Democrats and White House officials are not willing to compromise, lawmakers are on recess, and the prospects for a second round of stimulus are dimming as interest in the November general election grows

Before negotiations stalled, representatives of Senate Republicans, House Democrats, and President Trump had reached a consensus on the need for a second round of stimulus There was general agreement on the amount: $1,200 for Americans eligible for benefits under the CARES Act, plus expanded benefits for dependents regardless of age (with pro-rated checks for those with slightly higher annual incomes)

However, lawmakers will not return to Washington for the next legislative session until after Labor Day on September 7, and according to Forbes, it is not clear that they will resume talks, or if they do, that they will reach an agreement In other words, the date for the second stimulus check is up in the air

Additionally, there is a possibility that there will be no second check for the stimulus package Senate Republicans have introduced a "skinny" bill that does not include any direct payments, and the House has a "skinny" bill as well No formal proposals have been submitted to committees in either chamber, but they could further reduce the possibility of a Stimulus 2 check

However, there is some good news for unemployed Americans: according to a CNBC report, 30 states have approved (so far) a $300 weekly increase in unemployment benefits under an executive order issued earlier this month by President Trump The federal add-on to states' unemployment programs has been a sticky issue in the stimulus negotiations, especially after the $600 weekly bonus expires on July 31

Some states, including Kentucky and Montana, have added another $100, for a total of $400 per week Other states have not yet applied for or received approval for their programs

Recipients do not have to apply separately for this bonus, but must self-certify that their unemployment is at least due to the pandemic

Not everyone who is eligible received their first stimulus check for a variety of reasons If you believe you are eligible, check the status of your check on the IRS Get My Payment webpage

If you find that your check or stimulus debit card is in the mail, you can use the US Postal Service's Informed Delivery service to be notified of the check's arrival As a last resort, you can call the IRS stimulus check telephone number and ask for someone's help