The federal government is facing some challenges as stimulus checks are reportedly being sent to people who have died.
Some Americans, including a U.S. lawmaker, have taken to Twitter to share details of occurrences involving family members who have died receiving stimulus checks.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) took to Twitter with a screenshot from a friend whose deceased father has received a stimulus payment. He also shared his reaction to the flawed payment system, noting that this may only be the beginning of obstacles the U.S. Treasury may face.
“Ok this is insane, but just the tip of the iceberg. This is a direct text to me from a friend. I called to confirm this actually just happened,” Massie tweeted.
Ok this is insane, but just the tip of the iceberg. This is a direct text to me from a friend. I called to confirm this actually just happened. pic.twitter.com/GBRPcmYMXW
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 15, 2020
Many other Americans have taken to Twitter with details of similar occurrences and asking how to proceed.
“Will they want the $1,200 back?” said a widow who received the $2,400 payment which included $1,200 for her deceased husband.
Deceased people are receiving stimulus checks today.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 15, 2020
My grandmother passed away in 2018 — and $1,200 was deposited in her bank account today. pic.twitter.com/XkhyiGxBgj
@IRSnews My deceased uncle received a $1200.00 stimulus check deposited to his account this morning. We filed taxes for him, but he passed in February. What do we do with this? I've saw a blog where this happened to other people. Please advise us what to do with this money.
— Weezy (@Weezy_Johnston) April 15, 2020
I was widowed in March 2019. I filed my 2019 as married filing jointly and that my husband was deceased. I just received $2400 from the stimulus package… what happens to widows like me who are getting the $2400? Will they want the $1200 back? #widow #IRS #COVID19 #coronavirus
— Shannon – Black Lives Still Matter! (@MsPrincessShann) April 15, 2020
According to USA Today, many Americans who filed joint tax returns for 2018 or 2019 will likely receive the $2,400 payment and face no penalty, even if a spouse had died within that time, the outlet cited Nina Olson, who is a former taxpayer advocate for the IRS.
During an interview with USA Today, Olson — founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights — weighed in on the ordeal.
“That was really consciously written into the law,” Olson said, adding, “It’s rough justice. They’re using the data that’s available to get money into the system. They know in advance that some payments will go out that shouldn’t go out.”
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said his office is also looking into the matter.
Despite the seemingly odd occurrence, stimulus checks have been reportedly sent to deceased Americans in the past. In 2009, the Obama administration’s stimulus package sent more than 70,000 checks to people who had died — over half of which were returned.
