Automatic stimulus checks being sent out in 2022

FEDERAL lawmakers have discussed automating stimulus payments, but state governments are already implementing the concept – and some residents can expect to receive checks this week.

Automatic stabilizers seek to send funds directly to Americans when certain economic conditions are met, without needing approval by local legislators or lawmakers in Congress.

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Adam Ruben, director of the Economic Security Project, discussed the idea of “automatic stabilizers” with members of Congress in May.

He said: “Putting in place these kinds of triggers would smooth out the recovery and no one is left at the mercy of Washington gridlock in future recessions.”

Throughout the pandemic, Democrats and Republicans have struggled to agree on Covid relief measures.

Newark, New Jersey recently expanded its UBI program to 400 residents.

As a result, a total of $12,000 will be given to each resident through the program over two years.

Half of the program’s participants will receive $250 on a biweekly basis.

The remaining half will receive two payments of $3,000 each year, according to a statement by the city.

Eligible participants will be over the age of 18, make an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and prove hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said: “At a time when our city still faces the challenges of COVID-19 and its economic impact, the biggest and most important institution that we should be investing in is families.

“This will give our residents a much-needed boost and allow them to participate in the economy, regain their economic independence and strength, and move toward prosperity.

Read our stimulus checks live blog for the latest updates on Covid-19 relief…

“This type of intervention can support our economy and our future.”

A similar program launching in Rochester, New York aims to provide $500 payments to 175 low-income families for the first 12 months. 

In the following year, a different set of 175 families Rochester, NY families would get the $500 monthly payments. 

A total of 350 residents would be in line for automated payments over the next two years. 

The guaranteed income program would cost $2.2million and be paid for using funds from the American Rescue Act.

The latest figures from the US Census Bureau show that 31% of Rochester City residents are living in poverty.

And in Durham, North Carolina, 115 previously-incarceerated residents will be chosen for the city’s Excel pilot program, which will send $500 payments a month for a year.

And in California, automatic payments continue under Governor Gavin Newsom’s Golden State Stimulus II initiative.

Thousands of Californians will receive payments worth up to $1100 in the coming weeks.

Residents who live in areas with a zip code ending in 928-999 will have their stimulus check mailed up until January 11.

Americans should receive their check no later than February 1.

Paper checks can take up to three weeks to arrive after they have been posted.

Californians were required to file their tax returns by October 15 if they wanted to pocket a state stimulus check.

Recipients must’ve lived in the Golden State for half of the 2020 tax year and be a resident on the date that the payment is issued.

Eligible residents must have earned $1 to $75,000 of California Adjusted Gross Income (CA AGI) to qualify.

The income part of CA AGI includes wages and self-employment income, tips, interest, dividends, rental income, retirement income and gains on a sale of a property.

Some people who receive Social Security income may qualify because they receive other income listed above, but those who list Social Security as their only form of income will not receive a payment.