Stimulus check delivery details to know: New payment batch, catch-up money, more

Tens of millions of Americans will get their stimulus checks from the third wave sent out. In fact, some people on Reddit communities reported their $1,400 payments are scheduled for April 7. This week’s payment group includes people who receive Social Security, SSI and SSDI benefits, but not veterans receiving Veterans Affairs benefits (who don’t file taxes). Their payment date is still inconclusive.

A large number of people can expect their stimulus check payments soon — the millions of people waiting for their “plus-up” payments. These are automatic adjustments for people who qualify for more money than they got, based on their 2020 federal tax returns reflecting a change to their income or a new dependent, such as a 2020 baby. These payments are largely going out through direct deposit. You don’t have to file an amended tax form to receive it.

The US Treasury and IRS also sent out more paper checks and EIP cards with this round. You can track the status of your stimulus payment to your bank or in the mail to see if it’s scheduled this week. If your check is delayed, held up, or never arrives (even if an IRS letter said it did), you may need to report it or find the rest of your stimulus money or request a payment trace. That’s why it’s important you know how much money you should expect. We explain more below. In the meantime, here’s the talk of a potential fourth stimulus check, and how child tax credit payments will bring more money if you have eligible dependents and qualify for the CTC. This story was recently updated.

Stimulus money delivery status: The timeline and scorecard so far

The next batch of payments is expected to hit by Wednesday, April 7, and SSI and SSDI recipients will finally get their payments with this wave, though many veterans will still have to wait. If you receive federal benefits, you’ll get your stimulus money either as an electronic transfer to an existing benefits card, like Direct Express; a transfer to your bank account; or as a payment through the mail. The IRS won’t send EIP cards to this group, the Social Security Administration said.

Many people who don’t receive federal benefits and didn’t get a direct deposit by March 24 will receive a stimulus payment in the mail as a paper check or EIP debit card. However, some folks may see an electronic transfer appear in their bank account, as an adjustment called a “plus-up.” This is primarily for people who received a partial payment based on their 2019 taxes, but who are actually due more money based on their 2020 taxes. The people receiving this now have had their 2020 taxes processed by the IRS. The IRS said it will continue to send these plus-up payments on a weekly basis as it processes tax forms and reevaluates payments.

Note that it could take days between the date the IRS or Treasury processes your payment and when you receive it, especially if your check is delivered through the mail. If your life circumstances changed between getting the second stimulus check, which was authorized in December, and now, any complications could hold up your payment. If you moved recently, you need to tell the IRS and USPS.

Here’s how the checks have been sent so far: