Senate coronavirus bill lowers cutoffs for stimulus checks

Senate Democrats have struck a deal to lower the income cut off for receiving a stimulus payment as part of the coronavirus bill, a Democratic aide confirmed to The Hill.

The decision, which speeds up the phasing out of checks, reflects a demand from moderate Democrats to curb the ability of high-income earners to receive the stimulus payments.

Under the agreement, individuals who make up to $75,000 per year or couples who make up to $150,000 per year will still receive a $1,400 check.

But the Senate bill, which is expected to be unveiled as soon as Wednesday, significantly reduces the income window for receiving a partial check.

The checks would phase out completely at an income threshold of $80,000 for individuals under the Senate deal, compared to $100,000 under the House bill.

While the Senate bill changes the checks, it’s expected to keep the House-passed $400 per week unemployment payment. Those payments would go through August, but not September, as some like Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wanted.