Federal Stimulus Package: How Much PA Residents Can Expect

PENNSYLVANIA — As the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak make themselves felt across Pennsylvania's economy, there's some help on the way for residents in the form of a historic stimulus package passed by the federal government.

After weeks of negotiations and compromise, the $2 trillion aid package was passed through the U.S. Senate unanimously Wednesday night. It now goes to the House for a vote Friday before heading to President Trump's desk. Trump has promised to immediately sign it.

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The vote comes as stay at home orders were put in place across Pennsylvania, and enforcement began on the closures of all non-life-essential businesses, as officials scramble to contain the virus.

"For days, Senate Democrats have been fighting for a COVID-19 relief bill that helps workers and families, not just special interests," U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said in a statement. "We held firm in our insistence that the health and security of Americans must take precedence over corporate bailouts. Now it’s vitally important that this bill move as fast as we can now that we made badly needed corrections to meet the crisis so many families, businesses and workers face."

A total of 1,687 people in Pennsylvania tested positive for coronavirus as of Thursday afternoon, and 16 are dead. Unemployment claims surged by 650,000 as the state's economy radically shifted.

"A lethal pathogen has invaded our country, killing hundreds and making tens of thousands ill. In an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, employers across the country, including in Pennsylvania, have been forced to close," U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey said in a statement. "Our economy is shutting down and millions of Americans are unable to work, travel, or simply enjoy common aspects of life."

He added that while the bill was "far from perfect," that "this bill will do much more good than harm. This crisis demands this action and the Senate delivered. I hope the House moves quickly to pass it and send it to the President for his signature."

Here's what Pennsylvanians need to know about the new legislation:

How much money are Americans getting?

Most workers who earned up to $75,000 will get $1,200, plus $500 per child, and joint filers who made up to $150,000 will get $2,400, plus $500 per child. Payments will be gradually less for workers who made more than $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers) and stop altogether at $99,000 ($198,000 for joint filers.) The information will be taken from your 2019 or, if unavailable, 2018 tax returns.

You can find out how much you may be getting here.

When can Americans expect to see the money?

The White House has made it clear it wants the money to go out as soon as possible. Officials are eyeing April 6, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Wednesday many people would have their money within three weeks of Trump signing the bill into law. April 6 is less than two weeks away.

How are payments being dispersed?

The Internal Revenue Service will use your 2019, of if unavailable, 2018 return to get your direct deposit information. If that is unavailable, they will send a check to the mailing address on the return they are using.

What about unemployment?

There will be 13 weeks of unemployment payments added to whatever each state offers, as well as $600 a week for four months on top of whatever each state pays.