The government may offer financial assistance during the pandemic

Collin Koch, Reporter

Lawmakers reached a stimulus deal that is worth $2 trillion to aid the American people who qualify during the economic downfall caused by the coronavirus on March 25. 

If people qualify, individuals will receive $1,200, married couples will receive $2,400, and if individuals, or couples, have children that are under the age of 17, they will receive an additional $500 dollars. 

Individuals making more than $99,000 per year would not qualify for any payment, along with anyone totaling a gross income of more than $75,000. 

President Trump and the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, hoped for an April 6 payment, but some have said that the payments could be held until the beginning of May according to a CNN article. 

Qualifying income levels will be set by the 2019 federal tax return, but if the 2019 tax returns are not already filed, then it will be based upon the 2018 federal tax return. 

“It is a huge relief. Both of my kids are now out of work due to the Coronavirus and it was really going to be a financial burden on us. I am very thankful for the help,” Tammi Sullivan, a resident of Bakersfield, said.