My partner and I faced significant frustration when we didn’t receive the first two rounds of stimulus checks. Initially, we were perplexed, then angered, and ultimately left confused about the reasons behind it. I frequently checked the IRS stimulus tool, which proved to be a frustrating endeavor. However, when 2021 rolled in, a new administration took charge, and suddenly, we received the third round of stimulus checks. I am grateful for this assistance as it has certainly benefited my family. Thankfully, even without this payment, I can say we would still have food on our table and a roof over our heads.
But what about individuals who are houseless, lacking both a home and a bank account, and struggling to keep food on their plates? According to the organization End Homelessness, over 567,000 people experienced homelessness in 2019 in the U.S. alone. This staggering number represents over half a million individuals and families who are unable to access stimulus payments due to their circumstances. For these individuals, a one-time payment of $1,400 could be transformative in countless ways.
While we often focus on the immediate issues that those without homes face, such as securing food and shelter, the challenges extend far beyond just these basic necessities. Those experiencing homelessness encounter numerous obstacles in accessing their economic impact payments. Many of us may take for granted the conveniences of having a bank account or the ability to check IRS information online—privileges not available to everyone.
Most of us were fortunate enough to receive our stimulus payments directly deposited into our bank accounts. However, for those who are houseless and lack bank accounts, even receiving a paper check poses challenges. To get a check delivered via mail, a person must have a valid address.
Organizations and shelters are stepping up to help those without homes by allowing them to use their business addresses for receiving essential documents, including stimulus checks. For instance, the Coalition for the Homeless in New York provides a secure location for individuals experiencing homelessness to receive important mail.
Yet, having a physical address is just one hurdle. To claim their stimulus payments, individuals must have filed a tax return for the previous year. Those who haven’t filed can find assistance through various organizations, including the IRS itself. Jodie Reynolds from the IRS mentioned that they are “working aggressively with partner groups inside and outside the tax community to help as many people, including those in the houseless community, receive the stimulus payments as possible,” as reported by USA Today.
For individuals without internet access, they can call their local United Way 2-1-1 for guidance on accessing the IRS stimulus tool. Interestingly, millions of people are not required to file income taxes due to their low income, which is typically below $12,200. However, to receive stimulus payments, those individuals must complete the IRS’s “Free File” form (after securing internet access) and input their identifying information like Social Security numbers. This process allows them to receive payments via the “Recovery Rebate Credit.”
Even among those who aren’t houseless, around 12 million people have missed out on stimulus payments because they did not file taxes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Of those, approximately 9 million receive SNAP or Medicaid benefits, and the situation disproportionately affects communities of color, already hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, 27% of these individuals are Black, and 19% are Latino, both groups exceeding their respective shares of the U.S. population. It is crucial to ensure that low-income people of color receive the payments they qualify for, particularly as they face significant economic and health challenges.
There are eager organizations ready to assist those in need. When a houseless person finally receives their stimulus payment, it provides them with essential funds for food, warm shelter, or other basic necessities—their very survival may depend on it.
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