If you’re still waiting on your $1,400 Covid stimulus check, it could be in the mail.
The government announced last week it had sent a sixth batch of stimulus checks. This time, that included more paper checks than direct deposits.
Of the 2 million checks that were recently sent, almost 1.1 million were issued by paper check while 900,000 were sent by direct deposit.
The $1,400 stimulus checks were authorized by Congress in March. Since that time, the government has sent about 161 million payments worth more than $379 billion.
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The payments are for up to $1,400 per person, including dependents so long as they meet certain income thresholds and other requirements.
To get payments to people faster, the IRS will use direct deposit when possible. For that, the tax agency must already have a person’s bank account information on file.
If someone’s bank account has been closed, for example, their payment will be reissued through the mail.
The IRS has released images of what people should be on the lookout for in the mail this time.
However, not all mailed payments will come in the form of paper checks. Some people will receive a prepaid debit card.
Be aware that debit cards used for previous payments will not be reloaded. New cards will be issued.
Last year, some people mistook the mailed payments for junk mail and discarded them.
The IRS released a sample image of the envelope to expect in the mail. It will prominently show the seal of the U.S. Treasury.
Debit cards will have the Visa name on the front and MetaBank N.A., which issues the cards, on the back.
More information on the debit cards can be found on this frequently asked questions page.
For more on the third stimulus checks, including eligibility rules, the IRS has more information on its website.
Disclosure: NBCUniversal and Comcast Ventures are investors in Acorns.
Paid medical and parental leave could become more generous under Biden. Has a lack of paid time off impacted you during the pandemic? If you’re willing to share your experience for an upcoming article, please email me at annie.nova@nbcuni.com.
