As millions of people across the United States prepare to receive $ 1,400 payments during the latest round of coronavirus relief, reports shared on social media claim that those who are homeless can also receive the money on a debit card. Some readers have disbelief about the information, but it is correct: homeless people who meet the criteria have access to the American Rescue Plan payments via checks or prepaid cards, with or without the help of professional tax services.
Examples of postings that make this claim can be seen here, here and here. A screenshot of such a post reads: “I wish all homeless people also earned the $ 1400,” he said. In response, a comment is: “they can if they come to see me at Liberty Tax, we will do an EIP return and have it put on a debit card for them”.
Commentators asked if the information was true and how it was possible to receive the payments without a postal address or driving license, and if anyone had not filed taxes.
“They would not be eligible if they did not pay taxes last year. So this is a kind of scam, ‘one wrote. “Ok, but they do not have work to get a w2 to get tax back …. sooo I’m pretty sure it’s illegal,” wrote another.
In a statement to Reuters Fact Check by email, an IRS spokesman said: “Since the first round of incentive payments, the IRS has been working closely with partners and outreach groups across the country to reach the homeless community. helped in the homeless community to sign up for payments, but more remain eligible. “
U.S. residents who file a 2020 or 2019 tax return and have incomes below certain thresholds are eligible for an ‘economic impact payment’, according to the IRS. People who do not normally file tax returns, but who were registered as Ion.gov for the first round of direct payments last year as ‘non-applicants’, or who receive federal benefits such as social security, are also eligible for the payments (here) .
“For those who have not yet filed or filed a tax return, they remain eligible for the third incentive payment – and may also qualify for previous payments – by filing a 2020 tax return,” the IRS said. spokesperson added.
There are several ways in which homeless people can request and receive payments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is responsible for distributing the money. A person does not have to have an income to file a tax return, as explained by the tax software company Intuit (here).
According to the IRS, people can file a return for free (here) or on a voluntary tax aid site (here). They can also use a paid professional service (here).
The spokesman said the IRS “works aggressively with partner groups inside and outside the tax community” to help people receive the stimulus payments.
The federal government will send stimulus payments that are not deposited directly into bank accounts as checks or ‘EIP’ debit cards issued by VISA (here). Homeless people can use the mailing address of a family member, friend or shelter, according to the Federal Trade Commission (here).
For a fee, the company Liberty Tax will submit a customer’s return and then provide the stimulus payment on a prepaid card issued by Mastercard (here). Those who sign up with H&R Block can have their payments deposited into Emerald Card accounts (here).
VERDICT
Where. Homeless people who meet the criteria can receive incentive payments on a prepaid debit card.
This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our work to actually check social media posts.