A New Website to Help Illinoisans Receive Their Stimulus Check
Many of our neighbors who most need their CARES Act stimulus payments may have difficulty getting them. Illinois residents with the lowest incomes, particularly those without bank accounts, permanent housing, or a computer all face extra obstacles in obtaining these payments. Many are struggling to find accurate, up-to-date information about their eligibility and next steps.
That’s why we are part of a coalition that launched www.GetMyPaymentIL.org last week. The website pulls together clear information to help Illinoisans:
- Learn if they need to register for a payment if they don’t normally file income tax returns.
- Get a bank account to receive their payment faster, instead of waiting months for a paper check.
- Find tax information and assistance to get their payment.
- Answer questions about their stimulus checks (also known as Economic Impact Payments) such as whether it impacts their public benefits or what Social Security recipients need to do next.
The website is a straightforward resource for everyday people and includes information to help nonprofits spread the word. Paper posters and flyers are also available for food pantries, schools, and shelters that still have a physical presence in the community even during the stay-at-home order.
Residents have until October 15th to request their Economic Impact Payment from the federal government and can claim it when they file their 2020 tax returns, so this is just round one. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be:
- Launching a hotline to answer questions and provide help;
- Working with partners to support those who can’t access the payments because they don’t have an address or access to the internet;
- Fundraising to provide small grants to community partners to do targeted outreach across the digital divide in high-need communities around Illinois;
- Translating the website and materials in other languages and providing more information for those without a Social Security Number; and
- Getting the word out about these resources.
The Get My Payment Illinois Coalition is a collaborative effort led by Heartland Alliance, Ladder Up, the Economic Awareness Council, and New America Chicago in partnership with Woodstock Institute. Special thanks to The Chicago Community Trust, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, City of Chicago, Illinois Comptroller’s Office, Economic Security for Illinois, The Joyce Foundation, and The Steans Family Foundation for their partnership.
