What does "Status Not Available" Mean?


One of the most anticipated parts of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is the Economic Impact Payment (EIP), otherwise known as the Stimulus Check. These payments have started earlier than expected, which everyone appreciates. However, this leads to the question of: When will I get my check? Millions have already received their payments, when is made simple when they use Direct Deposit. Everyone else may be waiting in a state of COVID-19 induced anxiety while playing the waiting game. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided a tool to help with this situation.


The IRS launched a new website called Get My Payment to help Taxpayer understand when they might receive their EIP. It was overwhelmed with traffic and now it has been reported to be working efficiently. Many do not understand why the website will at times respond “Status Not Available”. It can be a number of reasons. 1. Not everyone is eligible for a payment. 2. There is some documentation that needs to be filed or has yet to be processed. 3. For a time, the IRS had to work with different government agencies to make sure this amount was provided in the same way their other benefits are. Those problems have been mostly taken care of. 4. This is only available to those with Social Security numbers.


Remember this is just the beginning of the process. There will be many bumps in the road. It might take an exercise in patience, but this tool will prove to be useful to those who need it.

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