Third stimulus checks: when are the rest coming, according to the IRS?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the US Treasury Department announced on Monday that the next batch of third stimulus checks is to go out this week, with direct-deposit recipients of the payment expected to get their money on Wednesday 24 March.

160m US households due to get third stimulus check

In total, nearly 160 million US households are set to get a check as part of Joe Biden’s $1.9tn coronavirus relief package, which the American president signed into law on 11 March.

The scheme will see qualifying individuals receive a check, officially known as an Economic Impact Payment, of up to $1,400, with couples who file taxes jointly getting a maximum of $2,800.

The full figure is being paid out to individuals earning under $75,000 and joint filers with a combined income below $150,000, while smaller payments are available to higher earners on up to $80,000/$160,000. Households with dependents of any age also qualify for an additional $1,400 credit per dependent.

Checks may appear early in bank accounts as pending payments

Although the stimulus checks sent out this week are to due to reach direct-deposit recipients on 24 March, some may find their check appears in their bank account as a pending payment before then.

The IRS and the Treasury say the "vast majority" of recipients will get their stimulus check via direct deposit, but they are also sending out some payments in the form of paper checks or pre-paid debit cards. People who do not see their money appear in their bank account by 24 March should also be on the look-out for a check arriving by mail.

"The IRS continues to send the third round of stimulus payments in record time,” the agency’s commissioner, Chuck Rettig, said. "Since this new set of payments will include more mailed payments, we urge people to carefully watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks."

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More stimulus-check payment runs scheduled

Further third-stimulus-check payment runs are anticipated "on a weekly basis going forward", according to the IRS and the Treasury.

Stimulus check: live updates

You can get up-to-date information on the third round of stimulus checks, and a possible fourth direct payment, by following our dedicated live blog.

You'll also find news on other provisions in Biden’s relief package, such as an expanded child tax credit that gives qualifying families up to $3,600, and enhanced unemployment benefits.