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CORONAVIRUS

US stimulus checks: how to get your payment faster

Millions of eligible American residents have been receiving stimulus checks to help them cope with the financial effects of the coronavirus crisis.

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: U.S. President Donald Trump's name appears on the coronavirus economic assistance checks that were sent to citizens across the country April 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. The initial 88 million payments totaling nearly $158 b
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As part of the 2.2-trillion-dollar bill known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, millions of eligible US residents have been receiving stimulus checks to help them cope with the financial effects of the Covid-19 crisis in the States, where unemployment has rocketed in recent weeks.

As of Friday, 157.9 billion dollars had been paid out in 88.1 million checks, with a total of 150 million non-taxable payments expected to be made out by the end of the scheme.

Stimulus payments: quicker by direct deposit

However, some are having to wait longer than others for their cash. On 20 April, America’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) started sending out paper checks by regular post to those who have not provided direct deposit information, mailing around five million per week in a process which could take up to 20 weeks.

On the other hand, those receiving their money by direct deposit - this began on 13 April - are likely to be paid far more quickly. According to this Expected Timeline for Economic Impact Payments published by the House Committee on Ways and Means, if you confirm your direct deposit information by the Thursday of one week, your stimulus check will be paid into your account the following week.

Please note that if you provided direct deposit information in your 2018 or 2019 tax return, your stimulus check should be paid into your account without the need for you to take any further action.

Adding direct deposit info: filers and non-filers

If you did not give your account details, however, you can set up a direct deposit for your stimulus check at the IRS’ Get My Payment portal. You’ll find a useful, step-by-step guide that takes you through this procedure here.

Go to the Get My Payment portal

Meanwhile, if you are not required to file tax returns, you can use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool to provide the IRS with your direct deposit details. You can find out more about the Non-Filers portal, and whether you need to use it to get your stimulus check, here.

Go to the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool

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