Third Stimulus Check Update: When Could We Get Another Stimulus Check?
President Biden and others in Congress are pushing for a third-round of stimulus checks, but it might be a while before we get them.


Some people haven't received their second-round stimulus payment yet, but that's not stopping Americans from wondering when they'll get a third stimulus check. (Notice that I said "when" – not "if" – because a third round of stimulus checks almost seems like a done deal now that the Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the presidency.) But you shouldn't necessarily expect another payment right away. Another round of stimulus checks won't magically appear just because Joe Biden is now president. It's not that simple.
There are a number of factors that will determine the timing of a third stimulus check. Will they be included in a stand-alone bill or combined with other stimulus measures? Where will stimulus checks fall on President Biden's priority list? Will impeachment proceedings slow things down? These are some of the questions that need to be answered before the timetable for a third stimulus check can be established.
[Stay on top of all the new stimulus bill developments – Sign up for the Kiplinger Today E-Newsletter. It's FREE!]

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Stand-Alone Bill vs. Large Stimulus Package
Perhaps the quickest way to get a third stimulus check is for Congress to pass a stand-alone bill – in other words, a bill that is only about stimulus checks. We came pretty close to a third payment after a stand-alone bill – the CASH Act – was passed by the House of Representatives in December. That bill would have added a $1,400 stimulus check on top of the $600 second-round payments going out now (for a total of $2,000). However, Republicans blocked a vote on the CASH Act in the Senate.
But now Democrats will control which bills get a vote in the Senate. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the new Senate Majority Leader, pushed hard for the CASH Act and will to do so again for a new stimulus check bill. And he wants to move fast. "One of the first things that I want to do," Schumer said, "is deliver the $2,000 checks to the American families." With a stand-alone bill, that could happen relatively quickly – perhaps within a week or so. The IRS could then start sending out new payments in a matter of days (as they did with the second round of stimulus checks). That would potentially put third-round stimulus money in peoples' pockets in early February.
President Biden has other plans, though. He wants to include a third round of stimulus checks in a $1.9 trillion economic relief package that would also provide money for vaccine distribution, opening schools, state and local government, enhanced unemployment benefits, and much more. By combining all these relief measures into a single bill, it will likely take longer to get through Congress – especially since the Democrats majority is the Senate is razor thin (a 50-50 split, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaking vote).
Just one Democratic defector could gum up the works on a comprehensive bill in the new Senate. In fact, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has already thrown some shade on the idea of more stimulus checks if they're not "targeted" and only sent to people who need them. Other Democratic senators could also have other objections to the contents of a large bill (in many cases, arguing that not enough relief money is being proposed). With so much money involved and so many different programs, it could take weeks of negotiations to get enough senators on board. A few Republican votes could be needed too, which could take some time to arrange. If there's no Republican support, then Biden's plan would probably have to go through the budget reconciliation process to pass in the Senate (this would allow the package to pass with only a majority vote instead of 60 votes). Under this approach, delivery of third-round stimulus checks could easily be delayed until late February or March – or, perhaps, later.
Other Reasons for Delay
Getting the virus under control will be President Biden's number one priority once he's in office. While helping Americans who are hurting financially because of the pandemic is important, there will likely be other COVID-related health measures he'll want to handle first. If that means taking the focus off economic relief – and off stimulus checks in particular – then that could delay third-round payments.
Congress will have a lot on its plate, too. Democrats want bold change quickly on several fronts. But their agenda could be held up by impeachment proceedings against former President Trump in the Senate. Time spent on impeachment means time away from economic relief – and, therefore, away from stimulus checks.
Some Democrats have suggested waiting a few months to send articles of impeachment to the Senate for consideration. That tactic would minimize delay on economic relief and other priorities by allowing the Senate to take care of other business before tackling the thorny issue of impeachment.
And let's not forget that the Senate will also have to confirm Biden's appointees to his cabinet and other political offices. This, too, could take time away from dealing with stimulus checks and other economic matters.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
New Hawaii 'Green Tax' Approved: Will Your Vacation Cost More?
State Tax Your trip to the Aloha State could be a bit more expensive next year. Here's why
-
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Could Reshape 529 Plans
Trump's budget-reconciliation package could change 529 plan rules as early as this summer. What does that mean for you?
-
New GOP Car Loan Tax Deduction: Which Vehicles and Buyers Qualify
Tax Breaks To fulfill Trump's campaign promise, House GOP lawmakers want to offer a tax deduction for car loan interest. How would it work?
-
What Do Trump's Pardons for Rich Tax Evaders Mean for IRS Enforcement?
Tax Law Recent pardons raise questions about tax fairness and the difference between tax avoidance and evasion.
-
Big GOP Tax Bill Could Change Your Estate Planning for 2025
Tax Law The GOP might extend and increase the higher estate and gift tax exemption and AMT thresholds. What might this mean for your estate plan?
-
New Overtime Tax Deduction Proposed for Millions Working Extra Hours
Tax Law Some lawmakers and President Trump want to offer overtime tax relief. But will a tax deduction or an exemption help you most?
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in New York
Property Tax If you’re planning a move in New York, here are the counties with the lowest property tax bills in the Empire State.
-
‘My Etsy Shop is Dead’: Vendors Cry for Help Amid Trump’s Tariffs
Tariffs Small businesses are struggling to thrive as they absorb the Trump administration’s new wave of tariffs.
-
Will Trump’s 100% Movie Tariff Double Your Ticket Prices? What to Know
Tariffs Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign films threatens global productions and your wallet.
-
Three Things Star Wars Fans Taught Me About Tax
Tax Tips May the force be with you and your taxes this Star Wars Day 2025.