While 2022 has come to an end, some states are still distributing stimulus checks from the previous year. If you find yourself in a situation where you haven’t received your Stimulus Check yet, this post provides guidance on what to do.
Tracking the Status of Your Stimulus Check
Stimulus checks were part of the federal government’s response to help individuals and families in need during the pandemic.
These payments were distributed annually based on eligibility criteria, with the government relying on tax returns to determine income levels. There is no certainty about new stimulus check distributions as the pandemic is ongoing. However, some states continue to provide financial aid to their residents.
To check the status of your stimulus check, you can use the “Get My Payment” service, a free tool available on the IRS website. You may also utilize services offered by the GetYourRefund.org platform, which helps with tax filing and provides assistance with IRS-related matters.
Since the third round of stimulus checks, the “Get My Payment” service has been indefinitely closed. Those seeking assistance from GetYourRefund.org should register by early February. Each state has the flexibility to set its criteria for selecting eligible recipients.
How to Receive Your Stimulus Check in 2023
If you haven’t received your stimulus check, it’s crucial to understand that all payments to eligible individuals have already been issued by the federal government. It’s unlikely that you missed out on a payment due to an error. However, it’s possible that you may have forgotten to file your income tax returns for previous years.
The IRS evaluates tax returns from the two or three previous years to determine eligibility for stimulus checks. If you didn’t receive the checks you expected, it’s advisable to review your tax return status. Most likely, you missed filing tax returns for one or more previous years.
To address this issue, access your IRS account through the official IRS website and verify the status of your tax return. If you need to file tax returns for previous years, you can get assistance from GetYourRefund.org, which offers free tax filing support.
It’s especially important to check your tax return status if you missed out on the first and second rounds of stimulus checks, as some states have yet to issue payments for the third round. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria may vary by state, so it’s essential to understand the specific requirements for your state.
Here’s an overview of eligibility criteria and benefits for a few states:
- California: Requirements include 2020 tax returns, maximum annual income limits, and residency in California for at least six months. Payouts can range from $200 to $1,050.
- Colorado: Eligibility criteria include being at least 18 years old, residing in Colorado for the entire year of 2021, and filing IRS statements in 2021. Payouts can range from $750 to $1,500.
- Delaware: Criteria include being at least 18 years old, living in Delaware from December 2021 to December 2022, and filing tax returns in 2020 and 2021. Eligible individuals receive $300 in “Support Checks” per person and their dependents.
- Idaho: Basic eligibility requires 2020, 2021, and 2022 income statements. Tax rebates range from $75 to $300 per person, with 10% or 12% tax rebates.
- Illinois: Requirements include living in Illinois in 2021 and reporting gross income of up to $200,000. Eligible individuals receive up to $1,400 per adult. Property tax rebates of up to $300 are also available.
- Maine: To receive energy bill reimbursement, you need IRS declarations in 2021 and 2022 and reported income below specific limits. Payments are $450 for singles and $900 for families.
If your state is not on this list, consult IRS information at an office near you. Additionally, there are other federal government programs, such as Head Start, designed to improve your family’s quality of life. To learn more about these programs, refer to the linked post.
