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If you, or someone you care about, lives in an assisted living facility or nursing home, read on. Because the bill funding the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) has now been signed into law. The money — right now, $600 per person who qualifies — is being sent out over the next few weeks. And, like last time, the money is meant for the PERSON, not the place they might live.

In the first round, which I’ll call EIP 1.0, we know that some nursing facilities tried to take the stimulus payments intended for their residents…particularly those on Medicaid. Which wasn’t, shall we say, legal, and kept some attorneys general busy recovering those funds for people.

Now, with EIP 2.0, we would hope those facilities have learned their lesson. But, just in case, let’s be clear: If you qualify for a payment, it’s yours to keep. If a loved one qualifies and lives in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s theirs to keep. The facility may not put their hands on it, or require somebody to sign it over to them. Even if that somebody is on Medicaid.

It would be worth a quick chat with management of the facility in question, just to remind them that the rules are the same this time through. And if you hear about a nursing home or assisted living facility being grabby about Economic Impact Payments, tell your state attorney general right away. And then tell the FTC at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Troubz13
January 04, 2021
I haven't got my stimulus payment yet q
Annaxor1
January 04, 2021
By me living with my son and family and him claiming me on tax returns, am I going to get any money? I didn't get any from last round. Hopefully I will get some this time.
bluemoon.lucky…
January 04, 2021
Does this payment only apply to people in USA only. I live in Ontario Canada. In a trailer park owed by the provincial government
Don'tMJackson …
January 04, 2021
Does this include home Healthcare aides dealing with people with a altered mental status, dementia, & a communication defect
FTC Staff
January 07, 2021

In reply to by Don'tMJackson …

This blog is about payments to people who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Other people will be eligible for the stimulus payment. The IRS says that most people who are eligible for second Economic Impact Payment will automatically get a payment from the IRS. Go to www.IRS.gov/EIP to learn more.

Peanut1005
January 07, 2021
Will I get a stimulus payment if I was claimed by my daughter I didn’t get it last time I read that this time I would be able to get it even if I was claimed on her tax return
Joanie
January 12, 2021
I work in a nursing home and we are aware that the money is for the residents. What about the family members who demand that the stimulus money be given to them? Are they not obligated to provide proof that they are spending it on the residents? How do we know that the families are not keeping it as their own money? Also, when is Medicaid going to count these monies toward the residents' resource limit & possibly terminate their Medicaid? Thank you.
FTC Staff
February 03, 2021

In reply to by Joanie

According to Congress, the stimulus payments are a "tax credit." That means that the payment does not count as a resource for federal benefits like Medicaid. The government can't seize the money, and the nursing home or assisted living facility can't take it. It's the resident's check, and he or she can decide how to use it.  

According to federal law, the refunds aren't considered a "resource" in federal benefits programs for a certain amount of time. Follow this link to read the law. 

plmortemore
April 01, 2021
my father is just started on hospice, will he get his stimulus check?
Horseneck
May 24, 2021
My mother did not receive the 1400 last stimulus payment. they say because she did not file taxes in 2020. she has not filed taxes in seven years! She is 84 and has not worked.
Mona
June 16, 2021
I need help on trying to see why my mom never received her first and second stimulus. She was in the nursing home all last year and she pass this past feb.