In recent months, stimulus checks have become a valuable source of support for many Americans. However, a distribution error has resulted in a certain group of beneficiaries finding themselves in the surprising situation of having to repay these funds.
Nobody doubts it. Stimulus checks have become a critical economic resource for millions of people across the United States, especially during times of inflation and the pandemic. Several states continue to issue these checks to their residents provided they meet certain requirements. But due to a failed allocation, some citizens received money that did not belong to them and are now being asked to pay it back.
Who should return the money?
The number of people affected by this unexpected setback amounts to a total of 34,233 beneficiaries who received the stimulus checks in error, representing approximately 1.8 million families harmed by this situation.
Where did the problem occur?
The incident in question occurred in Puerto Rico, where several US citizens received stimulus checks during the pandemic. Puerto Rico’s Treasury Department has asked these individuals to return all funds. It is unclear at this time whether responsibility for allocating these funds lies with the local or federal government.
Commitment to return the stimulus check
According to Finance Minister Francisco Parés Alicea, those who are considered “ineligible persons” and who have received the funds must return them. “Since the Ministry of Finance acted as an intermediary for the Federal Ministry of Finance in the distribution of the aid funds, we now also have the responsibility to make all reasonable efforts to recover these funds,” El Diario explained.