Will My Stimulus Check Be Forwarded to My New Address?

Many individuals move shortly after receiving their stimulus checks and are concerned whether their check will be forwarded to their new address. This is a common worry, but the good news is that most post offices do indeed forward these checks.

What Is the Current Status?

According to the IRS, most post offices are efficient in forwarding stimulus checks. If you moved and have recently updated your address with the post office, your check should reach your new address. However, in rare cases, a postmaster may return the check to the IRS. If that happens, the status on the 'Get My Payment' tool will indicate that the check is returned. Then, you can request a direct deposit and enter your new bank details.

What Should You Do If You Don't Receive the Check?

If your check hasn’t arrived or you find it marked as returned, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:

Update Your Address with the IRS: You can check your stimulus refund status through the IRS tool. Make sure to update your address within the system, as this can help in sending the check to your new location. Call the USPS: Contact the United States Post Office and inquire about whether your stimulus check will indeed be forwarded to your new address. Check Your Mailbox: If you haven't received your stimulus check, ensure that your mailbox is checked thoroughly, as many people may inadvertently misplace it.

Understanding the Post Office Forwarding System

It's important to understand that not all mail is forwarded. While the USPS may update its records based on the National Change of Address (NCOA) system, government checks specifically may not be automatically forwarded by all post offices. This means you should directly update your address with state and federal agencies for best results.

Updating Your Address with State and Federal Agencies

Here are a few state and federal agencies you should update with your new address:

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Social Security Administration (SSA) Medicare Unemployment Assistance Programs Voter Registration Vehicular Titles Stimulus Assistance Programs Food Stamps (SNAP)

By notifying these agencies directly, you ensure that your records are up to date and that you receive important correspondence, including your stimulus check.

Final Thoughts

Most post offices do a great job in forwarding stimulus checks, so there is no need to worry too much. If you discover that your check is returned, the IRS makes it easy to request a direct deposit. Additionally, regularly updating your address with state and federal agencies can help prevent such situations in the future.