As the end of 2024 draws near, online rumors have begun to spread about a supposed $800 stimulus check for seniors and people with low incomes. Several posts on social media and online articles say that this money will soon be sent to vulnerable groups that are being hurt by rising prices.
But it’s important to tell the difference between fact and fiction and look carefully at what is known so far about this rumored relief payment.
To begin, it’s important to make it clear that as of right now, neither the federal nor the state governments of the United States have officially announced that this supposed $800 stimulus check has been approved.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of the Treasury have neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such a check or given any information similar to what is being shared on social media and written about in some news stories.
What do we really know about the $800 stimulus check?
This information began to spread on many websites and social media sites without any solid sources to back it up. Major news outlets, like CNN and Fox News, have also not reported anything on the matter. It’s best to be wary of these claims until they are officially confirmed.
Unverified rumors and misleading claims
During uncertain economic times, it’s common for false or incomplete information about possible aid and stimulus programs to get around. Let’s look at some of the main points that these rumors about the supposed $800 check make and see why they are not true.
Assistance for low-income individuals and seniors
According to some rumors, this $800 stimulus check would mostly go to seniors and other people with fixed incomes who are in bad financial situations. But as of now, no government agency has confirmed that there is a specific program that gives these groups one-time checks for $800.
Release date in November 2024
There is another online rumor that these payments will start to be sent out in November 2024. This is not true at all, though. Stimulus payments, like the ones given out during the COVID-19 pandemic, need to be approved by Congress or at least have the support of official federal agencies. So far, no government agency has told the public about a program like this.
Distribution methods: direct deposit or paper check
It has also been said that the $800 check would be sent directly to households that qualify, either through direct deposit or the mail. These are common ways to get approved economic aid, but this statement isn’t true because there’s been no official confirmation that such a stimulus exists or that a program like this has been approved.
Income requirements for receiving the check
Some websites say that people would have to make at least $75,000 a year or $150,000 a year if they are married and filing jointly to be eligible for this stimulus check. But it’s important to keep in mind that these income limits have not been checked by a government agency.
The truth behind stimulus programs in the United States
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government has given out three rounds of stimulus checks to help people get through an unprecedented economic downturn. These stimulus payments helped millions of people get through hard times, but they also made people expect more help in the future.
Since inflation has been going up over the past few years, a lot of people are still hoping for some kind of extra economic help. But the government hasn’t said anything about any new stimulus checks yet in 2024.
It makes sense that people are looking forward to a new stimulus when the economy is unstable and prices are going up. Still, it’s important to remember that these kinds of financial aid need to go through a certain legislative and budgetary process before they can be put in place. They also need to be approved by Congress and signed by the president.
Where does the confusion come from?
It’s not clear where this information came from. Websites will sometimes post sensational stories to get people to click on them, which can lead to false information. With the rise of social media, rumors also spread quickly, and a lot of people believe things that aren’t backed up by official sources.
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