Do People Who Owe Child Support Get a Stimulus Check?


Stimulus Check

Child support is a standard payment in the United States. And just like most compulsory payments In the U.S, failure to pay child support could put you in an unpleasant situation. First off, your income may be garnished, or you could lose your business or driver’s license to suspension if you fail to keep up with your child support payment. Aside from losing your licenses or getting your income garnished, your government stimulus may be affected. But in what way? Do people who owe child support receive this sort-after stimulus check?

The bill governing the third stimulus payment is designed to protect people’s payment from garnishment due to unpaid child support, which means, that people who owe child support will get a stimulus check. This bill, which isn’t fixed, was different from the first stimulus, which was dished out in early 2020.

The first coronavirus stimulus, which rolled out last year, came with stringent rules. Those who had some other debts had their coronavirus stimulus reduced. While the unfortunate ones who owed child support didn’t get any stimulus check. The second coronavirus stimulus, which rolled out in late 2020, had a different rule. As you probably imagined, this check was protected from garnishment due to unpaid child assistance. In early 2021, the third stimulus money was released, and it has people asking questions. If you owe child support, will you be left out?

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Do People Who Owe Child Support Get a Stimulus Check?

Child support is a prioritized payment in the U.S. Failure to make this payment can lead to a series of consequences. For example, your income could be garnished, licensed sized, you could be denied passport, dismissed from the military (if you serve), jailed, fined, or you could miss out on some government benefits like stimulus funds. The cache of punishments that comes with the failure to pay child assistance speaks volumes of its importance.

With the third coronavirus stimulus being rolled out, some individuals are scared that they may be left out due to unpaid child support. Should you be scared? Will you receive the $600 or $1,200 stimulus funds regardless of your outstanding child support payment? You’ll soon find out!

What Is Stimulus Check?

Stimulus checks are direct payments made by the United States Government to its citizens in response to the financial hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic. So far so good three batches of stimulus payments have been released ever since the novel coronavirus pandemic crippled the economy and displacing several people from their jobs.

  1. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) sanctioned the first check, which was released last year. The stimulus checks, which were $1,200 (for eligible adults) and $500 (for eligible children), were distributed in batches.
  1. Extra stimulus money was sanctioned in late 2020 (December). This check provided up to $600 for each eligible adult and dependent child.
  2. The American Rescue Plan Act released a third coronavirus stimulus of around $1,400 for each adult and dependent on March 11, 2021.

While the three stimulus checks assisted some Americans in one way or the other, there have been calls for a fourth as the coronavirus is yet to be fully eradicated from the U.S, which suffered greatly from the pandemic.

Stimulus Check and Child Support?

So far, three stimulus checks have been released by the American government, with rumors flying around that there might be a fourth or even a fifth. But, unfortunately, while many Americans benefited from the distributed funds, a small portion of individuals either didn’t receive their funds or had their slashed. But why? Weren’t they eligible? The answer may shock you.

Certain individuals had their coronavirus stimulus slashed or diverted due to their outstanding stimulus payment. But, before you fret, you must note that the second and third stimulus funds had protections. This means that payments were protected from certain outstanding debts like child support.

Who is Eligible for a Stimulus Check?

Stimulus checks aren’t for everyone in the United States. This government-funded benefit is strictly for U.S. individuals with Social Security Number. Mind you, eligibility rules vary depending on the checks.

Speak with a financial adviser to know how to get a stimulus check or determine if you are eligible.

The Big Question: Will I Get a Stimulus Check if I Owe Child Support?

If you owe child support, you’ll get the third coronavirus stimulus which was rolled out in March, 2021. Unlike the first coronavirus stimulus, the third stimulus payment was protected. According to the law, your second and third stimulus checks cannot be slashed to pay your past due child support or that of your spouse.

Furthermore, your third stimulus money will not be used to settle any Federal or State debts. But, worthy to note is that only your second coronavirus stimulus is protected from private debtors and creditors. While your third stimulus funds wouldn’t be reduced or used to pay tax debt and child support, this payment is not protected from private debts, like debts incurred due to civil judgment, ranging from civil damages to customer debt in default.

The susceptibility of third stimulus money to private debt caused many banking groups to send a letter to Congress requesting that the rule be reversed.

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Can Child Support Take Your Stimulus Check?

Child support, an important payment in the U.S., is to be paid at the date specified by the official order. Failure to make this payment comes with some severe punishments, which are listed above. On the other hand, late payment also comes with its fair share of penalties. One of the punishments concerns your coronavirus stimulus. At this point, you need to ask yourself if child support can take your stimulus check.

According to the CARES Act from March 2020, your first stimulus payment can be seized by state and federal agencies to pay outstanding child support. However, your second and third stimulus payments are protected, so they cannot be used to settle past-due child assistance.

If you owe child assistance, ensure you make an effort to pay as failure to do so has severe consequences. Talk to a financial advisor if you are facing financial challenges.

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