COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment Information
The COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment is administered by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States. Their website is the only official source of information. We provide links below to the IRS website for the most common questions. The Embassy does not have an IRS representative and cannot help you apply for the economic impact payment.
UPDATE December 31, 2020: IRS and Treasury now delivering a second round of payments. The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for administering the COVID-19 economic impact payments. All information regarding the economic impact payments, including who is eligible and how payment will be disbursed, is on the IRS website https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
For information on the second round of payments please view the IRS Press Release https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-and-irs-begin-delivering-second-round-of-economic-impact-payments-to-millions-of-americans.
UPDATE May 20, 2020: The IRS provided a U.S. phone number (001-800-919-9835 if dialing from a Greek phone) for tax payers only to inquire about the economic impact payment. If you do not file taxes, you will need to refer to the website.
Where can I find information on the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment ($1,200 and/or $600)?
The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for administering the COVID-19 economic impact payments. All information regarding the economic impact payments, including who is eligible and how payment will be disbursed, is on the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments).
Am I eligible for the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment ($1,200 and/or $600)?
Per Question1 on the IRS website: U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who have social security numbers (high income earners are not eligible). See the IRS website for more details.
Are U.S. citizens who live overseas eligible?
Per Question 36 on the IRS website: Yes. You must have a social security number.
My income level is low enough that I do not have to file U.S. tax returns. Am I eligible?
Per the IRS website: If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident with a social security number whose income level does not require you to file a tax return, you may be eligible. See the IRS website for non-filers for details.
My situation is complicated. How can I receive help to receive the economic impact payment?
The Embassy does not have an IRS representative. If after reviewing the IRS website you have further questions or a complicated situation, you may wish to consult with a U.S. tax specialist. The Embassy provides a list of tax consultants in Greece who may be able to help you as a resource, not an endorsement.
I don’t remember my social security number. How can I find out what it is?
The American Citizen Services unit does not have access to social security records. You will need to contact the Federal Benefits Unit online. There is no phone number; that office does not accept phone calls. Note that their website indicates it may take up to 30 days to receive a response due to heavy volume.
I don’t have a social security number. How do I apply for one?
Contact the Federal Benefits Unit online. There is no phone number; that office does not accept calls. Note that their website indicates it may take up to 30 days to receive a response due to heavy volume.
I receive an error with my name, birth date or social security number on the IRS website. What do I do?
You will need to contact the IRS directly; the Embassy cannot assist as we do not have an IRS representative or access to IRS records.
Can you provide the IRS website information in Greek?
Unfortunately the Embassy cannot translate the IRS website for you. We suggest you seek assistance from a family member or friend or use a translation tool available on the internet.
