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Stimulus check distribution begins; NAFCU to monitor impact on CU operations
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tuesday began delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to eligible individuals as a part of the Phase 4 coronavirus relief and funding omnibus package.
"Treasury and the IRS are working with unprecedented speed to issue a second round of Economic Impact Payments to eligible Americans and their families," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "These payments are an integral part of our commitment to providing vital additional economic relief to the American people during this unprecedented time."
According to recent reports, the Treasury Department was able to process and distribute all 113 million Automated Clearing House (ACH) EIP payments on Dec. 29 and 30, valued at $112 billion. Treasury began mailing paper checks yesterday.
The Treasury Department has indicated that should legislation be enacted to provide for an increased amount, EIPs that have already been issued "will be topped up as quickly as possible." Per President Trump's urging, the House Monday moved, in a 275-134 vote, to increase the EIPs to adults to $2,000; however, the bill is pending in the Senate.
NAFCU earlier this month joined with other industry trade groups to reiterate its call for additional clarity for processing electronic and paper check transactions to ensure credit unions and other financial institutions have the resources and guidance needed to efficiently get funds to consumers. The latest round of EIPs benefit from certain technical improvements to facilitate processing of ACH files.
A NAFCU Compliance Blog from earlier this year outlined some considerations for credit unions processing EIP checks to help address potential issues. Additional resources that address second round EIP payments will be covered in a forthcoming NAFCU compliance blog. Credit unions should be aware that the Phase 4 legislation now clarifies that EIP funds are protected from garnishment, offset or levy. Treasury has addressed how protected payments should be handled in the following FAQs.
NAFCU will continue to share how credit unions' operations are affected by processing EIPs and seek additional guidance and improvements.