The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted in March 2020, provided for the distribution of stimulus checks to eligible individuals and families. However, certain groups of people were deemed ineligible for these payments.
Income Thresholds
One of the primary factors determining eligibility for stimulus checks was income. Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeding certain limits were not eligible for payments. These limits varied depending on filing status:
- Single filers: Individuals with AGIs exceeding $99,000 were not eligible.
- Married couples filing jointly: Couples with AGIs exceeding $198,000 were not eligible.
- Heads of household: Individuals filing as head of household with AGIs exceeding $136,500 were not eligible.
Other Ineligibility Criteria
In addition to income thresholds, other factors could render individuals ineligible for stimulus checks:
- Non-U.S. citizens or resident aliens: Individuals who were not U.S. citizens or resident aliens were not eligible.
- Claimed as dependents: Individuals who were claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return were not eligible for their own stimulus check.
- Deceased individuals: Individuals who had passed away before the date of payment were not eligible.
- Incarcerated individuals: Individuals who were incarcerated as of the date of payment were not eligible.
Exceptions for Social Security Recipients
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Railroad Retirement benefits were generally eligible for stimulus checks, regardless of their income. The payments were issued automatically based on information from their benefit statements.
How to Determine Eligibility
Individuals who were unsure of their eligibility for a stimulus check could use the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool to check their status and provide necessary information. The tool was available on the IRS website.
The CARES Act provided financial assistance to many Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, certain individuals and families were not eligible for stimulus checks due to income thresholds or other ineligibility criteria. Understanding these criteria was crucial for determining eligibility and accessing the benefits provided by the Act.
College students not eligible for stimulus check if claimed by parents
FAQ
What disqualifies you from the stimulus check?
Who is eligible for the $1400 stimulus check?
How do I know if I’m getting a stimulus check?
Who is eligible for a stimulus check?
Families and individuals with AGIs above these limits won’t be eligible for stimulus checks. Only those with Social Security numbers are eligible for stimulus checks, according to the American Rescue Plan. Social Security numbers keep track of job benefits and income.
Who doesn’t get a stimulus check?
That means no payments to children living at home who are 17 or 18 years old, or to college students who are 23 or younger at the end of the year who don’t pay at least half of their own expenses. Other dependents won’t receive stimulus payments, either. For example, an elderly parent living with an adult child is out of luck and won’t get a check.
Do I qualify for the stimulus payment?
You may still qualify for the stimulus payment if your income falls below the limits in 2020. You’ll just need to claim the payment as a tax credit on your 2020 tax return when you file in 2021. If you neglected to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return, you won’t receive a stimulus payment.
Can you get a stimulus check if someone else claims you?
Someone else claims you as a dependent. You also won’t get a stimulus check if you’re claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return and they don’t qualify according to the income limits above. Similarly, if they receive a partial payment, you will, too. The good news: This time around, dependents 17 or older can get stimulus payments.