Column: Are college students eligible to receive a stimulus check?

After Donald Trump signed the $2 Trillion revised stimulus proposal, college students may be wondering if they will be among those receiving a check.

As the COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise across the United States, millions of individuals and businesses are in need of financial assistance. But are college students eligible?

Upon reviewing answers from The Economic Times, CNN, The New York Times, they all give only a partial answer, leaving some students stumped.

Generally speaking, it is understood that college students are in various financial situations but unfortunately, these situations are not outlined in the articles.  Although there is a lack of information, the consensus from the above sources confirmed if you are a student claimed as a dependent on a tax return, it will disqualify you from receiving a check.  

The following are sample questions that are left unaddressed:

“What if I am a student that files taxes independently, but I am under the age of 24 and use my parents’ information for my FAFSA?”

“Am I considered a dependent if I am under the age of 24, live with my parents, but legally married?

“What if I am under the age of 24, do not live with my parents, and file my taxes independently?”

At this time, the IRS, the responsible party for depositing funds into accounts and sending checks, state on their website “there is no information available yet and to check back for updates.” It is unclear when updates will be released.

In the meantime, if you are a student and in need, contact your school and check to see if they have resources available. The College Investor also has online opportunities listed within its list of 100+ job ideas for students.