As a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. citizens and resident aliens will receive an Economic Impact Payment (a.k.a. stimulus payment) of $1,200 for individual or head of household filers, and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly. For those with higher incomes, this amount is adjusted downward or they may not be eligible. Click here to see the income thresholds.
Please note that you need to register with the IRS using the Non-Fliers Tool by October 15 if you:
- did not filed tax returns in 2018 and 2019 because you are low-income,
- don’t received federal benefits, and
- have not received your stimulus payment yet.
In some cases, the stimulus payment is being made in the form of a prepaid Visa debit card. These cards come in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services, and some people have discarded it believing it to be a scam or junk mail. If you have lost or thrown away the debit card, you’ll have to call 800-240-8100 for a free replacement, according to directions at eipcard.com; unfortunately, the instructions are not clear. According to the Washington Post, “When you call, ignore the instructions to press Option 1 to reach customer service. Instead, choose Option 2 for a lost or stolen card. Then you need to select Option 1 to input the last six digits of your Social Security number as well as your Zip code. From there, you should be transferred to a person in customer service, where you have to answer some security questions before a replacement card is mailed.” Click here for recommendations for avoiding fees associated with your stimulus payment debit card.
If you received an EIP Notice 1444 in the mail or a payment date from “Get My Payment” but have not received your payment, you can request a payment trace from the IRS by calling 1-800-919-9835. Unfortunately, the phone assistance line may have long wait times.
If your stimulus payment was deposited to your bank account but seized by a debt collector, this is not legal in California. Stimulus checks cannot be garnished, and Governor Newsom also ordered the return of any money collected prior to implementation of the rule. If your payment was wrongfully seized and not returned, contact Contra Costa Senior Legal Services for assistance.