Many people were left waiting for gas refunds, but the state legislature decided instead to give people a debit card with money to help with inflation.
The first payment cards have already been shipped to help fight inflation, but many people are still confused.
First, many people were left waiting for gas reimbursements, but the state legislature decided instead to give people a debit card with money to cover inflation.
Now, part of the confusion is that the cards are from another state, and that has created mistrust.
Debit card:
If you’ve received an envelope that says “California Middle Class Tax Refund Card” and it’s from Omaha, Nebraska, don’t throw it away. Not a credit offer or a scam, although it may appear to be, this card is actually a California payment, for Californians.
The inside debit card is issued by a New York bank and might be confusing, but it’s not a scam. Indeed, it’s the payment that about 11 million Californians recently began receiving to help with extra expenses due to inflation.
Payments range from $200 to $350 per person and are awarded to those earning up to $250,000 per year. Many people who have received the card say they are confused because it comes with quite a few instructions, but don’t worry, although it looks complicated, activating the card is not.
Simply call 1-800-240-0223, there you will have to enter the last six digits of your social security number and that’s it.
Of course, be very careful if you receive text messages or emails with links to activate your card. Do not reply to them as they are scams.
How to withdraw your money:
It is very important, before withdrawing money, that you may be charged a fee depending on where you do it.
So keep this in mind: If you withdraw money from an out-of-network bank, you’ll be charged $1.25, just like if you withdraw money directly from a bank. However, it is free if you withdraw money at “All point” and “Money Pass” ATMs which are usually located in supermarkets and pharmacies. And it’s also free to use the card to make purchases directly in stores.
Your payment amount:
If you have questions, visit the California Franchise Tax Board, ftb.ca.gov. There you will see, at the top, a link that says “Middle Class Tax Refund.”
There you can calculate the amount of your payment, if you haven’t received it, and even, with the zip code, https://mctrpayment.com/locator you can see the location of one of the ATMs where you can withdraw your money without paying additional fees. You can also call 1-800-542-9443.
If you haven’t received your card yet, don’t worry, they are just shipping and they estimate they will continue to do so until the end of January. Remember that the cards will go directly to your address by post, so if you get emails telling you that you can activate your card there, don’t fall for them, they are scammers trying to collect your money.