On March 30, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released a statement advising Americans how best to receive the stimulus payments that were part of the federal government’s coronavirus response legislation.

Adults will receive up to $1,200 for themselves and up to $500 per child.

“Getting cash into the hands of American families will help them through this difficult time and help stabilize the economy,” Feinstein said.

Feinstein said anyone who filed a tax return for the tax years 2018 or 2019 will receive the funds automatically.

Additionally, Social Security recipients will also be automatically enrolled if they received benefits either year.

“However, individuals who didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019 should file a return for the 2019 tax year now,” she said. “When filing a return, you should also sign up for direct deposit to receive recovery payments as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t expect to receive a rebate or owe any taxes, filing a return is the only way to receive recovery funds.”

There is no qualified income threshold or requirement to receive the rebate. However, for single filers who earn more than $75,000, heads of household who earn more than $112,500 and joint filers who earn more than $150,000, the checks will be reduced at a 5% rate of income above those levels, meaning single filers who earn more than $99,000, heads of household who earn more than $136,500 and joint filers who earn more than $198,000 will not receive rebates.

People do not need to claim their checks (unless they have not either filed a tax return this year or last year) – the IRS will send out rebates automatically to their direct deposit or to the address provided on the last tax return submitted. The rebates are not taxable income.

Rebates sent via direct deposit will take a few weeks. Rebates sent via checks may take a few months.

Those who have not filed taxes for 2018 or 2019 can file their 2019 tax return now to claim the rebate.

Rebates will not be subject to garnishment, except if back child support is owed.