The newly announced ‘surprise’ stimulus check is different from The Child and Dependent Care Credit.
The U.S. government under the Biden administration continues to provide financial assistance to the American public. Earlier in September, officials announced another “surprise” stimulus check.
But, just like the previous relief payments, the upcoming check does not cover everyone. It only applies to some groups of individuals across the country.
The Sun recently reported that the new stimulus is part of a $700 million programme under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As for the eligibility, only farmworkers, as well as those belonging to the meatpacking workers, will get the one-time relief payment.
‘Surprise’ stimulus check for meatpacking, farm workers
The amount of the “surprise” stimulus check is either AU$817 or AU$1634. This will likely depend on the qualifications that the agency has set.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the new relief payment earlier last month. He outlined the plan before reporters, though some details have remained undisclosed.
The official noted, however, that the one-time check aims to provide a “financial boost” and “help” to the workers whom he deemed “vital” amid the pandemic. He explained that they are the ones who “often found themselves at the center of COVID-19 outbreaks,” like in factories and grocery shops.
Vilsack continued that farmworkers, meatpacking workers, and grocery workers “deserve recognition for their resilience.” He also acknowledged that these individuals “overcame unprecedented challenges and took on significant personal risk” amid the COVID-19 crisis.
About The Child and Dependent Care Credit
The “surprise” stimulus check is not the same as The Child and Dependent Care Credit. As the public would recall, reports referred to the latter as a “surprise” relief payment, as well.
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is under the American Rescue Plan. It covers childcare costs, as well as expenses relating to having dependents.
The amount of the check is $10,896. But, the figure increases up to over AU$21,780 when there are two or more dependents.
The Internal Revenue Service will reportedly disburse these checks next year. As for the new “surprise” relief payment for farmworkers and meatpacking workers, the Department of Agriculture will hand the aid out through “relevant groups,” like state agencies, for distribution.
Fourth stimulus payment updates
Meanwhile, there are still no updates about the fourth stimulus check. Many believe that its arrival is already unlikely due to the improvements amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even so, some states have decided to form their own relief payments for their respective residents. The U.S. government also has other aids and programs, such as the Child Tax Credit, as well as the upcoming “surprise” stimulus check.
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