On Sunday evening, President Trump signed the $2.3 trillion bill required to keep the government running and provide continued coronavirus relief.

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The bill provides $900 billion in COVID-19 relief, including a 2nd direct stimulus payment to individuals of $600 dollars.

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The bill also renews:

• Federal unemployment weekly benefit

• Federal eviction ban (monthlong)

• Funding to distribute the coronavirus vaccine

• Business employee payment relief

 

WHAT HAPPENED

The President had delayed signing the bill, deeming the $600 2nd stimulus payment amount approved by Congress to be “measly” and pushing for an increase towards $2,000. The looming deadline of a government shutdown in two days and increasing pressure from both parties appear to have swayed the President.

 

WHAT COULD HAPPEN

There is also the possibility of a deal being reached regarding Senate approval of a separate bill increasing the amount of the payment. Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill to authorize the stimulus check the President wants, for up to $2,000 per qualified adult. Whether the bill would pass the Senate or divide the party wasn’t clear leading up to the President’s signing of the $2.3 trillion bill. Perhaps the President has secured the support required of Republicans with his signature. We will need to wait for the vote to know, so for now $600 is the operative amount.

 

WHEN WILL THINGS HAPPEN

How quickly could the IRS send my 2nd stimulus check?

• As soon as 1 week after signing via direct deposit to people who qualify. Payments will continue through January 15, 2021.

 

How quickly could the $300 unemployment benefit begin?

• As soon as end of the 1st working week after the bill is signed.

 

WHERE CAN I ESTIMATE MY STIMULUS PAYMENT AND FIND MORE INFORMATION? 

• On the IRS website:

How do I estimate my payment

How do I apply if I did not receive my payment

Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments

 

Tip for Divorced Parents

CAN PAST-DUE CHILD SUPPORT BE TAKEN FROM A STIMULUS PAYMENT?

• Yes, stimulus checks can be a source of payment of past-due child support.

Under the CARES Act, stimulus money can be seized by state and federal agencies to cover past-due child support.  If a parent does not owe child support, they will receive their portion of the payment and do not need to take any action to receive it, according to the IRS.  More information on child support and stimulus checks may be found here.