My partner and I faced a frustrating journey when we didn’t receive the first two rounds of stimulus checks. Initially, we felt confused, then angry, and ultimately bewildered as we tried to understand the situation. I frequently checked the IRS stimulus tool, which only added to my frustration. However, when 2021 arrived, a new administration brought a third round of stimulus checks, and we were grateful to finally receive assistance that year, which greatly benefited our family. Even without this payment, I’m fortunate enough to say that we still had food to eat and a place to call home.
But what about those who lack stable housing, who don’t have a bank account, and struggle to find enough food every day? According to the organization End Homelessness, over 567,000 individuals experienced homelessness in 2019 — that’s more than half a million people unable to receive their stimulus payments due to their living situations. This reality is heartbreaking, as a single payment of $1,400 could significantly impact their lives.
We often consider basic needs, like food and shelter, when thinking about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. However, the barriers to receiving economic impact payments are far more complex. For many of us, having a bank account or access to the internet is a given when imagining how we would use an extra $1,400. In contrast, individuals without stable housing must navigate additional obstacles.
While many of us received our stimulus payments directly through bank deposits, individuals without bank accounts face further difficulties. To receive a physical check in the mail, a person needs a reliable address. Organizations and shelters, like the Coalition for the Homeless in New York, offer individuals a place to receive important documents, including stimulus checks.
Beyond having an address, people experiencing homelessness must also have filed a tax return from the previous year to claim their stimulus payments. Thankfully, there are organizations helping them take this crucial step. The IRS is actively collaborating with various partners to ensure that as many people as possible, including those without homes, receive their payments. Individuals without internet access can also call their local United Way 2-1-1 for guidance on accessing the IRS stimulus tool.
It’s important to note that many individuals do not need to file taxes due to low income, as the IRS does not require filings for those earning below $12,200. However, this also means they face additional hurdles if they want to claim their stimulus check. They must utilize the IRS’s “Free File” form, which requires internet access, and enter their identification details. Afterward, they can receive payments through the “Recovery Rebate Credit.”
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that about 12 million people have not filed taxes and are missing out on their stimulus payments. Of these, approximately 9 million rely on SNAP or Medicaid, with communities of color disproportionately affected. The impact of COVID-19 has hit these communities hard, making it critical to ensure they receive the financial assistance for which they qualify.
Fortunately, many organizations are eager to assist those in need. When a person experiencing homelessness receives their stimulus payment, it can mean the difference between struggling to survive and having the means to secure food, shelter, or other essential needs. Sometimes, these funds can literally save lives.
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Summary
The article discusses the significant challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing stimulus checks, highlighting the barriers of not having a bank account, an address, or a filed tax return. Despite these obstacles, various organizations strive to help these individuals secure the financial assistance they need, underlining the critical impact that these funds can have on their lives.
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Challenges of receiving stimulus checks, homelessness, economic impact payments, financial assistance, IRS stimulus tool, Coalition for the Homeless, United Way 2-1-1, Recovery Rebate Credit, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.