The main federal COVID “stimulus checks” (economic impact payments) came in three rounds, and each round had a different maximum amount:

  • First check (CARES Act, 2020):
    • Up to $1,200 per eligible adult
    • Up to $2,400 for married couples filing jointly
    • Plus $500 per qualifying child under 17
  • Second check (Dec. 2020):
    • Up to $600 per eligible adult
    • Up to $1,200 for married couples filing jointly
    • Plus $600 per qualifying child under 17
  • Third check (American Rescue Plan, 2021):
    • Up to $1,400 per eligible adult
    • Up to $2,800 for married couples filing jointly
    • Plus $1,400 per qualifying dependent of any age

All three rounds were reduced (phased out) for people with higher incomes, generally starting around $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, with each round having its own exact cutoff levels.