Using Your $1,400 Stimulus Check To Pay For Drug Rehab

The Senate has passed a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, increasing the chances that millions of Americans will receive $1,400 stimulus checks. Final approval of this third Coronavirus relief package is expected this week.

For people suffering from addiction, this means a chance to finally afford quality addiction care.

How Much Are The New Stimulus Payments?

The proposed direct payments where set at $1,400 to bring the total amount of relief sent to eligible Americans to $2,000, a sum Biden promised Americans during the election.

“This plan will get checks out the door starting this month to the Americans that so desperately need the help,” Biden said on Saturday.

This means that more people suffering with addiction will have access to money that can help fund their addiction treatment program.

Who Will Be Eligible for A $1,400 Stimulus Check?

Roughly 90% of American households will be eligible, according to an estimate from the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

If passed, full $1,400 payments will go to those with adjusted gross incomes of:

• Up to $75,000 for individuals
• $112,500 for Heads of Household
• $150,000 for Married Couples Filing Jointly

But then the payments gradually phase out as income goes up.

In this round of payments, dependents of all ages stand to be eligible for the payments. Previous checks have only included dependents under 17.

Since more people are eligible, friends and family may be more able to help you fund your drug treatment.

When Will I Receive A Payment?

President Biden said this week that the stimulus checks should start to go out to millions of Americans this month.

People who have previously given the IRS their bank account information will likely receive their payment first.

If you are one of those people, you receive your money within two weeks after the legislation is finalized.

Debit card and paper check payments made to Americans by mail would likely arrive later, potentially into April and May.

Can I Afford Rehab With My Stimulus Check?

The cost of addiction treatment varies depending on a lot of factors. Some programs are free while others cost thousands of dollars per day. The odds of you finding a comprehensive treatment program that costs $1,400 is not in your favor. However, that does not mean you are out of luck.

If you have friends or family that want to help you recover from addiction, pooling stimulus checks can be a great way. Many people do not have plans for their new funds. If you are sincere in your desire to get clean and sober, there is no shame in asking your loved ones for help.

Some private addiction treatment centers allow you pay for care with a payment plan. Once you have found a rehab that is right for you, speak to their admission or intake department to discuss is your stimulus money can get you started. Be sure to discuss when and how much you will be responsible for paying for continuing treatment.

Other Ways A Stimulus Check Can Help Fight Addiction

If you cannot afford a treatment program at a quality drug and alcohol rehab center, reach out to a private local therapist in your area. Many times, you can find a drug counselor that will provide addiction therapy in an outpatient setting for much less cost.

Family and friends of addicts can use their stimulus check to hire a professional intervention specialist. An intervention is a controlled meeting where friends and family affected by the user’s addiction confront them in a loving way. They work to persuade the person to seek help from a professional or a rehab center to deal with their substance abuse.

Don’t Let Your Stimulus Check Trigger A Relapse

A lot of good can be done with a stimulus check. It can help someone get into recovery and learn how to live a sober lifestyle.

But it isn’t all sunshine and roses.

For some people, a big lump sum of cash is all that stands between them and a relapse.

If you know someone that will use the payment to fuel their addiction, reach out to them and make sure they know your concerns. Encourage them to speak to their sponsor, go to a meeting, or get help from an addiction specialist.