Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was enacted on March 27, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been issuing Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), also known as stimulus payments, to qualifying Americans.  Most payments are delivered electronically by direct deposit to a recipient’s account at a financial institution, including to a prepaid debit card account like Direct Express®.

The Direct Express® program is playing an important role in the delivery of EIPs to cardholders, while ensuring that monthly benefit payments continue without interruption.

Issuing EIPs via Direct Express® means that cardholders — the majority of whom do not have bank accounts – have immediate access to these critical funds and do not have to leave home to cash a check.

Payments are Automatic

The IRS will deliver individual EIPs to most eligible cardholders via the Direct Express® card automatically. Many cardholders do not need to provide additional information to the IRS.

Cardholders seeking additional payments for qualified children should visit the IRS’ website for more information.

Questions About Economic Impact Payments

Direct Express® cardholders should visit the IRS website for answers to questions about eligibility for an EIP and to track the status of their payment.

Direct Express® customer service call centers remain open, but because of stay-at-home orders and increased volume of inquiries, call wait times may be longer than usual. Cardholders are encouraged to use “self-service” options for customer service by logging into their account online at  USDirectExpress.com or through the Direct Express® mobile app.

Protection from Fraud

The Direct Express® program is warning cardholders about an increased risk from scam artists, advising cardholders to be on guard against people trying to use the EIPs as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. Cardholders have been reminded that the Direct Express® PayPerks program contains useful advice on how to protect cardholders and their cards from scammers.

A comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions is available online for cardholders.

SOURCE: DIRECT EXPRESS