Are Seniors Getting a Stimulus Check in 2024?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused enormous financial hardship for many Americans. In response, the government provided several rounds of stimulus checks to help offset the economic impacts. Now in 2024, some are wondering if seniors will receive another stimulus payment this year.

Background on Prior COVID Stimulus Checks for Seniors

The U.S. government initiated several stimulus programs to support citizens during the pandemic:

• CARES Act (March 2020): Provided stimulus checks up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent child. Seniors on Social Security received checks based on their benefit amounts.

• CRRSA Act (December 2020): Additional $600 payment to supplement the CARES Act. Seniors again received checks based on Social Security benefits.

• ARP Act (March 2021): Sent $1,400 stimulus checks based on income eligibility. Those receiving SSI, SSDI, and VA benefits qualified if they met income limits.

In total, eligible seniors may have received up to $3,200 in direct stimulus aid from the federal government between 2020-2021.

Stimulus checks phased out above certain income levels:

• For the 3rd check, payments phased out above $75,000 in adjusted gross income for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for joint filers.

So higher-income seniors may have received a reduced check or no check at all. But many low to moderate income seniors benefited greatly from the stimulus programs.

Ongoing Financial Assistance for Seniors

While those initial COVID stimulus checks are over, some ongoing forms of financial assistance may help seniors in 2024:

• Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Social Security recipients received an 8.7% COLA increase in 2023, boosting the average retiree benefit about $140 per month. In 2024, the COLA is estimated around 3-4%, providing a smaller but still meaningful boost to monthly income.

• Medicare Premium Reductions: Medicare Part B premiums were reduced in 2023 and held stable for 2024, putting extra money back in the pockets of seniors.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Very low income seniors on SSI and SSDI receive COLA increases to boost their monthly payments and help offset inflation.

• Veterans Pension Benefits: Low-income seniors receiving VA pension benefits will also see a boost from the 2024 COLA.

So Social Security, SSI, SSDI, and VA beneficiaries will all get a welcome increase in their regular benefits this year, even without another direct stimulus check.

Possibility of New Stimulus Checks in 2024

While not guaranteed, additional stimulus checks could happen in 2024 through congressional legislation or state programs:

• Federal Level: Further federal stimulus action seems unlikely but can’t be ruled out. The White House and Congress could revisit checks if economic conditions substantially worsen.

• State Level: Some states like California and Hawaii are providing state tax rebates in 2023 that will flow into 2024. More states could create rebate programs this year, potentially delivering checks to low-income seniors.

There has also been discussion around providing more targeted federal stimulus aid for specific groups:

• Social Security Stimulus: Some legislators have proposed $1,400 stimulus checks specifically for Social Security recipients. This could aid seniors but its prospects are uncertain.

• Low-Income Elderly Stimulus: Similarly, bills introduced would provide $1,400 checks only to low-income seniors over age 75, though passage is a long-shot.

In general, while eligible low-income seniors may see some financial relief from state programs, the odds of broad new federal stimulus checks reaching all seniors remain fairly low in 2024. But for struggling elderly Americans, further aid can’t be ruled out.

What Stimulus Checks Have Seniors Received So Far?

Here is a recap of the stimulus checks and programs so far that have benefited older Americans:

• CARES Act (March 2020): Up to $1,200 stimulus check per adult, $500 per child dependent. Seniors on Social Security received checks.

• CRRSA Act (Dec 2020): Additional $600 payment building on CARES Act. Again automatically sent to Social Security recipients.

• ARP Act (March 2021): Provided $1,400 stimulus checks to those under income limits, including seniors on SSI, SSDI and VA benefits.

• Child Tax Credit (2021): Expanded the credit to $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 per child 6-17. Allowed regular advance monthly payments to families.

• Economic Impact Payments (2020-2021): Topped up stimulus checks for Social Security recipients who didn’t get full amounts.

So a senior household could have received $3,200 in direct stimulus checks, plus more for any child dependents. Low-income seniors benefited most.

Who Qualified for Prior Stimulus Checks?

Here are some key eligibility rules and qualifying income limits that determined stimulus payment amounts under the ARP Act:

• SSI Recipients: Those receiving Supplemental Security Income qualified for the full $1,400 payment.

• SSDI Recipients: Those on Social Security Disability Income could also receive a full check if under the income limits.

• VA Recipients: Seniors receiving VA benefits also qualified if meeting income requirements.

• Income Limits: Payments phased out above $75,000 single AGI, $112,500 HOH AGI, $150,000 joint AGI.

• Tax Filing: Seniors had to file recent tax returns to receive payments, with exceptions for SSI, SSDI, and VA benefit recipients.

So the lowest income seniors, including SSI/SSDI recipients, were prioritized in sending stimulus payments. But checks still went to regular Social Security retirees as well based on their reported incomes.

Ongoing Financial Support for Low-Income Elderly

Aside from potential new stimulus checks, here are some regular forms of financial assistance available in 2024 for struggling seniors:

• Social Security: Retirees will see COLA boosts to their monthly payments starting in January.

• Medicare Savings: Stable Medicare Part B premiums provide further relief by avoiding cost increases.

• Medicaid: Covers medical costs and nursing home care for qualifying low-income seniors.

• SNAP Assistance: Low income seniors may receive food, nutrition and grocery aid through SNAP based on eligibility.

• Property Tax Relief: Many states and counties offer property tax breaks for struggling elderly homeowners.

• Heating & Cooling Aid: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists seniors with heating and cooling bills.

Reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging can help seniors find additional support services and aid programs in their community.

Will Social Security Recipients Get Another Stimulus Check?

Social Security recipients received the first three federal stimulus checks automatically in 2020 and 2021. However, the likelihood of every Social Security beneficiary receiving another broad federal payment is low currently.

Congress would have to approve new stimulus legislation targeting seniors or Social Security beneficiaries specifically. Some mentioned possibilities that may materialize include:

• A $1,400 Social Security stimulus check bill proposed by some legislators.

• A Democratic proposal to give $1,400 only to Social Security recipients over age 75 with incomes under $12,880 per year.

Absent legislation like this, Social Security retirees are unlikely to receive additional federal payments beyond their normal benefits in 2024. Low-income seniors on SSI and SSDI have better odds of qualifying for any state-level stimulus programs.

When Will Seniors on SSI Get Their Stimulus Payment?

Under prior COVID relief bills, the IRS sent stimulus payments to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients on the regular SSI payment schedule about a month or so after legislation passed. Here is the approximate timeline:

• CARES Act: SSI recipients began receiving stimulus payments in early May 2020.

• CRRSA Act: SSI recipients started getting second stimulus payments in late December 2020.

• ARP Act: SSI recipients received third stimulus payments starting in early April 2021.

If SSI beneficiaries qualify for any new federal or state stimulus programs, they can expect funds to arrive around a month or so after final approval, likely via direct deposit or debit card. Timing depends on the payment disbursement procedures set for that particular program.

How Can Seniors Check Their Stimulus Payment Status?

Seniors wondering about the status of their stimulus payments from prior relief bills have a few options to get information:

• IRS Get My Payment Tool: Confirm payment timing and method (direct deposit or mail). Also allows input of bank account info.

• File 2020/2021 Tax Return: Ensure the IRS has income data to calculate stimulus amount.

• Call IRS: Telephonically contact the IRS Stimulus Check Payment line at 800-919-9835.

• Contact Local SSA Office: Social Security recipients can call