HEALS Act vs HEROES Act Stimulus Comparison
Compare stimulus payments under the HEALS Act vs HEROES Act proposals. See which COVID-19 relief plan gives you more based on income, filing status, and dependents.
About This Calculator
The HEALS Act (Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act) and the HEROES Act (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act) were two competing COVID-19 stimulus proposals from 2020. The HEALS Act was a $1.1 trillion Senate Republican proposal, while the HEROES Act was a $3 trillion House Democratic proposal. This calculator compares the direct stimulus payments you would have received under each plan.
Both plans shared a common structure: $1,200 per adult ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly), $1,200 per dependent, and a phaseout of 5% per dollar of income above $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). However, the HEROES Act capped dependent payments at 3 dependents ($3,600 maximum) and the total household benefit at $6,000, while the HEALS Act had no such caps, making it more generous for larger families.
Beyond stimulus checks, the bills differed significantly. The HEROES Act included $1 trillion for state and local governments, extended $600 weekly unemployment benefits, and expanded eviction protections. The HEALS Act provided no state and local funding, reduced unemployment to $200 weekly, and let eviction protections expire. Neither bill became law; a $900 billion compromise was passed in December 2020, followed by the American Rescue Plan in March 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the HEALS Act and HEROES Act?
The HEALS Act (Senate GOP, July 2020) proposed $1.1 trillion in COVID-19 relief including $1,200 stimulus checks, while the HEROES Act (House Democrats, May 2020) proposed $3 trillion. For stimulus payments, the key difference is that HEALS had no cap on dependent payments ($1,200 per dependent) while HEROES capped dependent payments at 3 dependents ($3,600) with a $6,000 household maximum.
How much would I get under the HEALS Act?
Under the HEALS Act, eligible individuals would receive $1,200 ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly), plus $1,200 per dependent with no cap on the number of dependents. There was no $6,000 total cap. Payments phase out by 5% of income above $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples).
How much would I get under the HEROES Act?
Under the HEROES Act, eligible individuals would receive $1,200 ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly), plus $1,200 per dependent for up to 3 dependents (maximum $3,600). The total household benefit is capped at $6,000. Payments phase out by 5% of income above $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples).
How does the stimulus phaseout work for both plans?
Both the HEALS Act and HEROES Act use the same phaseout structure: stimulus payments are reduced by 5% of your income exceeding the threshold. For single filers and heads of household, the phaseout begins at $75,000. For married couples filing jointly, the phaseout begins at $150,000. If your income is high enough that the reduction exceeds your total benefit, you receive no payment.
Which plan gives a larger stimulus payment?
The HEALS Act generally gives larger payments to families with more than 3 dependents because it has no cap on dependent payments and no $6,000 total cap. For individuals and small families, both plans pay the same amount. The HEROES Act provides larger total relief in other areas like state and local government funding, unemployment benefits, and housing assistance.
Did either the HEALS Act or HEROES Act become law?
Neither the HEALS Act nor the HEROES Act was enacted into law. The HEROES Act passed the House in May 2020 but was not taken up by the Senate. The HEALS Act was proposed in July 2020 but never passed. Instead, a $900 billion stimulus package was passed in December 2020 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, followed by the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in March 2021.
What filing status should I use for comparison?
Use the same filing status you use on your federal tax return. Single filers get a $1,200 base payment under both plans. Married couples filing jointly receive $2,400. Heads of household receive $1,200. The income phaseout threshold is $75,000 for single and head of household filers, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly for both plans.
How are dependents counted differently in each plan?
The HEROES Act counts up to 3 dependents ($1,200 each) and caps total household benefit at $6,000. The HEALS Act counts all dependents with no cap on dependent payments and no $6,000 total cap. Both plans provide $1,200 per dependent. Families with 4 or more dependents receive significantly more under the HEALS Act proposal.