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AOC: ‘If you're homeless, you are eligible for a stimulus check’

Denitsa Tsekova
·Reporter
·3 min read

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) took to Twitter on Tuesday to remind those who don’t have permanent homes that they can still get coronavirus stimulus checks that are helping Americans ride out the economic fallout from the pandemic.

“If you're homeless, you are eligible for a stimulus check,” the representative from the Bronx tweeted on Tuesday.

Read more: Coronavirus stimulus checks: Here's how people are spending their relief money

The majority of stimulus checks have now been distributed, with over 152 million Americans receiving their payments, according to the latest data from the Internal Revenue Service. Those who don’t usually file taxes are also eligible and can use the ‘Non-Filers’ tool to provide the IRS with their information to receive their stimulus payment of up to $1,200 — plus $500 per child under 17.

Democratic Congresswoman from New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears a face mask to protect herself from the coronavirus, during a press conference in the Corona neighbourhood of Queens on April 14, 2020 in New York City. - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hold a press conference amid the coronavirus pandemic to call on the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to begin approving disaster funds to help families in lower-income communities and communities of color pay for funeral costs. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)
Democratic Congresswoman from New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears a face mask to protect herself from the coronavirus, during a press conference in the Corona neighborhood of Queens on April 14, 2020 in New York. (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

“We also continue to urge those who don't normally have a filing requirement, including those with little or no income, that they can quickly register for the payments on IRS.gov," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement on Friday.

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Read more: Coronavirus stimulus check: How to get one if you don't file your taxes

The IRS tool is for eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents who had gross income below $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019 and weren’t required to file a 2019 federal tax return. The information provided will automatically complete a Form 1040 and send it to the IRS.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that homeless Americans are also eligible to receive coronavirus stimulus payments.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that homeless Americans are also eligible to receive coronavirus stimulus payments. (Screenshot of tweet)

The following information is needed:

  • Full name, mailing, and email address

  • Date of birth and Social Security number

  • Bank account number, type, routing number (if you have one)

  • Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (if you have one)

  • Driver’s license or state-issued ID (if you have one)

  • Information about qualifying children: Name, Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, and their relationship to you or your spouse

Since the tool requires a mailing address to get a stimulus check delivered, one option for homeless people is to contact a local post office and ask to get a PO Box or General Delivery service, so their payment is delivered there.

Yahoo Money sister site Cashay has a weekly newsletter.
Yahoo Money sister site Cashay has a weekly newsletter.

Additionally, they can use emergency mail programs which provide the homeless with a mailing address. These are offered by organizations such as Coalition for the Homeless.

Denitsa is a writer for Yahoo Finance and Cashay, a new personal finance website. Follow her on Twitter @denitsa_tsekova.

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