Economic Impact Payments (EIP), or “stimulus checks,” are a key provision of the CARES Act that help people make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, millions of Americans, many of them low income, may not know they are eligible or how to submit their information and receive their payment.

The Department of Community and Human Services encourages residents and community organizations to help reach out to these people and ensure they don’t miss out on this much needed assistance by the October 15 deadline.

Most people who regularly file a tax return or receive federally administered assistance, like social security, were automatically sent their checks, but several million people have no tax filing obligation because they make too little income to file federal taxes. Individuals who have not received their EIP could also include those who are recipients of federal and state cash assistance benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid participants, or individuals with insecure housing or who are currently homeless.

The fastest way for eligible individuals and families to claim their EIP is to file a simple return through the non-filer portal on the IRS website by October 15, 2020. People who miss this deadline can also file a 2020 tax return next year to receive the payment in 2021.

The  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a guide and customizable flyer for community and faith-based organizations to help with outreach efforts.

For more information, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.