Stimulus Check Calculator
Estimate stimulus check amounts under the CAAF Act, HEALS Act, and HEROES Act proposals.
Compare Proposed Stimulus Payments Under Three Major Relief Plans
This calculator estimates individual stimulus check amounts based on three distinct legislative proposals: the CAAF Act, the HEALS Act, and the HEROES Act. Each proposal uses different eligibility criteria, payment structures, and phase-out thresholds. Enter your adjusted gross income and filing status to see how much you might receive under each plan.
How the Payment Calculations Work
Each proposal calculates stimulus payments differently. Understanding the underlying formulas helps you interpret your results accurately.
CAAF Act (2020)
The CAAF Act proposed a flat $1,000 payment per individual ($2,000 for joint filers) with a $500 dependent credit. Payments begin phasing out at $75,000 AGI for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, reducing by $5 for every $100 of income above the threshold.
HEALS Act (2020)
The HEALS Act proposed $1,200 per individual ($2,400 for joint filers) with the same $500 dependent credit. Phase-out starts at $75,000 AGI for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, with payments reducing by $5 per $100 of additional income.
HEROES Act (2020)
The HEROES Act proposed $1,200 per individual ($2,400 for joint filers) with a $1,200 dependent credit — significantly higher than the other two proposals. Phase-out begins at $75,000 AGI for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, following the same $5 per $100 reduction rate.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent tax return.
- Select your filing status: Single or Married Filing Jointly.
- Enter the number of qualifying dependents you claim.
- Review the estimated payment amounts for each proposal.
Understanding Your Results
The calculator displays three separate estimates. If your income exceeds the phase-out threshold for a given proposal, your estimated payment will be reduced proportionally. If your income is high enough, you may see $0 for certain proposals. The dependent credit applies per qualifying dependent and varies significantly between proposals — the HEROES Act offers the highest dependent credit at $1,200 per dependent.
Key Differences Between Proposals
| Feature | CAAF Act | HEALS Act | HEROES Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual payment | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Joint payment | $2,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Dependent credit | $500 | $500 | $1,200 |
| Phase-out start (single) | $75,000 | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Phase-out start (joint) | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Reduction rate | $5 per $100 | $5 per $100 | $5 per $100 |
Common Misconceptions
These estimates are based on proposed legislation, not enacted law. None of these three proposals were ultimately passed as presented. The calculator shows what you would have received under each proposal if it had been enacted. Actual stimulus payments under the CARES Act and subsequent legislation followed different rules.
Dependents must be qualifying dependents under IRS rules. The calculator assumes all dependents qualify for the credit under each proposal's definition.
Practical Use Cases
- Compare how different legislative proposals would have affected your household.
- Understand how income thresholds impact payment eligibility across proposals.
- Evaluate the financial impact of dependent credits under each plan.
- Use historical context to anticipate how future stimulus proposals might structure payments.
FAQ
Why do the estimates differ between proposals?
Each proposal set different base payment amounts and dependent credit values. The CAAF Act offered lower individual payments but maintained the same phase-out structure as the HEALS and HEROES Acts. The HEROES Act provided the highest dependent credit at $1,200 per dependent.
What income is used for the calculation?
The calculator uses adjusted gross income (AGI) from your tax return. AGI is your total income minus specific deductions like student loan interest, IRA contributions, and health savings account contributions.
Do these estimates reflect actual payments I received?
No. These estimates show hypothetical payments under three proposed bills that were not enacted. Actual stimulus payments were authorized under the CARES Act (2020), the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021), and the American Rescue Plan (2021), which had different rules and payment amounts.
How does filing status affect my estimate?
Married couples filing jointly receive double the individual base payment under all three proposals. The phase-out threshold also doubles from $75,000 to $150,000, meaning joint filers can earn more before payments begin to decrease.
What if my income is above the phase-out limit?
If your income exceeds the phase-out threshold, your estimated payment will be reduced by $5 for every $100 of income above the threshold. At a certain income level, the payment reaches $0. The calculator automatically applies this reduction.