Stimulus checks: when is the May deadline and who does it affect?
Applying for emergency stimulus checks must be completed by 5 May if you are on SSI benefits with children or receive the Veterans Affairs benefit.
Two specific groups have until the deadline on Tuesday 5 May to complete their application for additional emergency stimulus check payments as part of the US government’s Coronavirus Aid Relief (CARES) programme.
If you've missed the deadline you are still entitled to the payment.
VA and SSI beneficiaries entitled to Plus payments
If you are an armed forces veteran or an recipient of Supplemental Social Security (SSI) benefits - in both cases with dependent children until the age of 17 and who did not file a tax declaration in 2018 or 2019, you have until Tuesday to get your application and relevant information about eligible dependents to the Internal Revenue Service.
Those on either VA or SSI benefits should receive their $1,200 stimulus payment automatically by the second week in May but additional information must be provided if they have children until the age of 17 for whom they will also able to claim $500 per eligible child, as long as they are classed as ‘dependent’.
“We want to make sure that these groups receive the $500 they are entitled to for each eligible child on top of the maximum Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 as quickly as possible,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “They’ll get $1,200 automatically, but they need to act quickly and use the Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov to get the extra $500 per child added to their payment. Everyone should share this information widely and help others with the Plus $500 Push, so that more Americans get more money as fast as possible.”
For those who fall into the above two categories. Applications must be made by 5 May through the IRS Non-Filers Payment Info Tool which can be accessed here. You will first need to create your own account and will be required provide the information such as valid Social Security numbers for all of the children you are claiming for and contact details, address, email and phone number.
Recipients who have not claimed for dependent children will receive the automatic $1,200 payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits.