NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The much-needed financial help is here. Thousands of Tennesseans are among the very first to get stimulus payments.
They awoke to find the cash in their accounts. And, if you're still waiting: hang on. The money is coming.
The very first payments went out from the U.S. Treasury late last week and many more arrived, mostly by direct deposit, in the early morning hours Monday.
And, as you might imagine they were eagerly anticipated. "Got up this morning, got my coffee, sat down at my desk and I was just amazed we got our check from the IRS this morning, our stimulus check," said Lisa Bishop.
She and her husband are among the very first to get the payment. She says $2,400 dollars was direct deposited into their account.
"And it was a blessing because Friday my husband came home from work and told me his hour were cut to four days a week. So, that would have hurt us tremendously," said Bishop.
Of course, the Bishops aren't alone. There are many others like caterer Cristina Stewart who now have little or no work, and are depending on savings.
"When that's gone that's it. I'll have no money coming in what-so-ever," said Stewart.
So, Stewart and millions of other Americans are counting on these stimulus payments to help get by until they return to work.
If you haven't received yours yet, don't worry. The first payments go to those who filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019 ... and have direct deposit
Paper checks will not go out until early May ... and it's possible some might now see the money until mid-summer. But they will arrive.
"People need to have hope because it is happening. The checks are hitting the banks," said Bishop.
Remember, if you've filed taxes or collect social security or disability, there's nothing you need to do. But, if you've moved go to the IRS website to make sure they have your correct mailing address or bank account number.
There's also this: By the end of the week, at IRS.gov, you'll find a new tool installed called "Get my payment." Log in and this will allow you to track the arrival status of your stimulus payment online
One other note: The IRS will send a letter to your last known address within 15 days after the payment is made That letter will tell you how to report if you didn't receive it.
Please remember to be on alert for scam artists, and confirm any contacts are legitimate from IRS before sharing any information.
