H-E-B helps customers access federal stimulus funds

H-E-B will provide free in-store check-cashing services for customers receiving federal stimulus checks under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Texas grocer said Thursday that all H-E-B Business Centers will offer check cashing at no charge for economic impact payment checks. The free service only applies to U.S. Treasury-issued paper checks for stimulus payments; other checks can be cashed using the chain’s “everyday low price” check-cashing services.

To cash a check, customers will need a valid, non-expired state ID or driver’s license and social security number.

“At a time when every dollar counts for many Texans, H-E-B is offering easy, affordable ways for people who don’t have traditional bank accounts to get funds from their federal government stimulus checks,” San Antonio-based H-E-B stated.

The regional grocer also will waive select fees for the H-E-B Prepaid Mastercard. For customers who want to manage finances electronically at home, due to concerns about COVID-19, H-E-B has waived the card purchase fee and 60 days of monthly plan fees for H-E-B Prepaid cards bought between April 1 and May 31.

Through the H-E-B Prepaid card, customers can set up direct deposit, providing faster access to stimulus funds, income tax refunds, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits or wages, the retailer noted. Once their accounts are activated, customers are assigned a routing and account number to set up direct deposit.

Related:H-E-B launches Favor Express Delivery with two-hour turnaround

The H-E-B Prepaid Card also offers free reloads every day at H-E-B. Shoppers can go to their store’s checkout lane or Business Center to put funds onto their card, with no fee. For those receiving a paper check, the H-E-B Prepaid mobile app enables users to add check funds at home via a smartphone. Customers can use H-E-B Prepaid Cards at H-E-B or anywhere Mastercard debit is accepted to shop, pay bills and access cash at ATMs.

Signed into law by President Trump on March 27, the bipartisan CARES Act will provide $2.2 trillion in spending and relief measures for families, workers and businesses as the nation battles COVID-19. Recovery rebates for eligible Americans represent $290 billion of the spending package, with payments of $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, along with $500 for each child younger than 17. The one-time payments are adjusted and capped based on individual/household income. The legislation is the largest federal stimulus bill in U.S. history.

For our most up-to-date coverage, visit the coronavirus homepage.

Related:H-E-B sells meals from local restaurants amid COVID-19 pandemic