Clyburn says $1,400 checks could go out as soon as next week

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) on Tuesday said he believed Americans could start getting the $1,400 direct payments included in the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package by as early as next week.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Kristen Welker, Clyburn said he expected the House would vote on the package on Wednesday, and that this would allow checks to begin going out next week.

“I’m very hopeful that by the beginning of next week, some relief can be realized,” he said, saying the payments would have to go through the machinery of government.

“The president can’t just toss the money out once he signs the bill,” he said.

Pressed by Welker whether he was saying that the checks could go out next week, Clyburn said: “That’s my thought. I used to run a state agency. I know what it’s like being an administrator.”

Clyburn acknowledged that “we’ll be at the mercy of the administrative process” but that he was hopeful checks could begin being sent out next week.

Similar to the first two rounds of stimulus payments, individuals making up to $75,000 per year and couples making up to $150,000 are eligible to receive the $1,400 payments.

Those making between $75,000 and $80,000 a year, and married couples with income between $150,000 and $160,000, will receive partial payments. Any individual making more than $80,000 a year, and married couples with an income higher than $160,000, will not be eligible for a check.

The phaseout for payments is faster than the previous two stimulus bills, meaning some households that previously received checks will not be eligible this time around. House Democrats initially proposed higher cutoffs, but they were ultimately lowered after the bill passed through the Senate. 

Adult dependents, however, are now eligible to receive payments, including college students, disabled adults and elderly relatives. Previously, only dependents under 17 qualified for checks. 

The $1,400 checks are larger than the $1,200 and $600 direct payments included in the two previous stimulus packages passed under former President Trump.