A simple eligibility check may determine whether you can receive the $2,000 payment that Donald Trump has pledged for nearly all Americans.
The 79-year-old’s bold proposal has sparked widespread interest and countless questions. With Trump suggesting the money could arrive “in the middle of next year,” people across the country are scrambling to find out if they qualify.
These so-called “tariff dividends” would be funded through taxes on foreign imports. But since no official written plan exists yet, speculation continues to grow.
That’s why one piece of guidance from SSA expert and YouTuber Blind to Billionaire is standing out amid the confusion.
“It is based on your income – that’s it. I’ll make it very clear here, is your income below $75,000 a year, as an individual, yes or no? That’s it – that’s all you need to know. If your answer is yes, you are most likely eligible for this.”
Income Is The Deciding Factor
Blind to Billionaire also explained the threshold for married couples. “Generally, the threshold they put in place for income is $75,000 as an individual, $150,000 dollars as a married couple,” he said.
This means that employment status doesn’t matter. As long as your income is under the limit, you’re likely entitled to the payment.
That clarification has eased concerns for many people worried about being excluded due to unemployment or unconventional income sources.
A Plan Without Paperwork- For Now
Even with this advice, the broader situation remains uncertain. The YouTuber reminded viewers that “the government do not have a written plan for this” yet, and all current information could change.
Trump has also remained vague about the process, confirming only that payments won’t be issued until sometime in 2026.
“It will be next year… The tariffs allow us to give a dividend. We’re going to do a dividend, and we’re also going to be reducing debt,” Trump said last week while speaking aboard Air Force One, according to The New York Post.
At this stage, the proposal is being framed as support for “moderate income” Americans—primarily lower- and middle-income families. Still, that definition remains fluid as discussions continue.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added a measured perspective when speaking to Fox Business. When asked whether the plan will move forward, he replied: “We will see,” and noted, “We need legislation for that.”
The funding would stem from Trump’s broad tariff policies, especially revenue collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which had generated about $90 billion through September 23 and $195.9 billion total by the end of August 2025.
However, there’s a significant financial gap. Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, estimates that even limiting checks to Americans earning under $100,000 would cost roughly $300 billion.
Adding further uncertainty, Bessent hinted that the payments “could come in lots of forms,” including tax credits or benefits associated with Trump’s proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
