Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator

Free Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator - compare CARES, HEALS, and HEROES Act stimulus payments side by side for the same household.

991.4K uses Updated · 2026-05-14 Runs locally · zero upload
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How to Use Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator

The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator helps you see how three different stimulus designs would treat the same household. Enter filing status, AGI, and dependents. The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator displays an estimate for each program and highlights the largest.

  1. Select filing status.
  2. Enter AGI.
  3. Enter dependents.
  4. Compare results.

Formula & Theory - Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator

The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator uses:

threshold = single 75,000 / HoH 112,500 / MFJ 150,000
CARES = max(0, base + deps · 500 - 0.05 · max(0, AGI - threshold))
HEALS = max(0, base + deps · 500 - 0.05 · max(0, AGI - threshold))
HEROES = max(0, min(6000, base + min(3, deps) · 1200 - 0.05 · max(0, AGI - threshold)))
base = MFJ 2400 else 1200

Assumptions and Limits

The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator uses the published parameters at the time the Acts were debated. Real eligibility rules add details not captured here.

Use Cases for Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator

  • Policy comparison - quantify differences for typical families.
  • Education - illustrate per-dependent vs phase-out differences.
  • Personal planning - identify which program is most generous.
  • Journalism / research - generate fast scenario tables.

Frequently asked questions about Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator

What does the Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator do?

The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator computes the estimated stimulus under CARES, HEALS, and HEROES Acts side-by-side and highlights the largest payment.

Which programs are compared?

CARES (2020), HEALS (proposed), and HEROES (proposed). The Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator uses each program's published thresholds and bonuses.

Why is the same number repeated?

CARES and HEALS share most parameters at low incomes, so the Stimulus Check Comparison Calculator may show identical CARES and HEALS values.

Is my data stored?

No. All calculations happen in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.