Who gets a check with coronavirus stimulus package?

Many questions remain about the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package that will inject billions of dollars into an economy that’s stalled as consumers stay home to protect themselves and others and as businesses shutter or lay off workers.

Here are answers to some of the top questions submitted by MassLive readers.

Who will receive stimulus checks, how much and when?

Single taxpayers: All single taxpayers earning up to $75,000 will receive $1,200. For each qualifying child, a single taxpayer will receive $500. Employed, unemployed and self-employed taxpayers can qualify, so long as you filed your taxes in 2018 or 2019.

Married taxpayers: Married taxpayers filing jointly and earning up to $150,000 will receive $2,400, with qualifying children adding $500 each to the total.

Salary caps: According to Forbes, the checks decrease incrementally, at 5%, or $5 for every additional $100 in income, above the thresholds. The decreases begin at $75,000 for single filers; $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The checks phase out entirely for single taxpayers who earn $99,000 and have no children and $198,000 for married couples with no children.

When: Trump administration officials have said the checks could be issued by early April, but it remains to be seen whether taxpayers will have the option of receiving checks through the mail or direct deposit.

Will the checks count as taxable income?

It’s possible the funds will be repaid through a reduction of a future tax refund, or be considered a gift and therefore taxable income. Though it’s also possible the money will come tax-free, CNBC reported. What about Social Security or Social Security Disability Insurance?

A previous Senate proposal said taxpayers who rely on Social Security as part of their retirement can have their Social Security Administration data used directly, as opposed to filing tax forms. According to Vox, beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income, which helps elderly or disabled people in poverty, are not included in the latest proposal. But Democrats are pushing for the stimulus funds to be allowed to be sent through EBT cards or added to Supplemental Security Income checks, Vox reported.

What unemployment benefits are expanded in the package?

Lawmakers agreed to provide a $367 billion program to help small businesses make payroll while workers must stay home.

Small businesses that retain workers will receive cash-flow assistance structured as federally guaranteed loans, and if the employer paid workers throughout the coronavirus crisis, the loans will be forgiven, The New York Times reported.

The package allows furloughed workers to receive their salaries for four months; The Associated Press reported the workers would receive whatever amount states typically provide for unemployment, plus a $600 per week add-on. Gig workers, such as Uber drivers, freelancers and those who do not have full- or part-time employment, are covered by the package.

When can I begin to apply for the salary replacement for furloughed workers?

While it remains unclear how quickly workers can apply for the funds, the Senate is looking to pass the historic legislation by Wednesday. The House, which is not in session, is pushing for unanimous support to pass the bill without a recorded vote, The Times reported.