The US may be recovering from the pandemic, but times are still tough financially. A lot of taxpayers still depend on the stimulus check the government sends because people struggle to keep up with their bills and make ends meet. So it’s only logical for some people to ask about updates on the 4th stimulus check, which is also of particular interest to businesses that are considering shuttering.
The Stimulus Package
According to a 2020 report by CNBC, permanent business closures have soared to 60 percent. Analysts say it would take a significant amount of time for the economy to recover from this blow.
The U.S. government has passed a series of stimulus packages in response to this economic downturn. The first is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). This package includes several provisions: direct payments to Americans and expanded unemployment benefits.
Another stimulus package, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, was passed on December 2020. This second stimulus package includes $600 stimulus checks for eligible Americans.
The most recent stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, was passed on March 2021. This latest relief package includes a $1,400 stimulus check for eligible Americans. The ARP also extends unemployment benefits and provides additional funding for small businesses and vaccine distribution.
Today, there have been calls for a 4th stimulus check. However, it is unclear if this will happen and, if so, who would be eligible for the payment.
Will There be a Fourth Stimulus Check?
Despite the rollout of the three stimulus packages, millions of Americans still have trouble managing personal financial crisis. And to make matters worse, current events have brought a significant rise in inflation. That means the prices of goods and services are rising while wages remain stagnant. So many are wondering if there will be a fourth stimulus check?
In response to this situation, lawmakers have proposed a 4th stimulus check. However, there has been a change since the last stimulus was passed.
Who Gets the New Stimulus Check?
The fourth stimulus check update reveals key changes.
Eligibility for this stimulus check will primarily be on a state-by-state basis. But other factors like income, job status and family size will also come into play.
The new stimulus check will also focus on the unemployed, families with young children, frontline workers and other subsets of the state population. However, the amount of money each person receives will differ depending on their situation.
What States are Getting Stimulus Checks?
Unlike the first three stimulus checks distributed by the federal government, the fourth one will be out at state and local levels. This money is available to all 50 states, but they must first decide how to spend it. So far, 14 states have devised a game plan for spending the money as a 4th stimulus check.
California
As the only state on the list to give out broad-sweeping stimulus checks, Californians making $75,000 or less will receive a one-time payment of $600 or $1,200. However, a second stimulus payment, anywhere from $500 to $1,100, is available for eligible people. These payments are in addition to the extra money from the Young Child Tax Credit.
Colorado
The state of Colorado is sending out payments of at least $500 to taxpayers this year. The amount each taxpayer receives will depend on state revenue totals. However, lawmakers expect every full-time resident filing a 2021 tax return before June 30 to get a payment in September.
Delaware
The state has provided a relief rebate of $300 to taxpayers who filed their 2020 state tax return last May. Couples who have filed jointly receive $300 each.
Georgia
Residents who filed their 2020 and 2021 tax returns will receive rebate payments based on their tax filing status. For single filers, the maximum amount is $250. Head of household filers can receive a maximum of $375. And married couples filing jointly can get a total payment of $500.
Hawaii
The state is still in the process of designing its fourth stimulus check program. However, taxpayers with less than $100,000 annual income can expect to receive a rebate of $300. Those above the threshold will get $100.
Idaho
Taxpayers in Idaho will receive either $75 or 12% of 2020 Idaho state taxes, whichever is higher. The payments began in March.
Illinois
Residents making less than $200,000 would receive a $50 rebate. In addition, each dependent would entitle the taxpayer to an additional $100.
Indiana
The state has announced its stimulus update and will send out $225 payments to eligible taxpayers. However, the legislature still needs to approve the measure.
Maine
The state government has signed a supplemental budget authorizing direct relief payments of $850 for Maine taxpayers.
New Jersey
The state sends out $500 rebate checks to 1 million eligible families. This has been made possible by the budget approved by Gov. Phil Murphy and the state legislature.
New Mexico
For taxpayers in New Mexico, the fourth stimulus check will come in the form of a $250 rebate. It will be issued to anyone who filed a state tax return for 2021.
Minnesota
The state has targeted frontline workers for its fourth stimulus check program. Eligible workers will receive $750 each.
South Carolina
An $800 stimulus payment will be available for residents. However, there are no details on how this will be disbursed.
Virginia
The taxpayers of Virginia will receive $250 each as a rebate. This will likely be available in late September.
Will SSI Get a Fourth Stimulus Check?
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) waiting for an SSI 4th stimulus check update today might not be getting the news they were hoping to hear. According to the Social Security Administration, SSI recipients are not eligible for stimulus payments.
While this might be a disappointment for those hoping to get some financial assistance from the government, it’s important to remember that alternative forms of relief are available. The U.S. government has implemented several programs to help those struggling during the pandemic. SSI recipients may be eligible for some of these.
Is There Federal Stimulus Aid for Businesses?
Struggling businesses may get some relief through the federal stimulus package. The American Rescue Plan Act, passed on March 2021, provides $1.9 trillion in economic relief.
It includes $1,400 stimulus checks for eligible Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and rental assistance. The act also provides funding for small businesses, including $28.6 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is a federal loan program that provides low-interest loans to small businesses. The loans can be used to cover payroll and other expenses and may be forgiven if specific requirements are met.
Alternative Ways to Get Financial Assistance
If you’re not eligible for a stimulus check or other government aid, there are still ways to get financial assistance. You can contact your state’s social services agency to see if you qualify for the following programs.
Small Business Loans
Applying for small business loans is a great way to get financial assistance if you own a business. Many different types of loans are available, each with its requirements. You’ll need to research the various options and find the one that best suits your needs. Nonetheless, these loans can be a great way to get the money you need to keep your business running.
Cash Advance Benefits
A merchant cash advance is a funding option businesses can use to get growth capital. This type of funding is for companies that might not qualify for traditional loans because they don’t have the necessary collateral. These are repaid through a percentage of your business’s daily credit card sales. It makes them a flexible funding option that depends on your business’s needs.
Debt Consolidation
Several financial institutions offer debt consolidation loans. This alternative can be a good option if you’re struggling to make payments on your existing debts. By consolidating your debts into one monthly fee, you can save money on interest and get organized.
Debt Settlement
Paying off your debts can be difficult, but options are available to make it easier. One of these is debt settlement. With debt settlement, you negotiate with your creditors to pay off your debts for less than what you owe. It can be a good option if you’re struggling to make payments and are at risk of defaulting on your debts.
Bankruptcy
If you cannot pay your debts, you may be able to file for bankruptcy. It is a legal process that can help you get relief from your debt obligations. There are different types of bankruptcy, and each has its requirements. You’ll need to speak with an attorney to see if this is the right option.
Running a small business is tough, and with several challenges, such as the economic fallout of the pandemic, it can be challenging to keep your business afloat. However, several forms of financial assistance are available to companies, including stimulus money from the government.
On the other hand, if you don’t qualify for a stimulus check, options are still available to help you make ends meet. Contact your state’s social services agency to see your eligibility for which programs.
