Who may be eligible for the $2,000 direct payments? Scott Bessent weighs in

The possibility of new direct payments has sparked fresh attention as leaders discuss how tariff revenue might be used in the months ahead.

Many Americans are waiting to learn whether income limits, political negotiations, and shifting economic conditions could influence their eligibility.

The conversation is still developing, and officials have shared only broad outlines of what might be included.

As the debate continues, the proposal has raised questions about who would benefit and how quickly any relief could realistically move forward.

Eligibility discussions from the administration​

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently explained that the payments were aimed at Americans earning “less than, say, $100,000,” though the administration has not finalized any limits.

His comments followed former President Donald Trump’s suggestion that most Americans could receive a $2,000 rebate funded by tariffs.

Supporters argue this would help households facing higher prices on groceries and necessities, while critics note that congressional approval would still be needed. Bessent also indicated that the structure of the payments could vary depending on how the final policy is written.

How much tariff revenue exists​

Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, estimated that roughly 120 million workers could qualify if the $100,000 income cap were used.

He noted that covering all eligible Americans would cost about $240 billion, far more than the tariff revenue collected so far.

“According to the tax foundation, we have only made roughly $130B from both new and old tariffs thus far, so, that would basically wipe away all tariff revenue and then also call for additional spending,” he told Newsweek.

Thompson added that the proposal “will end up just like our DOGE dividends and be repositioned as ‘in the tax bill.’”

Also read: The shutdown just reached 40 days: Americans are feeling the squeeze while senators push for a deal

Additional proposals are being discussed​

Bessent told Fox News the payments “could come in lots of forms, in lots of ways,” noting they might be delivered through various tax changes rather than traditional checks.

He referenced ideas such as “no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security, deductibility of auto loans.”

These alternatives reflect the administration’s broader interest in providing relief without increasing long-term spending. Still, the details remain uncertain as officials continue outlining options.

Also read: Could you really get a $2,000 check from Trump's tariff windfall?

Expert concerns and political disagreement​

Financial literacy instructor Alex Beene told Newsweek that more than half of American households earn $100,000 or less, meaning a large share of the country could qualify.

He warned that multiple uncertainties remain, including the Supreme Court’s review of current tariff policies and internal divisions among congressional Republicans.

Beene also noted that deficit concerns may influence whether lawmakers support or reject new payments. Thompson echoed that view, saying, “Hard checks aren’t happening,” and calling the idea more symbolic than a true stimulus.

What would be required moving forward?​

The Treasury Department has collected more than $220 billion in tariff revenue so far, but estimates suggest $2,000 checks would cost the US roughly $326 billion. That gap leaves policymakers weighing whether new legislation could realistically authorize the payments.

Past stimulus efforts required direct approval from Congress before the Treasury could issue checks. Any future rebate would follow a similar process, especially given the scale of the proposal.

Read next:

• The $2,000 promise hanging in the balance: Why Trump's tariff dividend faces an uphill battle
• Lawmakers push Social Security bill that could add $200 to monthly checks

Key Takeaways

• Talks surrounding the potential $2,000 payments remain fluid, and officials have yet to finalize who would ultimately be eligible.
• Experts warn that both funding limitations and political divisions could influence whether Americans receive direct relief.
• Income caps near the $100,000 level have been discussed, but the structure and delivery of any payments remain uncertain.
• The next steps will depend heavily on congressional negotiations and legal outcomes tied to tariff policy.

Efforts to define new relief measures continue to draw national attention as households watch for updates. Do you think Congress should move forward with a plan like this to help ease everyday expenses? Share your thoughts in the comments below.