What if my stimulus check gets lost in the mail
If your stimulus check gets lost in the mail, there are a few steps you can take to try to recover it:
- Contact the IRS: Reach out to the IRS immediately by calling their Economic Impact Payment (EIP) hotline at 1-800-829-1040. They can help you determine if your check was mailed and if it's still possible to recover it.
- Check with the US Postal Service: Contact your local post office or visit the USPS website to see if they have any information about your missing check. You can also file a claim with the USPS to try to recover your lost check.
- Check your bank account: If you had your stimulus check direct deposited into your bank account, you may still be able to receive the funds. Check your account to see if the deposit was made.
- Wait for a replacement check: If the IRS determines that your check was lost in the mail, they may be able to issue a replacement check. This could take several weeks, so be patient.
- Consider a prepaid debit card: If you're unable to recover your lost check, you may be eligible for a prepaid debit card, known as an EIP Card, which is issued by the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. This card can be used to access your stimulus funds.
To minimize the risk of your stimulus check getting lost in the mail, make sure to:
- Verify your address with the IRS to ensure it's accurate.
- Consider having your stimulus check direct deposited into your bank account.
- Keep an eye on your mail and report any missing or lost checks to the IRS and USPS promptly.
Remember to stay calm and patient, and don't hesitate to reach out to the IRS or USPS if you have any questions or concerns about your stimulus check.