FOUR permanent stimulus checks could provide Americans with up to $8,700 this year – discover how to qualify.
Individuals are encouraged to verify their eligibility for immediate claims.
For those facing financial hardships currently, the government offers various stimulus programs aimed at assisting less fortunate individuals.
While these programs typically have stringent eligibility criteria, qualified participants can gain significant benefits.
The US Sun highlights various initiatives throughout the year that may grant you access to free funds.
FAMILY FIRST
In February, The US Sun reported on the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program, designed to prevent Child Protective Services from intervening in children’s lives.
This program in Sacramento, California, has an application deadline of October 13, 2024, but payments are expected to be distributed soon.
To qualify, applicants must reside in certain zip codes, primarily in the Arden-Arcade, Florin, and McLellan Park neighborhoods: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838.
Applicants must also be caring for a child aged zero to five who is Black or African American, American Indian, or Native American.
Additionally, an eligible household must earn no more than 200% of the federal poverty level.
For instance, a family of four should have an annual income below $62,400, or $29,160 for individuals.
Eligible candidates must not be receiving guaranteed income from another pilot or program.
If these criteria are met, individuals could receive a total of $8,700 over the year.
UNCLAIMED TAX REFUNDS
Currently, over 1.1 million Americans have unclaimed tax refunds for 2021, as indicated by tax officials.
In Georgia, around 38,500 residents are estimated to be missing out on their refunds, as reported by The US Sun.
Those who have yet to file their 2021 tax return in the state are running out of time to claim the median maximum amount of $720.
It’s essential to note that this figure may vary per individual.
Georgians have until April 15 to submit their 2021 tax returns and recover their unclaimed refunds.
The same situation applies in Florida, where over 69,000 residents have also not filed their 2021 tax returns.
The IRS estimates that more than $61 million remains unclaimed, as reported by The US Sun.
Floridians also face the April 15 deadline to claim an average refund of up to $732.
As in Georgia, any unclaimed funds after this date will become the property of the US treasury.
ALASKA, MY ONE TRUE LOVE
A third and final stimulus opportunity exists for eligible individuals, but the deadline is approaching quickly.
The US Sun reports that residents of Alaska will soon start receiving their annual stimulus checks as a reward for their loyalty to the state.
Those who have lived in Alaska for more than a year qualify for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) from the state.
To be eligible, applicants must have resided in Alaska for the entire calendar year prior to applying.
What are the five stimulus check waves?
If a third stimulus payment is approved, the IRS will likely follow the same procedures as before, issuing checks based on priority groups.
Here are the five IRS groups to consider:
Direct deposit recipients: Individuals with existing direct deposit information on file with the IRS or who provide that information when registration opens again will likely be first to receive a stimulus check.
Social Security beneficiaries: During the first round of stimulus payments, many Social Security beneficiaries with direct deposit information on file received checks early, although not on the first day.
Individuals receiving paper checks by mail: The IRS began mailing checks to those without direct deposit information about a week later.
EIP card recipients: Economic impact payment debit cards are prepaid Visa cards sent to approximately four million individuals starting in mid-May.
If the IRS continues with the same payment priority, this group may begin to receive their payments several weeks after the first direct deposit transfers occur.
Individuals with more complex situations: This group includes those who received their first checks after June, those still waiting on their payments, or those unaware of needing to complete an additional step.
Applicants must also not have claimed residency in another state or country or received benefits tied to such claims since December 31, 2023.
Individuals convicted of a felony within the past year are ineligible to apply.
Furthermore, applicants must have spent at least 72 consecutive hours in Alaska during each of the last two years, not being outside the state for more than 180 days.
If you meet these criteria, you can claim your funds.
Eligible residents who complete the application process by March 31 will receive payments amounting to $1,702.
