Step-by-Step Guide to Help Unhoused Individuals Access Survival Checks
Step 1: Ask if they’ve already received a stimulus payment. If yes, there is no need to complete the following
steps. If no, proceed to the following steps.
Step 2: Determine an address to put on their form. If receiving a physical check or EIP card, the address
should be where individuals are able to receive mail. Review the following options if a reliable mailing address
is not readily available:
a. Ask the individual if they are already connected to any social services (e.g. SNAP, SSI, VA) that can be
used as a physical address. This can include: homeless shelters; outreach services with a case-manager;
day centers or other unhoused services providers; housed family members or friends; or businesses or
organizations in the area that have volunteered their addresses for this purpose.
b. Along with these options, individuals may utilize a post office address for “General Delivery.” A post
office will hold general delivery for 30 days. Individuals will need to contact the post office for General
Delivery instructions in their area.
Step 3: Determine how the individual wishes to receive their stimulus payment. Individuals may choose from
one of the following options:
a. Direct deposit: requires having an account to deposit into, including Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal. A
benefit of CashApp is the CashCard, which is free and can be used as a debit card. Venmo also has a
debit card-like option.
b. Mailed Economic Impact Stimulus (EIP) card: functions similar to a pre-loaded debit card.
c. Mailed check: using one of the above address options.
Step 4: File the Tax Forms
a. Follow the instructions above to complete Form 1040.
b. Ensure the individual utilizes the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the first two stimulus checks. To
fill this out, enter the relevant information on line 30 of the form. There is a worksheet on page 58 of
this IRS 1040 instruction manual to assist filers with completing line 30 of Form 1040.
Additional Important Information
● *The IRS will automatically send EIP3 to people who did not file a return but receive Social Security
retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits.
● Unhoused people can go to the nearest IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site for
direct assistance.
● This Economic Impact Payment is open to debt collectors to collect from it before it is distributed to
the person.