CASH-STRAPPED Americans are set to pocket a one-time payment worth $500 on average – and they do not have to do anything to get the cash.
The payments will come from a $950 million pot and residents do not need to submit a claim form.
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Residents were sent a letter, informing them that they might be owed money, and checks will be mailed within six weeks.
The first batch of payments are set to arrive within days, as reported by the NBC affiliate WCBD-TV.
Officials estimate that more than 3,800 checks will be mailed as part of the first round.
The payment initiative is different to other rebate programs that exist.
This is because Americans do not have to file any tax returns in order to prove eligibility.
The program is known as the Palmetto Payback and applies to residents across South Carolina.
Americans just have to wait for their checks to arrive once they have received the letter.
But, they must contact local officials if their address has since changed.
It’s estimated that one in seven residents in the state have unclaimed property.
Chiefs have revealed they want to streamline the process of claiming money.
“We want to make it easier for South Carolinians to get their forgotten funds back, putting money directly into their hands,” state treasurer, Curtis Loftis, said.
States across the US have launched their own initiatives to give residents a helping hand.
Rebates are being sent to millions across Georgia.
But, they were required to ensure tax returns were filed by May 1.
OTHER PAYMENT PROGRAMS
Residents in Georgia had an extra two weeks to file their tax returns.
An extension was granted due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Millions of Americans had to adhere to the April 15 deadline set out by the Internal Revenue Service.
Under the Georgia payment plan, married couples could be in line to receive a $500 check.
Single taxpayers are in line to pocket $250, while heads of households will receive $375.
The rebate comes from a $1 billion pot and plans for the payment were first announced in October last year.
And, it’s the third time that the checks have been issued to residents across Georgia.
Governor Brian Kemp explained the payment would provide relief to locals impacted by high grocery and gas prices.
It’s expected that around 75% of the checks will be issued by direct deposit.
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