Second Stimulus Check Update: $600 Direct Payments Go Out Next Week

Lawmakers passed a stimulus measure over the weekend that’ll send individual taxpayers $600 starting as early as next week.

At the beginning of the pandemic, in March, taxpayers started receiving their first stimulus check about 15 days after the stimulus measure was signed. This time, it won’t take nearly as long as the first round.

“People are going to see this money the beginning of next week,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in an interview Monday with CNBC. “Much needed relief — and just in time for the holidays.”

This bill combines a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package and a $1.4 trillion spending measure, according to the Associated Press. The $900 billion relief package includes $120 billion in unemployment insurance, as well as unemployment benefits of $300 per week until March 14.

The CARES Act, which was also passed in March of this year, expired in July but gave unemployment benefits of $600 instead of $300.

Other programs that are receiving funds from the relief fund include the Paycheck Protection Program, vaccines, testing and health providers, schools and universities, rental assistance, food/farm aid, child care and postal services.

Many Americans have expressed their concerns about the bill being passed and another round of checks being sent out.

They took their thoughts to Twitter, explaining how the actual bill on paper is too heavy for anyone to carry, and there’s a slim chance that those voting on it have read the entire thing. Of course, many are also upset they’re only getting $600.

Those who make less than $75,000 a year or couples that make less than $150,000 per year will receive the check. Each dependent child in the family will receive $600 on top of the original stimulus check.