MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

American Rescue Plan: Joe Biden slammed for reducing $2,000 stimulus check to $1,400, here's what you'll get

Watered-down bill finally passes Senate without any Republican support, here's when you can expect your check

The House has finally passed President Joe Biden's much sought-after American Rescue Plan. The $1.9 trillion package, one of the largest stimulus packages in American history, will be signed into law by Biden later this week. With it, Americans can expect checks for $1,400 once disbursed. Originally, the plan was to offer $2,000, but that was watered-down after backlash from conservatives.

The bill passed the Senate on Saturday, March 6, after Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote. In the House, it was approved 220-211, with Jared Golden of Maine the only Democrat to vote against it. In both houses, the bill did not get a single vote from Republicans. The bill faced multiple revisions in the Senate, including removing the $15 minimum wage provision. Some moderate Democrats such as Joe Machin also held out, forcing Democrats to change certain provisions. One of that is the amount Americans will receive.

RELATED ARTICLES

Tom Cotton slams Covid-19 relief bill, says prisoners like Dylann Roof will also get $1,400 stimulus check

Joe Biden backs plan to limit number of Americans who will get $1,400 stimulus checks in Covid-19 relief bill

Unemployment insurance was lowered from $400 to $300, and individuals making up to $75,000 will now receive checks for $1,400 as opposed to $2,000 that the Democrats planned. So when can you expect your checks? Soon, according to the president.

Who gets what?

It is important to note that most provisions phase out for individuals earning above $75,000 and families making up to $1,400. Some of the major provisions in the bill are:

Direct payments: Individuals making up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 will be eligible for $1,400 checks. $1,400 can also be claimed for each dependent claimed on tax returns. 

Unemployment benefits: Till September 6, Americans will be eligible for $300 a week in unemployment benefits, with the first $10,200 non-taxable for households with incomes under $150,000.

Child tax credit: Children between 6-17 are eligible for up to $3,000 in credit, while children below 6 can get up to $3,600 in credit. Families with children between 6 and 17 will receive monthly checks for $250, and $300 for those with children under 6. 

Low-income family support: The cash value of vouchers for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been temporarily boosted to $35 per month for a four-month period. Other provisions include aid for heating and cooling costs, community-based support programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

Rental assistance: The bill provides four broad requirements, which if you satisfy will make you eligible for assistance for 12 months. The relief can be applied to back/future rent checks or utility costs. The amount is based on the state and locality you reside in, as well as how much rent you pay. 

Other provisions include support for schools and businesses, as well as funding for public health and vaccinations. 

When can you expect your check?

According to the White House, the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and The Treasury are working to start sending out checks as soon as this month. The IRS will use 2020 tax returns to estimate the amount you get, and if you haven't filed your 2020 returns then the IRS will refer to your 2019 returns. 

If your returns have bank account or direct deposit information, then you will receive the money electronically. If such information is unavailable, you will receive either paper checks or debit cards. The direct payments and child tax credits will be paid monthly through those means. Checks will not bear the president's name, unlike under the Trump administration when they did. 

What happened to $2,000?

When the bill was drafted, Biden and the Democrats promised checks worth $2,000 per individual, which has now been amended. The move hasn't gone down well with many on social media, who are wondering why the expanded aid wasn't passed? One user tweeted, "What happened to the $2000.00 #StimulusChecks that we were promised?? Just another Jobama lie."

"@POTUS Biden & the Dems got people vote for them promising $2000 #StimulusChecks.. here is a montage Now they managed to hoodwink us into sending only $1400 which only accounts for 9% of the tax payer $$. The rest goes to special interest that line their pockets," another tweeted. Another said "It’s nice to see that help is finally going to the American ppl, but $1400 is insignificant when compared to the pain ppl have endured over the year. We should be receiving $2000 stimulus checks, retroactive to March 2020. A government’s job is to deliver help." One user asked "What has Biden delivered on exactly? One of his big talking points was $2000 stimulus checks, he got you only $1400."

Others defended the decision, seeing it as a massive step-up from the $600 provided by the Trump administration. Opposition from moderate Democrats meant that the $2,000 was renegotiated down to $1,400 to pass the Senate.