Millions of Americans received their third stimulus check already, and many more are starting to see them float into their bank accounts.
But is there a chance of a fourth stimulus check? It remains unclear, but the seeds are already there for a fourth stimulus payment.
The political battle over a fourth stimulus check
A group of lawmakers has called for another stimulus check payment. For example, Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont all sent a letter to President Joe Biden that requested Americans receive “recurring direct payments and automatic unemployment insurance extensions tied to economic conditions.”
Similarly, 53 representatives sent a letter to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris that requested more payments.
- “Recurring direct payments until the economy recovers will help ensure that people can meet their basic needs, provide racially equitable solutions, and shorten the length of the recession,” the letter said, according to Politico.
But, according to CBS Detroit, it’s unlikely there will be a fourth stimulus check because the United States is making progress against the novel coronavirus.
- Vaccinations are improving across the country, which could lead to improvements for the economy, which is already being helped by the third stimulus check.
- “The ongoing vaccinations, which will eventually allow hard-hit parts of the economy to safely reopen, certainly help,” according to CBS News. “All that additional spending, along with the release of pent-up demand, should lead to more jobs as companies hire to address consumer needs. With the economy opened up, a fourth round of stimulus checks becomes less necessary.”
You might have received a fourth stimulus check, sort of
Some Americans did receive a new “plus-up” payment in their bank accounts, as I wrote for the Deseret News. These people received the payment because they filed their 2020 income taxes, which might have changed their earnings, making them qualify for more money under the stimulus check qualifications.
- “That includes those who received a stimulus check based on their 2019 tax returns, but who are eligible for more money now that their 2020 returns have been processed,” according to CNBC.