Help For Those Missing Out on Economic Impact Payments

What’s New: Many people who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for stimulus payments but may not realize it. This includes those without a permanent address, income, a job or a bank account. A December 2020 law changed eligibility requirements for EIPs. Now, some people who don’t meet the Social Security Number requirements can get the third EIP for each qualifying dependent if those dependents have SSNs.

Eligibility: Income limits apply, but generally, people are eligible for the third EIP if they:

1.  Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien,

2. Are not another taxpayer’s dependent, and

3. Have an SSN that is valid for employment (for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit) or a valid SSN (for the third Economic Impact Payment).

Special rules apply to filers who do not have an SSN as long as they have qualifying dependents.