As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individuals and communities across the United States, many Americans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of stimulus checks from the federal government. These payments, which are meant to provide financial assistance during these uncertain times, have left many college students wondering if they qualify for the much-needed relief.

The stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March 2020. The initial round of stimulus checks distributed $1,200 to eligible individuals, with an additional $500 for dependent children under the age of 17. The recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021, includes a third round of stimulus payments that provide $1,400 to eligible individuals.

So, do college students qualify for stimulus checks? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. In general, college students are eligible to receive stimulus checks if they meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

1. Being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien.
2. Having a valid Social Security number.
3. Not being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
4. Having an adjusted gross income (AGI) within the income limits set by the IRS.

For the third round of stimulus checks, individuals with AGIs of up to $75,000 are eligible for the full $1,400 payment. The stimulus checks phase out for individuals with AGIs between $75,000 and $80,000, and for married couples filing jointly with AGIs between $150,000 and $160,000.

College students who are claimed as dependents on their parents’ tax returns are not eligible for stimulus checks. However, if a college student is not claimed as a dependent and meets the other criteria, they are eligible to receive the stimulus payment.

It is important for college students to ensure that they have filed their tax returns for the 2020 tax year to receive the stimulus payment. If a college student did not file a tax return, they may still be eligible for a stimulus payment by using the IRS’s Non-Filers tool on their website.

Overall, college students may qualify for stimulus checks if they meet the necessary criteria and are not claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return. It is important for college students to stay informed about their eligibility and take the necessary steps to receive the financial assistance they may be entitled to during these challenging times.