be sent out, especially among growing health concerns as the virus continues to spread.
What Can I Do If I Need Those Funds Now?
If you’ve missed your direct deposit date and were one of the many Americans who were waiting to receive their checks to cover basic living necessities, you may be in urgent need of funds right now. Millions of Americans are struggling, and it may leave you searching for how to get financial help to pay your bills. Many companies are currently offering payment plans, waivers, and grants. Many large cities are also offering payment programs for assistance with housing, utilities, and other essential services.
Review local city government websites to see what services they are currently offering. Additionally, reach out to lenders and landlords. Many are currently creating plans to help individuals impacted by COVID-19.
Spending Your Check Once You Receive It
Ultimately, if you’re still waiting on the mail, you may be wondering how to spend your stimulus check once you receive it. At the end of the day, the choice is yours – but spend it wisely. Experts have advised that the crisis caused by the virus is far from over. Be careful, and choose how you spend your money wisely.
