Receiving Your Federal Stimulus Funds While Homeless

By Laura Ellsworth, Council for the Homeless

With the passage of the CARES act by Congress on March 27^th, many people are now receiving stimulus checks of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child from the Federal Government. These direct payments to households are called economic impact payments, or EIPs. EIPs will not be taxed in the future or be required to pay back, and the intent is to help people stay afloat and pay rent or mortgages and meet basic needs after experiencing a reduction in income related to COVID-19.

For a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers about the EIP, visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#payment

Are people who are unhoused, have no address, no bank account, or who don’t normally file taxes going to receive an EIP? For the vast majority, the answer is yes, but they will need to provide some information that may be difficult for people experiencing homelessness to gather.

Here are ways that people who are unhoused can receive their payments.

People who do not normally file taxes: Because many people experiencing homelessness often have very little income, they are not required to file a yearly tax return. The IRS created an online portal for people to use in this situation. The online portal asks for an email address, a phone number, Social Security numbers for adults and children in the household, and a mailing address. Non-filers can also begin the process of claiming eligible children on this portal. This is not the same as filing taxes, and is only a means to supply identification and information necessary to receive the EIP. It is free and available for use at https://www.freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment

These information requirements can be challenging for someone without a home. Here are a few ways to overcome those challenges where can they be accessed in Clark County.

Email

To create a free email through Gmail or Yahoo, people can access a computer at CVAB’s Val Ogden Center, located at 10201 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, 98662. Their computer lab is open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. The CVAB REACH Center also has a computer lab. They are located at 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, 98661 and are open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm for people identifying as being in recovery. There is a two hour time limit per person, per day at each location. A short orientation is required at the REACH Center.

Phone Number

If someone doesn’t have a phone number, they can use the phone number of a trusted friend or relative. They could also use Google Voice and set-up a free message line for anyone to call.

Mailing Address

If someone is affiliated with a shelter that provides supportive services, they can use that address with permission. In Clark County, adults can use the Navigation Center address, 2018 Grand Blvd, Vancouver WA 98661. It is currently open to pick-up mail Tuesday and Thursday’s 10am-12noon. Youth ages 18-24 can use the PERCH through Janus Youth by calling 360-314-5716.

Bank Accounts

Some banks and credit unions like IQ and People’s Community Credit Union offer no-fee/no-minimum bank accounts and the IRS is considering issuing a debit card for people without a bank accounts so that these individuals won’t have to rely on fee-heavy check cashing services, or carry around large amounts of cash.

Stimulus payments can be accessed through the end of 2020, and people can file for them anytime. And, for those folks that still need to file taxes, don’t worry, as the deadline to file for 2019 has been extended to July 15^th.

Unfortunately, people without a Social Security number–including people who do not have documentation–are not eligible for EIPs. In Washington, a scholarship exists to provide emergency preventative financial relief to as many undocumented families as possible. For more information, and to apply for this scholarship, visit https://www.scholarshipjunkies.org/relief#aid.

Times are tough right now, and the world is a bit upside down for many people. Inequities are being magnified, and people who need the most help often have to jump through the most hoops to receive it.

It’s important that people experiencing homelessness have the same access to government benefits as everyone else. Stimulus funds can go a long way to help people move from homelessness to housing, get basic needs met, and even pay off debt. At CFTH, we are hopeful that this information will help people navigate the process of accessing the benefits to which they are entitled. Clark County is fortunate to have many helpers, and together, we can make sure everyone impacted by the health and economic effects of COVID-19 receive the help they need.