Study: Black, Latino, Poor Citizens Less Likely to Receive Coronavirus Checks

As Congress considers sending another round of stimulus checks, a new study shows that Black, Latino and poor citizens received $1,200 stimulus checks intended to ease the economic blow caused by the coronavirus pandemic at lower rates than other groups.

The research, by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, found that only 59 percent of adults with incomes under 100% of the federal poverty level said they received payments. Nearly 69% of Black adults and 64% of Hispanics reported receiving payments versus close to 74% white adults.

The study mentioned that a lack of access to bank accounts and internet access were possible reasons some people didn't get checks on time or at all. Also, many Latinos who are undocumented and aren't legal citizens can't qualify for bank accounts.

These issues may crop up again if Congress decides to deliver another round of stimulus payments.

The IRS distributed more than 159 million payments in the first round of coronavirus stimulus. Payments as high as $1,200 went to people with adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 or less. Payments of up to $2,400 were sent to married couples who filed jointly with incomes of up to $150,000.

“That’s a problem anytime, but it’s a particular problem during the pandemic,” Janet Holtzblatt, a tax expert and the study’s lead author, told USA Today.

• Looking for Your Stimulus Check? IRS Says You Must Contact It by October 15
• McConnell Signals Direct Payments May Be Included in Next Stimulus Package