Stimulus check delivery update: New payment batch, catch-up money, more fine

The third wave of stimulus check delivery is well on its way, with millions of people set to get their $1,400 stimulus payments on or around April 7 as direct deposits or through the mail (track it here). This represents a new phase in delivering the third stimulus check, and it takes into account Social Security, SSI and SSDI beneficiaries (but not these veterans) and people receiving “plus-up” payments from the IRS. There are adjustments that will go out on a weekly basis to people who got partial checks — without you filing an amended tax form.

While over 130 million stimulus payments have been sent or are en route, your delivery may not be done yet. The presence of weekly plus-up payments means millions of people didn’t get the total amount they’re owed, and the IRS knows it. But what happens if there’s a mistake and your automatic adjustment never arrives? What if there’s a complication with a change to your income or a new dependent, such as a 2020 or 2021 baby?

We dig into the details about the deal with hunting down your paper check or EIP card, why you need to keep this IRS letter, what could delay your check and how to find missing stimulus money, including triggering 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 are nine unusual stimulus check facts, discussion of a fourth stimulus check and details on child tax credit payments and eligible CTC dependents. This story was recently updated.

Plus-up payment delivery: What it is, what we know

The IRS said it closed direct deposit payments by March 24, but if the IRS owes you any money because of your 2020 taxes (see that section below), you’re eligible to get an electronic transfer of the difference, directly to your bank account. If the IRS doesn’t have your details on file, you may receive a paper check, as an adjustment called a plus-up payment. 

The IRS said it will continue to send these plus-up payments on a weekly basis as it processes 2020 tax forms and reevaluates payments.

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Stimulus check 3: How much money you’ll get

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How you’ll receive your new stimulus check now (if not a plus-up payment)

If you’re getting your new stimulus check delivered now, expect to receive it in the mail (how to track it) as a paper check or EIP debit card.

However, if you’re an SSI or SSDI recipient who has a Direct Express benefits card, you should get an electronic transfer. Otherwise, look for a check in the mail, but not an EIP card, according to the SSA. (More details below.)

Note that it could take days between the date the IRS or Treasury processes your stimulus money and when you receive it, especially if your check is delivered through the mail. If you moved recently, you need to tell the IRS and USPS.