$1,200 stimulus checks to distribute to VA recipients automatically

Veterans who receive federal benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be required to file with the IRS to get their COVID-19 stimulus checks despite previous concerns. 

According to the IRS, VA recipients will get “a $1,200 Economic Income Payment with no further action needed on their part. Timing on the payments is still being determined.” This announcement comes after previous statements from lawmakers and veterans groups warning that a large number of veterans and their family members could miss out on the direct payments because they usually aren’t required to file tax returns. 

“Additional programming work remains, but this step simplifies the process for VA recipients to quickly and easily receive these $1,200 payments automatically,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.

 “We deeply appreciate the sacrifices and service to our country by each and every veteran and their families, as well as the assistance of VA and the Bureau of Fiscal Services in this effort.”

VA recipients will receive their stimulus check in the same way they receive their current benefits. Those who receive benefits and also have a dependent under the age of 17 will need to use the IRS non-filter tool to ensure they receive their $500 per child included in the CARES Act.