The IRS was refusing to give people CARES Act relief payments if they were incarcerated. However, a federal judge recently ordered the IRS to give people payments if they qualify for them, even if incarcerated in state/ federal prison.
If you did not get a payment because you were incarcerated in a state/ federal prison and you qualify, you can get a payment if you send in a paper form with postmark before October 30th, 2020.
Please Note: The IRS has not agreed to approve electronic claims submitted by loved ones and third parties for people currently incarcerated. Individuals must complete/ sign the claims application themselves.
You Are Eligible If ALL of the Following Are True
You are a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident;
You were not claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return;
Your 2019 income was below $75,000 for individuals / $150,000 for couples filing taxes jointly;
If you are married or if you have qualifying children, your spouse and your children have a valid Social Security Number
What Do I Need To Do To Receive a Payment?
If you filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return or if you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits: You do not need to take action (except update any address/bank info that changed). You should receive an automatic payment in the mail or bank account on your tax filings.
For “Non-Filers” (People who have not filed taxes for 2019 or 2018): The Non-Filers form can be found on the IRS website.
Please note: The IRS has not agreed to approve electronic claims submitted by loved ones and third parties for people currently incarcerated. Individuals must complete/ sign the claims application themselves.
BenePhilly counselors located at Project HOME are available 9am - 6pm Mon-Fri at 215-768-6686 or 267-804-9112, and can support the completion of applications over the phone.
For more information, click here.