Many people in the United States are still waiting to receive their stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These payments are part of an ongoing government effort to provide financial support to citizens during tough times. While millions have already received their money, others are still waiting for updates about when their checks will arrive.
To help with this process, the IRS has a simple online tool that can help people track their payment and even update their banking details. In this article, we explain how the system works, who is eligible, and what to do if you haven’t received your money yet.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 stimulus check is part of the financial relief package offered by the U.S. government. The amount each person receives depends on their individual tax and family situation. A single person may get up to $1,400, a married couple filing jointly can receive $2,800, and there’s an extra $1,400 for each dependent in the family.
However, not everyone gets the same amount, and some people may face delays due to errors or missing information in their tax records.
How to Track Your Stimulus Payment
To help taxpayers track their payment status, the IRS has created an online tool called “Get My Payment.” This tool allows users to check if their stimulus money has been processed and when it’s likely to be delivered. It also lets people add their bank account details if they weren’t provided earlier.
What You Need to Use the Tool:
To use the Get My Payment tool, you’ll need some basic personal information:
- Your Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Mailing address from your most recent tax return
- A copy of your latest tax return (for quick reference)
Once you enter this information, the tool will show one of the following updates:
- Payment Sent: You’ll see the date when your money was issued.
- Payment Not Yet Processed: This means you’re eligible, but the IRS hasn’t sent your payment yet.
- Need More Information: This happens when your check was returned to the IRS, likely due to incorrect or outdated mailing information.
If you get the “Need More Information” message, it’s important to update your bank details or mailing address right away to avoid further delays.
When Will the Stimulus Checks Arrive?
The IRS is still sending out stimulus payments every week through different methods like direct deposit, paper checks, and prepaid debit cards. Over 127 million checks have already been issued, with a total value of more than $325 billion.
The distribution will continue through the first half of 2025, and the IRS has announced that they may extend this period until September 2025 for any remaining payments. This means there is still time to receive your money if you qualify.
Keep in mind, the arrival date depends on:
- When you filed your taxes
- Whether the IRS has your updated banking details
- If your previous payment was returned due to address issues
Avoid Delays in Receiving Your Stimulus Check
To make sure your payment doesn’t get delayed:
- File your taxes on time and make sure all information is accurate
- Update your banking details on the IRS website
- Use direct deposit instead of waiting for a paper check or debit card, as it’s the fastest and safest option
By staying informed and using the IRS tools available, you can avoid missing out on the stimulus payment that you’re entitled to receive.