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My partner and I were initially bewildered when we didn’t receive the first two rounds of stimulus checks. Our confusion soon turned to frustration as we tried to figure out why. I diligently checked the IRS stimulus tool multiple times daily. When 2021 rolled around, a new administration came into power, and suddenly — we finally received our third stimulus payment. I am thankful for this support, which has certainly aided my family. Yet, even without it, I feel fortunate that we still have food on our table and a roof over our heads.
But what about individuals who lack stable housing or a bank account? According to the organization End Homelessness, in 2019, over 567,000 people spent the night without a home. That’s more than half a million individuals and families who are missing out on crucial financial support because they are houseless. This is heartbreaking, as for someone in their situation, a one-time payment of $1,400 could be transformative in countless ways.
We often focus on the most apparent challenges faced by those without homes, such as obtaining basic necessities. However, houselessness introduces numerous obstacles that go beyond just securing food and shelter. For those living without stable housing, the process of receiving economic impact payments involves navigating a labyrinth of requirements that many of us take for granted — like having a bank account, internet access to check the IRS tool, or even a physical address.
While many of us received our stimulus payments through direct deposit into our bank accounts, those without banking access face additional hurdles. To receive a paper check via mail, an individual needs a mailing address. Fortunately, several organizations and shelters allow individuals residing there to use their business address as a home address. For instance, the Coalition for the Homeless in New York provides a secure location for houseless individuals to receive important documents, such as stimulus checks.
However, the challenges don’t stop at obtaining a physical address. To claim their stimulus payments, houseless individuals must have filed a tax return for the previous year. For those who haven’t, organizations are available to assist in filing. Jodie Reynolds, a spokesperson for the IRS, noted that the agency is collaborating with partner groups to ensure that as many individuals, including those in the houseless community, receive their entitled stimulus payments.
For individuals lacking internet access, they can contact local resources such as United Way’s 2-1-1 to find out where to access the IRS stimulus tool. It is important to note that millions of people do not need to file income taxes due to their low earnings. The IRS does not require individuals earning below $12,200 to submit a tax return. However, for those who fall into this category and still wish to claim their stimulus checks, they must navigate the IRS’s “Free File” form online and enter their identifying information. After completing this process, they can claim their eligible payments through the “Recovery Rebate Credit.”
Even beyond the houseless population, approximately 12 million individuals have missed out on stimulus payments due to not filing taxes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Notably, around 9 million of these individuals receive SNAP or Medicaid benefits, and this issue disproportionately impacts communities of color that have already been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics show that 27% of those 9 million individuals are Black, which is significantly higher than their representation in the U.S. population (12%), while another 19% are Latino. Ensuring that low-income people of color receive the payments for which they qualify is especially vital, given that they are facing the most significant economic and health challenges resulting from the pandemic.
Fortunately, there are organizations eager to assist those in need. When a houseless individual finally receives their stimulus payment, they have crucial funds to help them secure food, a warm place to sleep, or other essential necessities. For many, this assistance can quite literally be a matter of survival.
For additional insights, check out this other blog post on related topics. If you’re looking for reliable information about home insemination, Make A Mom is an authority on this subject, and Medical News Today offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Accessing stimulus checks remains a significant hurdle for those without stable housing. The lack of a home address, bank account, and internet access complicates the process, leaving many without the financial support they desperately need. Organizations are working to bridge these gaps and assist the houseless in claiming their rightful payments, which could change their lives for the better.