Stimulus Update 2022: Essential Workers In This State Will Receive $500 Checks
The one-time Employee Premium Pay Program $500 payments will be delivered to 500,000 people in March in Massachusetts, with the first receivers being essential workers.
See: This State May Soon Disperse $850 in Relief Money
Stimulus Update: $1.9 Billion May Have Been Disbursed to Ineligible People — See Why
“Distribution of the first round of $500 payments for low-income workers under the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program is finally happening! I am glad that these essential workers who worked through the pandemic are getting a little help!” Sen. Pat Jehlen tweeted.
On December 13, 2021, Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program. The Legislature allocated $460 million for premium payments to Massachusetts workers, which will distribute a $500 payment to 500,000 low-income workers across Massachusetts, according to the state’s website.
In order to be eligible, recipients must have:
- Filed a 2020 tax return
- Been a Massachusetts resident in 2020, or a part-year resident that lived in Massachusetts between March 10, 2020, and December 31, 2020
- Earned income of at least $12,750 in 2020 employment compensation
- Had a total household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level in 2020
All eligible individuals will automatically receive a check in the mail, according to the state’s website.
However, individuals who received unemployment compensation in 2020 will not be eligible for the first round of payments, nor will Commonwealth executive branch employees who received or will receive a one-time payment from the state as their employer.
See: New Mexico Passes Legislation Including Social Security Tax Cuts, Child Tax Credit and Tax Rebates up to $500
Social Security: 2023 COLA Could Be at Least 7.6%, Surpassing This Year’s Historic Increase
The $12,750 income requirement equates to working 20 hours a week for 50 weeks at minimum wage as of 2020 ($12.75). For example, the maximum total income for a single filer with no dependents will be $38,280; a resident who files with a spouse and two dependents, or with no spouse and three dependents, could be eligible with a household income up to $78,600. Married filers can each be eligible, provided each independently qualifies, the website notes.
More From GOBankingRates
- Keep an Eye Out for Rare Dime Worth as Much as $2,000 -- How To Spot It
- What Is the State of Women & Money in 2023?
- Build Your Credit Score with These Simple Strategies
- Experts: 4 Safest Places To Keep Your Savings
