We know readers have various questions regarding the latest round of stimulus checks being sent by the IRS. Previously, we wrote a detailed post focused on Direct Express Stimulus Check Update. We decided to set up this Direct Express Stimulus Check FAQs page to address the most common questions we get.
First, we will provide an update on where the stimulus negotiations stand and the timeline.
Next, we will go over the most frequently asked questions about what is included in the package, how much each person will get, and how soon the check will go out.
More questions will be added to this Direct Express Stimulus Check FAQs as and when we hear more.
Who Could Qualify for the Third Stimulus Check?
How much you are eligible for in the third round of stimulus depends on your income.
in general, the IRS will use the most recent tax return information it has on file to determine eligibility for the stimulus payments.
That means that if you are yet to file your 2020 return, your 2019 return will be used.
Here’s the income eligibility for stimulus round three based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your tax returns:
$1,400 for qualifying adults
2,800 for qualifying couples who file a joint tax return
$1,400 for each dependent child under the age of 17
$1,400 for each qualifying adult dependent
If you’re a single filer, your payment is reduced if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $75,000.
For married couples filing jointly, the phaseout begins at an AGI of $150,000. If you file as head of household, the reductions begin at $112,500.
The following income groups will NOT receive a stimulus check in the third round:
$80,000 AGI for single taxpayers
$160,000 AGI for married filing jointly taxpayers
$120,000 AGI for heads of household
Here is a detailed look at the income limits for the stimulus
| Full $1,400 per person maximum (based on AGI) | Not eligible (based on AGI) | |
| Single taxpayer | Less than $75,000 | $80,000 or more |
| Head of household | Less than $112,500 | $120,000 or more |
| Married couples filing jointly | Less than $150,000 | $160,000 or more |
When Will I get my Stimulus Check on Direct Express Card?
According to the IRS website, the first batch of stimulus checks went out on March 12th by Direct Deposit.
Since then, the IRS has provided more information about when stimulus checks will be sent out to other groups or eligible recipients.
Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can expect to receive their third stimulus payment in “the same way as their regular benefits.”
However, a payment date has yet to be announced by the IRS. The IRS is saying that the timing of “payments for federal beneficiaries, including non-filing beneficiaries with a Direct Express card, is expected soon.”
Furthermore, according to the Washington Post, The IRS is making approximately 17 million direct deposits with a payment date of March 24.
Also, The IRS is beginning to mail about 20 million checks and debit cards in the latest batch, with more to come.
Here’s what the timeline looks like based on information we have gathered from the IRS website and feedback from our readers.
Here’s the possible timeline for when you can expect your stimulus check.
| Process Remaining for Stimulus Bill | Actual and Future Possible Dates |
| House of Representatives Passes Bill | February 27, 2021 |
| Senate Passes Stimulus Bill | March 6, 2021 |
| House of Representatives Votes on Senate Bill | March 9, 2021 |
| Stimulus bill signed into law by President Biden | Thursday, March 11 |
| First direct deposit check sent by IRS | March 12 (pending), March 17 (official) |
| Direct Deposit Continues | March 15 – March 31 |
| First paper checks sent by IRS | Week of March 22 |
| SSI and SSDI checks sent | Not yet announced (Likely end of March and during the month of April) |
| First batch of paper checks arrive | April 1 – April 15 |
| First EIP Prepaid Debit Card sent by IRS | Week of March 29 |
| First batch of EIP Prepaid Debit Cards arrive | April 7-21 |
| IRS deadline to finish sending checks | Dec. 31, 2021 (mandated by the bill) |
| Last date to receive a check | January 2022 (if checks sent late December) |
| Claims for missing stimulus money open | 2021 tax season likely (in 2022) |
How would the IRS get my banking details for the third stimulus?
If you are wondering how the IRS is going to get your bank information to send your third stimulus by direct deposit, here’s what you need to know:
The IRS has several ways to find your banking information:
First, if you filed a tax return in 2019 or 2020 and received a refund by direct deposit, then the IRS may send your stimulus check to that account.
Also, if you already filed your tax forms this year and provided the IRS with your banking information, they will use that information.
Furthermore, if you registered your banking information for the first stimulus check through the IRS’ Get My Payment online tool, then the IRS may send your stimulus using that information.
Additionally, the IRS can get your bank information through another federal agency that issues benefits to you, such as Social Security Administration, Veteran Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board.
I’m not a Direct Express cardholder. Can I sign up for Direct Express to receive my Stimulus Payment?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Only current Direct Express cardholders are eligible to receive the $1,400 stimulus payment on their card.
However, if you would like to sign up for the Direct Express card to receive your Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans, Railroad Retirement, or other federal benefits electronically, here’s what you need to do:
You can enroll by calling 1-800-333-1795 (toll-free) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET or by contacting your benefit-paying agency.
Also, you can sign up online at www.GoDirect.gov.
How do I check the status of my Stimulus with the IRS?
You can use the IRS “Get My Payment” tool to check the status of your stimulus payment.
The tool is available at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment as shown below.
To use the tool, you’ll need to enter your full Social Security number or tax ID number, date of birth, street address, and ZIP code.
What If I Don’t Receive a Second Stimulus Check?
If you are eligible for stimulus payment but did not receive the first or second stimulus payment, here’s what you can do to claim your money:
You will be able to claim your missing stimulus payment when you file your 2020 tax return.
When you file your 2020 tax return, you may be able to claim a “recovery rebate” tax credit for stimulus check amount you should have received.
The IRS is expected to start accepting 2020 tax returns in late January or early February of 2021.
Direct Express Stimulus Check FAQs Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
Here is the income limit to get the full $1,400 check:
- Individuals with adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000.
- Heads of households with adjusted gross incomes up to $112,500
- Finally, couples making $150,000 would get a $2,800 payment.
SSI and SSDI stimulus checks are being sent out at the end of March and throughout all of April.
If you do not get your stimulus on your Direct Express debit card, you will be sent a paper check or the Stimulus Debit card.
Questions?
We hope this post on Direct Express Stimulus Check FAQ was helpful.
If you have further questions about Direct Express card, Social Security, or Disability benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on:
How to get Direct Express Emergency Cash Now
Direct Express account login
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2021 SSI Payments Calendar
2021 SSDI Payment Schedule
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