Fourth Stimulus Check Update: Everyone Who Is Receiving New Payments in December

A fourth federal Economic Impact Statement certainly won’t be coming before 2021 closes out, if it does at all, but those who are worried about their financial situations with increasing costs and more protections soon expiring may still be in luck, as some Americans are still eligible for some relief in December.

While any money received is not an official federal stimulus check, funds could be arriving in some people’s bank accounts throughout the month in the form of other economic stimulus package plans enacted because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, or through state programs. To see if you may be eligible for some funds, check out the list below.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

If you are struggling with bills, you may still qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which was a COVID aid program offered through the Federal Communications Commission. The benefit can provide either a $50/month discount on broadband service and equipment rentals or a $75/month discount if your home is on qualifying tribal lands. In addition, a one-time discount of up to $100 is also available towards the purchase of a laptop, tablet or desktop computer.

As of now, a household with an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or that has any member utilizing Lifeline benefits, tribal-specific programs, or who meets a number of other requirements, qualifies. The program will also be available until the fund either runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an official end to the pandemic health emergency.

Expanded Child Tax Credit Recipients

Once again, those eligible for the Expanded Child Tax Credit will see a payment in their accounts around the 15th of the month. This will be the sixth and final payment of 2021, with any remaining money being distributed when parents file their tax returns in the coming year.

Some will also receive the entire Child Tax Credit in one lump sum this December, which could be as much as $1,500-$1,800 per child, if they didn’t sign up for the initial monthly payments because they hadn’t filed a tax return, but notified the IRS of their eligibility before Nov. 15.

Plus-Up Payment Recipients

Those who were eligible for “Plus-Up” payments (determined by the IRS for those who saw a decrease in income between their 2020 and 2021 tax returns) could see money this month, as the IRS is still sending out those payments.

St. Louis Residents

Those who live in St. Louis, Missouri may see money this month if they apply for the city’s $500 stimulus check that people can submit applications for beginning on Dec. 18. 9,300 payments are up for grabs.

Students

In addition to still seeing a pause on student loan repayments until the end of January, some students could see themselves getting some extra cash at the end of the year if they applied for assistance through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The amounts students receive vary by educational institution.