Stimulus Eligibility
Understanding eligibility requirements is the first step to accessing financial relief programs. Below you'll find information about eligibility for various stimulus programs and tax credits.
Federal Stimulus Payment Eligibility
The three rounds of federal Economic Impact Payments had the following general eligibility requirements:
Basic Requirements (All Rounds):
- U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien
- Valid Social Security number
- Not claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return
- Income below specified thresholds
Full Payment Income Limits:
- Single: Up to $75,000 AGI
- Head of Household: Up to $112,500 AGI
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000 AGI
Phase-out Limits (Third Payment):
- Single: $80,000 AGI
- Head of Household: $120,000 AGI
- Married Filing Jointly: $160,000 AGI
Recovery Rebate Credit Eligibility
If you were eligible for stimulus payments but didn't receive them (or received less than you should have), you may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return.
You May Be Eligible If:
- You didn't receive one or more stimulus payments
- You received less than the full amount
- You had a new child born in 2020 or 2021
- Your income decreased compared to prior years
- You weren't claimed as a dependent but were before
EITC Eligibility Requirements
The Earned Income Tax Credit has specific requirements you must meet:
You Must:
- Have earned income from employment or self-employment
- Have a valid Social Security number for yourself and spouse
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
- Not file Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income)
- Have investment income below $11,600 (2024)
2024 Income Limits (AGI):
| Children | Single/HoH | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $18,591 | $25,511 |
| 1 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| 2 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 3+ | $59,899 | $66,819 |
Child Tax Credit Eligibility
Your Child Must Be:
- Under age 17 at the end of the tax year
- Your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepsibling, or descendant
- A U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
- Living with you for more than half the year
- Not providing more than half of their own support
- Claimed as a dependent on your return
Income Limits:
- Full credit: Under $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (married)
- Phase-out: Credit reduced by $50 for each $1,000 over limit
State Program Eligibility
State stimulus and rebate programs have varying eligibility requirements. Common factors include:
Typical State Requirements:
- State residency for a specified period
- Filing state tax returns
- Income limits (varies by state)
- Age requirements (for senior programs)
- Property ownership (for property tax rebates)
Note: State programs change frequently. Check your state's official website or enter your zip code on our homepage to find current programs in your area.
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your zip code on our homepage to check what stimulus programs and tax credits may be available in your area.
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