CARES Act Stimulus Payments Have Reached 160 Million Households — But Could Reach Millions More
The CARES Act Stimulus Payments Report by New America analyzes the implementation and impact of the Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting accessibility challenges and policy recommendations for future direct payments.
This report examines how the stimulus payments under the CARES Act reached different populations, identifying barriers that prevented some eligible individuals—particularly low-income, unbanked, and marginalized communities—from receiving timely payments.
It explores issues such as gaps in IRS data, reliance on digital access for non-filers, and difficulties faced by people without permanent addresses. The report also offers recommendations to improve the efficiency and inclusivity of direct payment programs in future economic crises, including better data-sharing across government agencies, simplified claim processes, and expanded outreach efforts to ensure all eligible recipients can access financial relief.
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