This article is an update as of March 27th. We will keep updating this as more information is available. Please bookmark this article to keep yourself up to date.


At Brigit, we are dedicated to helping you manage your financial life. As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re committed to providing you information that can help you navigate these challenging circumstances. 


Earlier this week the U.S. Senate passed a $2 trillion stimulus package that included money for Americans that might be struggling with the impact of COVID-19. Based on the information currently available, we believe that individuals will qualify for up to $1,200 or $2,400 if you are a married couple that files taxes jointly. An additional $500 will also be given per child. 


In this article, we will help you understand whether you are eligible for funds and how long it might take for those funds to reach your wallet. 


Who is Eligible for the $1,200 Stimulus Check? 


If you earn under $75,000 as an individual, $112,500 as the head of household, or $150,000 as a couple you are entitled to the full benefit of at least $1,200 per individual ($2,400 for a married couple). If you happen to earn more than that, the amount will be scaled down proportionately to your income.  You can also check your eligibility and calculate your economic impact payment on the IRS website.


The federal government measures your income through your tax filings. 

  • If you filed taxes in 2019: If you have already filed your taxes for 2019, that is the income they will use.

  • If you haven’t filed taxes for 2019 but you have for 2018: If you filed taxes for 2018, that is the income they will use. 

  • If you have not filed taxes for 2018 or 2019: If possible, file your taxes for 2018 as soon as possible. Per the IRS website, “Those without 2018 tax filings on record could potentially affect mailings of stimulus checks.” 

If you have no income or only rely on government programs like Supplemental Security Income benefits, or SSI, from Social Security you are also eligible. Per CNBC, “That group of people who are getting Social Security, whether it’s for retirement or for disability, and don’t need to file, will still be able to get a stimulus check,” said Jack Smalligan, a senior policy fellow at the Urban Institute, a non-partisan think tank. 


How do I get it? 


  • You filed taxes in 2019: the federal government will either send you a direct deposit or a check to your listed address on your 2019 taxes, depending on whether you added your direct deposit information. 

  • You haven’t filed taxes for 2019 but you have for 2018: the federal government will either send you a direct deposit or a check to your listed address on your 2018 taxes, depending on whether you added your direct deposit information. 

  • You have not filed taxes for 2018 or 2019: If you did not file taxes and rely on Social Security, you will receive a payment in the same method that you receive your social security benefits.

When will I get it? 


It’s hard to tell at this point. The federal government has a stated goal of getting payments started on April 6th, but the process will probably extend later into April and potentially into May. The IRS has set up a special coronavirus information page, which will be updated as information is available. Currently, there is no information available about the stimulus checks.


However, you can get your checks a little faster if you have signed up for direct deposit with the IRS while filing your taxes.


In the interim, use this tool if you are still confused about your eligibility status and keep checking our blog for further tips.  


We at Brigit are committed to helping you navigate these unprecedented times. We will continue to update this blog as more information is available, please bookmark this article for further updates.