Consumer Alert
Stimulus payments for people, not nursing homes
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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In reply to By me living with my son and by Annaxor1
The IRS website says you are not eligible for a stimulus check if someone claimed you as a dependant on their 2019 tax return.
In reply to Does this payment only apply by bluemoon.lucky…
Generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, you may be eligible for a payment. The IRS website has questions and answers and information about eligibility..
In reply to Does this include home 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.
In reply to I work in a nursing home and 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.
In reply to According to Congress, the by FTC Staff