Resources to Help During COVID-19 Crisis: Stimulus Checks

Remember, the IRS will not call you and ask for banking or credit card information or your social security number. They already have it. Never give that information to anyone who calls saying they need it in order for you to receive a stimulus check.

Below is a list of common questions and answers regarding the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package passed by the federal government last week. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact your Cincinnati Works Professional Development Coach or Financial Coach.

How much will I get?

It will be based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your 2018 or 2019 income tax return, whichever has been filed.

  • Individuals earning less than $75,000 will receive $1,200
  • Couples earning less than $150,000 will receive $2,400
  • Head of Household earning less than $112,500 will get $1,200
  • If you have dependents, you will receive another $500 per child (so, a family of four would be eligible for a maximum amount of $3,400)
  • Note: Your payment will be reduced by $5 for every $100 of income that exceeds the earnings limit

When is the money coming?

Checks will go out by April 17 (three weeks from the date the CARES Act was signed). The IRS will use your tax information from 2018 or 2019, depending on which return has been filed. If you have been working and paying taxes, the IRS will use this information.

Will I receive a check if …

  • I am on Social Security or did not file a tax return due to lack of income? If you received a form SSA-1099 for 2019 and did not file in 2018 or 2019, you will receive a check
  • I am a disabled vet and did not pay any taxes? You will, but this process still being worked on
  • I am a college student? If you are claimed by someone else as a dependent, you would not qualify. If you filed your own tax return and were not claimed as a dependent, you will qualify.
  • I am unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits? Yes, you will receive this check if you are unemployed and have filed a tax return for 2018 and 2019.
  • I just got laid off, but I exceeded the earnings limit? You might still qualify, but you will have to wait for now.
  • I am not a US citizen? If you have a Social Security number and are working and living in the United States, you will receive a check. If you are on a work VISA or have a green card, you will receive a check.
  • I am homeless and/or I just got out of prison? You will be able to apply to the IRS for this payment as long as you have a Social Security number.
  • I owe back taxes? Yes, you will still receive this check even if you owe back Federal or State taxes.
  • I owe outstanding child support? The amount you receive will be reduced if you owe child support.

Will there be multiple payments?

Not at this time. It is a one-time payment. But further legislation could be enacted later if the need persists.

Do I have to sign up for this?

No. This will be automatic for those who filed a tax return or received social security.

How will the money be sent to me?

If you received a direct deposit refund in the past two years, the money will be sent to that account. If not, then the check will be sent to the last known address that is on record for you.

If your addressed has changed, you must notify the IRS or show your new address on any tax returns you will be filing.

Are these payments taxable or have to be paid back?

No, they are considered a credit.

57 thoughts on “Resources to Help During COVID-19 Crisis: Stimulus Checks”

  1. I just got out of prison and about to be released from a halfway house in 9 days. I am working can you help me apply

    1. Donna Mcclarren

      If someone in prison since 2016 can they get a stimulus check if a family member applies for them

    2. Ashley Leanne sulfridge

      I have been incarcerated and then in treatment from July 2016 until January 30 2020 will I qualify for any help at all?

      1. Our understanding is that you will receive a stimulus check. If you filed your income tax return, the IRS has a record of you, and that should be enough based on our understanding of the CARES Act.

    1. You do not need to apply for it. As it explains above, the check will be sent directly to everyone who filed an income tax return or receives social security. The IRS will use whatever info they have on file for you – either an address to send the check or a bank account for direct-deposit.

    2. I was in prison from 2012 to the end of 2019. I worked from jan to april with my checks coming direct deposit will I receive the stimulus check

    3. My fiancee is a disabled veteran, he use to receive money from the VA and SS but he’s been incarcerated for the past year and not scheduled to get out till June. I put money on his books and send him care packages. Will he still be eligible for the stimulates check? If so what will happen if the check goes into an account that he had sent up for direct deposit with the VA but it’s now closed? Will they mail it to the address he has on file?

  2. David Mack Smith

    I was just released from T.D.C.J. in August and was there for the majority of 2018 and 2019 so I was unable to file taxes these last couple years.. I’ve been working when and where I can but that hasn’t ammounted to much money at all.. I am head of household but I don’t have a bank account… How would I go about contacting the I.R.S. to see if I qualify for a stimulus check?
    Thank you

    1. Based on the information on the IRS website, you may need to file a 2019 income tax return. From irs.gov/coronavirus: “Some people who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment. When more specific details become available, we will update this page.”

    1. If she filed an income-tax return for 2018 or 2019, she will receive the stimulus check. If not, she may need to file a 2019 return and then she will be able to receive the check. There is more information at irs.gov/coronavirus

    2. Phlista Holloway

      I have a son in prison now I take care of him and send him money on his books for the last 8 1/2 years will he receive any money or do I need to file for him are we entitled to the stimulus check

  3. Jeffery D Davidson

    My wife will be released from state jail in july is she eligible to receive a stimulus check

  4. My son has an bank account he just got out of prison do he still need to apply or will they still put money in his account

    1. Our understanding is that if he has filed an income tax return this year or last year, then he should receive the stimulus payment. If he has not filed his tax return for 2018 or 2019, he probably needs to file a 2019 return before he will receive the money.

  5. My son is in prison but hasn’t been convicted yet will he receive stimulus payment

  6. Where do I go to file for the stimulus if I was just released from prison and don’t have anything to file for.

  7. Andrew Licciardi

    If I just got out of prison a few months ago will I get a stimulant check and how do I apply

    1. Raymond, we encourage you to visit our downtown office as soon as we are able to re-open our doors. During normal times, we host open orientation sessions every Monday and Thursday at 10 AM. In the meantime, you can call our office at 513-744-9675 next week and we may be able to connect you to immediate job openings in the area.

    2. My son is in jail now he’s been in jail since March of 2019 and he had direct deposit when he file an income return in 2018 and still has not been convicted yet and i don’t he he still has that bank account open or not will he still get a check and if he does get a check how will he get it

  8. Desiree Hurbina

    My daughter is in county jail, who is 19 yrs of age has been for the last 9 months. She did not file taxes last year and she was homeless does she still qualify? What to do

  9. I have filed taxes both years but received a paper check. Is there a site I can go to to add my bank information so I can receive direct deposit instead of waiting on the check to come in the mail?

  10. My son doesn’t have a bank account he uses mine can he have his stimulas direct deposit to my account ?

    1. Frances Marrufo

      Was in prison past two years . not been able to land a job due to covid 19. Due i qualify to apply?

  11. Would someone who has been incarcerated since 2015 be eligible for the stimulus check. I would say no but would like to know what to tell them.

  12. MICHAEL WHEELER

    MY DAUGHTER IS SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE IN PRISON. SHE ONLY EARNED $300 WORKING FOR THE PRISON. IF I (FATHER) HAVE HER FILE A 2019 FORM 1040, WILL SHE NOW GET A STIMULUS PAYMENT? IS SHE TOO LATE?

  13. I know someone in jail but is supposed to get out soon can they have someone file for them??

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