Generally, individuals with a valid Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number who meet certain income requirements are eligible for the stimulus check. To receive the full amount, individuals must have adjusted gross income below $75,000 (single filers) or $150,000 (married couples filing jointly). Higher income earners receive reduced amounts. Dependents under 17 are also eligible for payments. Non-citizens with valid work visas may also qualify if they meet specific criteria. Additionally, certain seniors and disabled individuals who do not typically file tax returns may be eligible for payments.
**Who Qualifies for the Stimulus Check?**
**Thresholds:**
1. **Individuals:** Earn less than $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for joint filers.
2. **Head of Household:** Earn less than $112,500.
3. **Dependents:** Each qualifying child or dependent under 19 or eligible for disability benefits earns the full amount of $3,600.
| Income Level | Single Filers | Joint Filers |
|—|—|—|
| Below $75,000 | Full amount | Full amount |
| $75,000 – $80,000 | Reduced amount | Reduced amount |
| Above $80,000 | Ineligible | Ineligible |
| Below $112,500 | Full amount (Head of Household) | Ineligible |
| $112,500 – $125,000 | Reduced amount (Head of Household) | Ineligible |
| Above $125,000 | Ineligible (Head of Household) | Ineligible |
Residency Requirements
To qualify for the stimulus check, you must meet certain residency requirements. These requirements vary depending on the country you reside in.
United States
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- You must have a valid Social Security number.
- You must have filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return.
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Canada
- You must be a Canadian citizen or resident.
- You must have filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return.
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
United Kingdom
- You must be a UK resident.
- You must have been born on or before May 25, 1996.
- You must have a National Insurance number.
Other Countries
The residency requirements for the stimulus check vary from country to country. Please consult your local government’s website for more information.
Table of Residency Requirements
| Country | Residency Requirements |
|---|---|
| United States | U.S. citizen or resident alien, valid Social Security number, filed 2019 or 2020 tax return, not claimed as a dependent |
| Canada | Canadian citizen or resident, filed 2019 or 2020 tax return, not claimed as a dependent |
| United Kingdom | UK resident, born on or before May 25, 1996, National Insurance number |
Tax Filing Status
Whether you qualify for a stimulus check depends on your tax filing status. The following are the different filing statuses and their corresponding income limits for eligibility:
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $75,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 |
If your income is below the limit for your filing status, you will receive a full stimulus check of $1,200. If your income is above the limit, your check will be reduced by $5 for every $100 you earn above the limit.
You can check your tax filing status on your most recent tax return or by using the IRS online tool.
Dependent Status
For the purposes of the stimulus check, a dependent is a person who meets the following criteria:
- The person must be claimed as a dependent on the taxpayer’s tax return.
- The person must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien.
- The person must not have filed a joint tax return with a spouse.
- The person must meet the age, income, and relationship requirements.
The age, income, and relationship requirements for dependents are as follows:
| Age | Income | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Under 19 | Any amount | Child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, stepsibling, or half-sibling |
| 19 or older | Gross income less than $4,300 | Child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, stepsibling, or half-sibling who is a student |
| Any age | Any amount | Parent, grandparent, or other qualifying relative |
If a person meets all of the above criteria, they are considered a dependent for the purposes of the stimulus check. The amount of the stimulus check that a taxpayer receives is based on the number of dependents they have.