FOUR permanent stimulus checks could potentially provide Americans with up to $8,700 this year – discover how you can qualify.
Individuals are encouraged to verify their eligibility for these benefits at this time.
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For those currently facing financial hardship, the government offers several stimulus programs designed to assist those in need.
While these programs often have strict eligibility criteria, qualifying individuals stand to gain significant benefits.
The US Sun frequently covers different schemes throughout the year that provide opportunities for free financial assistance.
FAMILY FIRST
In February, The US Sun highlighted the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program aimed at preventing intervention by Child Protective Services in children’s lives.
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The program in Sacramento, California had an application deadline of October 13, 2024, but payments are reportedly being disbursed currently.
Eligibility required residency in specific zip codes mainly covering the Arden-Arcade, Florin, and McLellan Park areas: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838.
Applicants needed to be responsible for a child aged zero to five who is Black or African American, American Indian, or Native American.
Additionally, an eligible individual must be earning no more than 200% of the federal poverty level.
For instance, a family of four needed to earn less than $62,400 annually, while an individual had to stay under $29,160.
Candidates must also not be receiving guaranteed income from any other pilot or program.
Those who meet these criteria could receive a total of $8,700 over the course of the year.
UNCLAIMED TAX REFUNDS
According to the tax administrator, more than 1.1 million Americans have unclaimed tax refunds for the 2021 tax year.
In Georgia, it’s estimated that around 38,500 residents may be missing out on these funds, as reported by The US Sun.
Individuals who have yet to file their 2021 tax returns in Georgia must act quickly to secure the median potential refund, which can reach up to $720.
It’s essential to understand that the actual refund amount will vary by individual.
Georgians have until April 15 to file their 2021 tax returns and reclaim their lost refunds.
This applies to Floridians as well, where over 69,000 residents have yet to file their 2021 tax returns.
The IRS estimates that more than $61 million remains unclaimed nationally, according to The US Sun.
A deadline of April 15 is also set for Floridians who could recover an average amount of $732.
Like Georgia, any unclaimed money past this deadline will revert to the U.S. treasury.
ALASKA, MY ONE TRUE LOVE
Residents can also take advantage of a final wave of stimulus checks; however, the deadline is imminent.
Reports indicate that Alaskans will soon begin receiving their annual stimulus checks as a reward for their residency in the state.
Those who have resided in Alaska for over a year are eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) they receive from the state.
In order to qualify, applicants must have lived in Alaska the entire calendar year before applying.
What are the five stimulus check waves?
IF a third stimulus payment is approved, the IRS is likely to repeat its previous process, sending checks in priority groups.
Here are the five categories from the IRS, so you can see which one you belong to:
Direct deposit recipients: Individuals with existing direct deposit information on file with the IRS or those who provide it when registration reopens will likely be first to receive funds.
Social security beneficiaries: Many Social Security recipients who had direct deposit details on file previously received their checks in the first week, though not always on the initial day.
Individuals receiving paper checks via mail: The IRS began sending out checks about a week later to those without direct deposit information filed.
EIP card holders: Economic impact payment debit cards—prepaid Visa cards—were dispatched by the IRS to around four million people starting mid-May.
If the IRS maintains the same payment priority system, this segment may begin to receive their payments after the first direct deposit transfers.
Individuals with more complex situations: This group includes those who received their first checks after June, are still waiting for one, or did not realize they needed to take an additional step.
Applicants must also ensure they have not declared residency in another state or country or received benefits tied to such a claim since December 31, 2023.
Past felony convictions within the last year also render individuals ineligible to apply.
Additionally, applicants need to have spent a minimum of 72 consecutive hours in Alaska each of the last two years, without exceeding 180 days outside the state.
If you meet these requirements, you can claim your funds.
Eligible residents who complete their applications by March 31 can expect payments totaling $1,702.
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