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Many people in our area are only getting half of their stimulus checks

PITTSBURGH — Over the last 24 hours, Channel 11 has received calls and emails from several people who said they only received half of their stimulus checks.

This third stimulus check comes a year after the pandemic began in the U.S. and at a time when people are desperate to receive it.

“Between me only working, and it’s only my income; bills need to be paid,” said Jessica Knauff.

She’s been anxiously waiting for her stimulus check for her family of five.

“We were expected $7,000, and we got $3,500,” she said. “I’m angry, upset, frustrated. I wish there was more communication letting us know what is going on.”

Knauff eventually stumbled upon a Facebook page where thousands of other users said they are also still waiting for the other half of their money. Through the page, Channel 11′s Gabriella DeLuca found Stacie Marshall from Imperial. Marshall said she was counting on receiving the full amount of the stimulus after the pandemic cause financial hardship for her family.

“It’s been very rough on everyone. I don’t want to pity myself any more than anyone else,” she said. “We are all in this and dealing with this at the same time, and it’s very stressful.”

DeLuca tried calling the Treasury Department about the issue. An automated message directed her to the IRS.

Here’s what a spokesperson said:

Taxpayers who didn’t get the full amount for the first or second Economic Impact Payments may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. I’d suggest keeping an eye on our website for any new information regarding the most recent Economic Impact Payment.