With pressure growing in Washington for negotiators to put aside their differences and come to an agreement this year on more economic aid, the possibility is still alive for a new economic relief package that features a second stimulus payment of as much as $1,200 per adult that could get through Congress by the end of 2020.
It’s likely that a second round of payments would follow the same basic qualification structure as the first stimulus check, for example, using a framework that takes into account your yearly income, age, child support situation, tax status and citizenship.
But whether Congress acts now or after President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration, the rules around who would be eligible for a payment could change — and that could affect how much money you and your family get and leave some people out altogether.
For everything we currently know about what will happen with eligibility rules in a second check, keep reading. Here’s what to do if you didn’t make the cutoff to claim missing stimulus check money and what you can do to help make sure your next payment is sent as fast as possible. This story is regularly updated.
Which eligibility rules might change with a new bill?
There still appears to be bipartisan support for more stimulus aid, though the sides are still far apart in what they want to spend. Here’s what’s in the proposals that are still on the table:
Change definition of a dependent: The CARES Act capped eligible dependents as kids age 16 and younger. One proposal this summer expanded the definition to any dependent — child or adult — you could claim on federal taxes. That means families with older kids or older adults at home could potentially see $500 more in their check total per individual if that proposal is adopted.
