Government Payment Cards (2024)

FAQs

What kind of card is the government sending out? ›

About Government Payment Cards

Government Payment Cards are not linked to your bank account, and they are not credit cards. They are prepaid debit cards onto which a government agency loads funds directly and you can use them just like traditional debit cards.

Your Economic Impact Payment Card (EIP Card) contains the money you are receiving under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020 or the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

The form of payment for the third EIP may be different than earlier stimulus payments. More people are receiving direct deposits, while those receiving a payment in the mail may get a paper check or an EIP Card.

The federal government uses prepaid cards to pay certain federal benefits, such as veterans' benefits or Social Security benefits.

If you recently received an Economic Impact Payment prepaid debit card from the government in the mail, this is money for you under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Do not throw this card away. You will need this card to access your Economic Impact Payment.

Visa Government Prepaid is an electronic disbursem*nt method that replaces paper checks. For benefit recipients, especially those without a banking relationship, Visa Government Prepaid cards provide a safer alternative to carrying cash and checks and are a convenient way to receive government disbursem*nts.

Claiming Your Third Stimulus Check

To qualify, you: Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else's U.S. tax return. Must have a valid Social Security number. Must meet income limits in your 2021 tax return: up to $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of households and $150,000 for joint filers.

Millions of Americans will get their third Economic Impact Payment in the mail as a prepaid debit card. The EIP Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov to see if your third payment has been scheduled. ❯

Our rating: False. There is no evidence such a stimulus program is being offered.

The third Economic Impact Payment will be larger for most eligible people. Eligible individuals who filed a joint tax return will receive up to $2,800, and all other eligible individuals will receive up to $1,400. Those with qualifying dependents on their tax return will receive up to $1,400 per qualifying dependent.

Who qualifies for an EIP card? ›

Individuals with a Social Security number (SSN) who cannot be claimed as a dependent and have an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 – or less than $150,000 if married and filing a joint return – qualify for the full EIP amount.

Visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment to check the status of your EIP.

The US General Services Administration (GSA) SmartPay program enables Federal agencies and other authorized users to obtain purchase, travel, fleet, and integrated charge card products and services through Master Contracts GSA has established with SmartPay3 servicing banks.

A flex card is a debit card pre-loaded with money to help pay for out-of-pocket health related costs and some everyday expenses to boost your well-being. ¹. It's a benefit that's only available through Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which is Medicare through private insurance.

You received an EIP Card because you are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and the IRS did not have your bank account information. The EIP Card allows you to quickly access your Economic Impact Payment.

To get a Medicare flex card, you must be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers a flex card as a benefit. To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must qualify for Original Medicare Parts A and B. This means you must be 65+ years of age or have a qualifying disability.

Starting February 15, 2024, the Employment Development Department (EDD) begins issuing payments for unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave customers on new Money Network prepaid debit cards. Benefit payments will no longer be issued on Bank of America debit cards.

The GSA SmartPay Program is the largest government charge card and commercial payment solutions program in the world.