Is There a Delaware Stimulus Check Coming in 2024?

While there are no new Delaware stimulus checks coming in 2024, you may still be able to get some relief through the state’s tax credits.

However, if you’re facing financial hardship and finding it difficult to pay for necessities, we recommend applying for federal assistance programs that help with food, housing, and healthcare.

In this guide, we’ll explore how tax credits work, which credits are available for Delaware residents, how to apply, and how much they could provide in the way of financial benefits.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Delaware?

There aren’t any new stimulus updates that are coming from President Biden or Congress. While there have been many social media posts about a fourth Economic Impact Payment, this information is completely false, since the federal government has no plans to issue any more coronavirus pandemic-related payments through the American Rescue Plan or the CARES Act.

If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax returns yet, we recommend doing so as soon as possible since you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit until April 15, 2025.

Delaware Stimulus Check 2024

While you can’t get a Delaware stimulus check in 2024, you can still get some relief through the state’s available tax credits. Delaware has a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC), but you may still qualify for the federal CTC.

How do Delaware Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits can help lower your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. While these are not low-income or senior stimulus programs in the traditional sense, federal and state governments use credits to provide tax relief to low-income taxpayers in need and sometimes to moderate-income taxpayers during times of economic crisis or stress.

Refundable tax credits can lower your net income tax due, and any surplus after taxes are reduced to zero can be refunded to you through an additional check or direct deposit. Non-refundable tax credits can reduce your taxes, but you won’t get a check for the surplus.  

Who Is Eligible for Delaware’s Stimulus Checks?

You can qualify for Delaware’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you qualify for the federal EITC. You must meet these eligibility requirements to qualify for the federal EITC:

• You must have an earned income under the specified income threshold.
• Your investment income for the tax year 2023 should not be more than $11,000.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien for all of 2023.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.
• You must meet certain rules if you’re not filing a joint return.
• You must not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income.

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) and earned income must be below these limits to qualify for the federal and state EITC:

• No qualifying children: $17,640 (single, head of household, widowed) $24,210 (married filing jointly)
• 1 qualifying child: $46,560 (single, head of household, widowed) $53,120 (married filing jointly)
• 2 qualifying children: $52,918 (single, head of household, widowed) $59,478 (married filing jointly)
• 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 (single, head of household, widowed) $63,398 (married filing jointly)

You must qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) to claim the state CDCTC. In order to claim the credit, you must have paid someone to care for your child or a dependent so you could work full or part-time. You must also meet these eligibility requirements to qualify for the federal and state credit:

• You and your spouse must have earned income.
• Married couples must file a joint tax return.
• You or your spouse (if filing jointly) must have paid someone for the care so you could work or look for work.
• You and your spouse (if filing jointly) must have lived in the U.S. for more than half of the tax year. Special rules may apply to military personnel stationed outside the country.
• The child must be under the age of 13.
• You must be caring for a dependent who is unable to care for themselves.
• The dependent must have lived in your home for at least half of the tax year.

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Delaware EITC is refundable and non-refundable. The non-refundable credit is 20% of the federal EITC credit, while the refundable portion is 4.5% of the federal EITC credit. The Delaware state CDCTC is 50% of the federal credit, and it is not refundable.

“It’s important to note that, for the Delaware Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), filers who file joint federal returns but separate Delaware returns may only apply the credit against the taxes of the spouse with the lower taxable income,” explains Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.

How To Track the Status of Your Delaware Stimulus Checks

Even if you qualify for the state EITC and CDCTC, you won’t get a direct payment. The credits will be applied to your state income tax, and if you qualify, you may get a tax refund for the refundable portion of the Delaware EITC, either as a paper check or through direct deposit in your bank account.

The Delaware Division of Revenue usually takes 10 to 12 weeks to process the refund once you submit your tax return. If you haven’t received your tax refund within the expected timeframe, you can check your refund status online.

How To Apply for Delaware’s Stimulus Checks

You don’t need to take any special action to apply for the state’s tax credits. Instead, you can claim them when filing your personal Delaware state income tax returns. Use tax preparation software or hire a tax professional to file your taxes.

If you’re a low or moderate-income filer, you may qualify for free tax filing programs offered by the IRS, such as Free File, TCE, and VITA.

Get Financial Assistance in Delaware

There are no new Delaware stimulus checks coming in 2024. However, if you’re facing hardship, there are other resources to explore. The federal government has a wide range of financial assistance programs to help. Nonprofit organizations in your area may also have their own programs to help with food, housing, and other necessities.

Additionally, debt relief programs in Delaware can help you tackle large amounts of unsecured debt like medical bills and high-interest credit card balances.

Visit our New Jersey Anchor Program, Pennsylvania stimulus checks, and Maryland stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.