With $1,400 Checks on the Way, Whitehouse Staff Available to Ensure Rhode Islanders Get Maximum Payments

Press Release

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, today announced that his constituent services office stands ready to answer any questions Rhode Islanders may have about the $1,400 direct payments from the federal government that are already beginning to land in bank accounts. The Economic Impact Payments are a feature of the American Rescue Plan, a massive pandemic relief measure passed by Democrats in Congress and signed into law by President Biden last week. Constituents can reach Senator Whitehouse's office through the contact form on his website.

Nearly 500,000 households in Rhode Island are estimated to be eligible for this third round of direct payments, putting a total of about $1.2 billion directly in the pockets of Rhode Islanders and giving the local economy a lift as the state begins to emerge from the worst of the pandemic.

"These direct payments are just one piece of our American Rescue Plan's wraparound approach to getting working families back on their feet after a very challenging year. Layoffs, lost shifts, and business closures across entire industries have taken a toll on Rhode Island's economy. I voted to secure these direct payments to help families cover the cost of overdue repairs and other essential expenses, and to give local businesses a huge boost as the state begins reopening," said Whitehouse. "My office is standing by ready to answer questions and ensure Rhode Islanders get the largest payments they qualify for."

Some Rhode Islanders received deposits over the weekend, and the IRS plans to continue the rollout throughout this week and for several more weeks to come. No action is needed by most taxpayers to receive a payment.

The direct payments are worth up to $1,400 per adult and up to $2,800 for a couple. In a change from previous stimulus measures, this round of payments also includes a full $1,400 for each dependent, including child and non-child dependents. Direct payments phase out for individuals making between $75,000 and $80,000, taxpayers filing as head of household making between $112,500 and $120,000, and couples making between $150,000 and $160,000 per year.

The majority of Rhode Islanders who qualify will receive the funds via the direct deposit information that the IRS has on file. Some will get the payment through the mail as a check or debit card. Starting today, Rhode Islanders can visit the "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of their third stimulus payment.

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