Top Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions
This page provides answers to some of the most common questions on the Financial Resilience Center website.
FAQs: Economic Impact Payments, Unemployment Insurance, Accommodations & More
On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, Congress passed a new COVID-19 relief bill, the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Biden the next day. The $1.9-trillion relief package offers new economic assistance to individuals, families, schools, businesses and state and local government.
The Act is set to send a third round of stimulus payments of up to $1,400 per eligible individual or $2,800 for eligible married couples filing jointly.
How to get your third round Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Payment):
- Am I eligible for the third round of Economic Impact Payments?
- What do I need to do to receive my third payment?
- When will I receive my third Economic Impact Payment?
- How do I check the status of my third Economic Impact Payment?
Information about the First and Second round of stimulus payments:
- How do I claim my first or second EIP if I did not receive those payments?
- What actions can I take if I do not receive the payment amount that I expected to receive?
Information about Economic Impact Payments and benefits:
- Will the payments affect my eligibility for Federal programs, like SSI or SSDI?
- If my Social Security Administration (SSA) Representative Payee (RP) receives my Economic Impact Payment, are they required to turn over the entire amount to me?
- If I live in a nursing facility and Medicaid pays for the cost of my care and services, will the Economic Impact Payment affect my Medicaid eligibility?
Tax time is important for many people, it may be an opportunity to receive their largest payment of the year through their tax refund.
When can I file my taxes and how long do I have?
IRS began accepting tax returns February 12, 2021. They also recently announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals will be automatically extended from April 15 to May 17, 2021. Learn more about Tax Day extension.
Direct Deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a tax refund. Setting up direct deposit is not just quicker and more secure, it’s also a particularly good solution if you don’t have an address where you can reliably receive mail. If you do not have a bank or credit union account, you can explore account options that are safe, affordable, insured and can be opened remotely .
How can I file my taxes for free or receive assistance filing my taxes at no cost?
There are multiple ways for you to file your taxes at no cost to you and your family if you meet eligibility requirements. Free filing services are generally available to low- to moderate-income (LMI) persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speakers. However, eligibility requirements do vary, so please confirm prior to preparing and filing your taxes. Learn more about where to file for free.
How can I claim my first or second round stimulus payment on my taxes?
IRS and Treasury have issued all first and second Economic Impact Payments. If you didn’t get a first or second payment or got less than the full amounts, you may qualify for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return to claim it, even if you don’t normally file. Learn more.
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The Financial Resilience Center was developed by National Disability Institute with generous funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation.
