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On Monday, the Democratic-controlled House passed the $900 billion stimulus package that both sides agreed to over the weekend. Now it just needs to be passed by the Republican Senate, and to be signed into law by President Donald Trump (both have signaled they support the deal).
This coronavirus relief deal would send most Americans a $600 stimulus check. That’s down from the $1,200 checks sent by the CARES Act in the spring.
But once signed into law—which is expected this week—when would Americans actually see their money?
When will stimulus checks start to arrive?
If the last go-around is any indication, the first of the $600 checks would start to be deposited within two weeks of the legislation passing. After the passage of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act on March 27, Americans started to receive their $1,200 stimulus checks as early as the week of April 13. So the $600 checks could start to arrive the week ending Jan. 9, if passed this week.
But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin thinks they can speed up that timeline—given that the system is already in place.
“People are going to see this money at the beginning of next week,” Mnuchin said on CNBC. “The good news is this is a very, very fast way of getting money into the economy.”
And this time there should be fewer delays. Back in the spring, millions of Americans, including those on Social Security, saw their checks delayed until they provided additional information. Since this payment would be based on the same tax year, it’s unlikely more information will need to be verified—at least among those who received their first round of payments.
One quirk of the calendar for those watching the clock: Federal government employees are off on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, but that shouldn’t cause any substantial delays.
Who will get a stimulus check?
The plan agreed upon by Democratic and Republican leaders would send $600 checks to most adults, and $600 for each child dependent. However, the funds will phase-out for higher incomes. These stimulus checks will decrease for 2019 adjusted gross income—federally taxable income—above $75,000 per individual or $150,000 per qualified couple. And the checks completely phase out for individuals earning above $99,000, and joint filers with no children at $198,000.
How do I get my check?
For anyone who is eligible and previously provided their direct deposit information to the IRS, no action is needed. Your money will be deposited to your account. According to the IRS website, “Direct Deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a payment including a tax refund.” Taxpayers that don’t have direct deposit will receive a paper check in the mail, a process that last spring did take longer than the direct deposits.
Still for many Americans it will be a welcome holiday gift—even if it’s technically a few days late.
More must-read finance coverage from Fortune:
- 14 of the biggest bankruptcies of 2020—and who might be next in 2021
- Upstart CEO talks major IPO “pop,” A.I. racial bias, and Google
- Biden wants to change how credit scores work in America
- Term Sheet readers predict which markets will boom in 2021
- Citron calls this the “most ridiculous” IPO of 2020
