BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — According to the IRS website, 'Economic Impact Payments' (Stimulus) authorized by the CARES ACT have been delivered "to 140 million individuals and millions more are on the way every week" as of May 17th.
However, several viewers have contacted 7 Eyewitness News wondering why they still haven't received their stimulus payment?
"I am greatly disappointed in the system," said 68-year-old retiree, Willie Felder, Jr., from Buffalo. Felder told Reporter Ed Reilly that he has been using the IRS website everyday for weeks to see the status of his payment. "It continues to tell me that it is not available," said Felder.
Making things even more frustrating, said Felder, he cannot contact anyone at the IRS to find out why.
"The frustration is when you go into the IRS website. It basically tells you that you've done something wrong without telling you how to fix it or what it is exactly that you did wrong," said Kelly Schuler from Batavia. Schuler is disabled and is counting on the money to help him and his wife.
"No results. It is this automated service. You call and can't get through," added Jacob Price from North Collins, who also is wondering where his money is.
All three individuals who spoke to 7 Eyewitness News receive benefits through Social Security.
Information on the IRS website said stimulus payments to people getting Social Security retirement or disability would be made the same way as they receive their benefits. In some cases, the stimulus money will be mailed.
"That's your money. You want to make sure you're using it," said Melanie McGovern, Communications Director for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Upstate NY.
The BBB said debit cards are now in the mail for people who did not get their stimulus money directly deposited into an account. It is important to know those 'Economic Impact Payment Cards' are being mailed in plain envelopes from "Money Network Cardholder Services."
"Make sure you check your mail and don't accidentally throw them away," said McGovern.
"They are trying to fill-in the holes to make sure everyone gets their stimulus. So, they are using these debit cards. Again, it is coming in an unmarked envelope. You want to make sure you open it. That is your money," explained the BBB spokesperson.
The VISA debit cards are being sent to nearly 4 million taxpayers starting in mid-May.
For security reasons, the IRS will send a letter to the recipients last known address within 15 days after the payment is made with instructions on how to report any failure to receive the payment.
IRS services are currently limited or suspended due to the COVID-19 national health emergency. Attempts to contact the IRS about this issue were unsuccessful (so far) by 7 Eyewitness News. The IRS did post the following online: "The IRS is not able to correct or issue additional payments at this time and will provide further details on IRS.gov on the action people may need to take in the future."
You can read the IRS FAQ about stimulus payments by clicking here.
