By Jesse Slade - OWCP Specialist
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02 Apr, 2020
If you rely on non-taxable government income, i.e., SSI and OWCP compensation, you may still qualify for a relief check. Relief checks are going to be based on adjusted income on tax returns. If there is no tax return, they will use the 1099 form from Social Security. Amounts are as follows: $1,200.00 if single at $75,000.00 $2,400.00 if married filing jointly at $150,000.00 $500.00 per child 16 years or younger The $1,200.00 amount is reduced $5.00 per $100.00 for incomes above $75,000.00 if single and $150,000 married, filing jointly. There is no relief check for incomes over $99,000.00 with one child if single or $198,000.00 married, filing jointly. Those with direct deposit who qualify will have their checks deposited directly into their bank accounts. Those without direct deposit will be mailed a check. They expect mailed checks to take much longer; current estimates are up to five months to receive a check in the mail. The Treasury will be setting up a web-based portal where those who do not have direct deposit can sign up for direct deposit. We will post that information when it becomes available. Payments are expected to begin in the next two weeks. Don’t fall for scams Coronavirus relief check scams are already popping up. Currently, scammers are contacting people (usually by phone) pretending to be from the IRS or other government agency telling people they need their bank account or other personal information to deposit their check. If you’re entitled to a relief check, it will be automatically deposited or mailed to you, there is nothing you need to do to receive your relief check. The government will not be calling you for information and if anyone does, they are a scammer, plain and simple.