In the next few weeks Americans should be receiving their stimulus checks in the mail.
So far it’s clear that those who filed their taxes for up until at least 2018 and those who receive social security benefits will get their checks, but we found the lines are little blurred for other groups.
Kevin Harland has been living at a small campsite in St. Augustine.
Sometimes he sleeps in a Jeep, but without a true roof over his head, he’s travels between Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine.
"I came to Florida and I had numerous jobs, you know, but, in the end, it comes down to I couldn’t pay my rent, Harland said.
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Without a job, Harland found himself living on the streets.He told Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon he hasn’t filed a tax return in years.
Without a physical address for a mailed check to go to, he, along with others that are homeless, don’t know how they would be able to receive their own stimulus check.
"So we don’t know what to do," Harland said.
Thursday night, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said some Americans will start receiving their checks in two weeks.
The United Way of Northeast Florida helps low income families file their taxes.
Carter Elliott the director of financial stability told Action News Jax not everyone will qualify.
“If someone has not filed a 18 or 19 federal tax return, they will not be receiving the stimulus payment. The exception is people that are on social security,” Elliott said.
“The people that need it the most, homeless people, unfortunately, they will not be receiving a stimulus payment,” Elliott said.
The organization said their best advice is to file a simple 2018 or 2019 tax return even if you’re out of work, that way you can still receive a payment.
The United Way offers free tax filing assistance through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).
Right now their program is on hold because of COVID-19, but they’re still encouraging people to check their website for updates on when they’ll be able to open.
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