LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — While members of Congress weigh another round of stimulus payments, there are millions of Americans who still haven't received their initial checks.
One of those is Willie Charlton, a disabled veteran from Leavenworth who is struggling to pay his bills.
"I've never been this bad, and I'm sure I'm not the only one out there feeling this bad," Charlton said.
The Social Security recipient is on a fixed income and even put his car up for sale to make ends meet.
When Charlton learned he would receive a $1,200 economic impact payment, he was relieved.
Yet nearly a month after the first checks were deposited, he says there's no money in his account.
"I've been calling my bank. I've been on the Internet trying to figure out what's going on with the checks and can't get answers," Charlton said.
Charlton is in the same boat as other Social Security recipients and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries. It wasn't until last week that the IRS began sending their payments.
People receiving paper checks are looking at an even longer wait. The Treasury Department said it began mailing those out on April 21.
The House Committee on Ways and Means estimated it could take up to 20 weeks for all of the checks to be sent.
It's a tough timetable for people in need.
"I know it takes time, but it doesn't take this long," Charlton said.
The IRS website has a "Get My Payment" portal where you can enter information and learn the status of your stimulus check.
Unfortunately the tool won't help people who receive SSI or VA benefits. According to the IRS, that's because information is not loaded into the system for people who don't normally file tax returns.
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