There's a new secret stimulus check coming, and you have to ask for it

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKRC) - Each round of stimulus checks thus far has had one thing in common: the money has shown up automatically in the mail or bank accounts of most Americans. However, there is a new government payment that will be available soon, and it works a bit differently.

ALSO READ |This is why you may not have received any federal stimulus payments or tax credits

ALSO READ |A fourth stimulus check? A fifth stimulus check? Here's what we know

ALSO READ |2.8 million people are getting IRS refunds this week. 10 million more may get money, too

ALSO READ |New $3,600 stimulus payments will be here soon - here's when and who will get the money

ALSO READ | There's an extra $8,000 stimulus payment you could get - here's how to qualify

The American Rescue Plan most notable sent $1,400 checks to those eligible and expanded the federal child tax credit, providing families with payments of up to $3,600 per child. But there are some other opportunities for benefits in the legislation that may not have been made obvious.

ALSO READ |Multiple anonymous winners claim largest prize in Maryland Lottery history, $731 million

One important example of this is the Homeowners Assistance Fund. Through this feature, homeowners who struggled with mortgage payments, taxes, insurance bills, and other associated costs during the pandemic are eligible for financial assistance.

“The American Rescue Plan provides nearly $10 billion for states, territories, and Tribes to provide relief for our country’s most vulnerable homeowners,” a fact sheet from the Treasury Department reads. “Applicable funding uses include delinquent mortgage payments, allowing Americans across the country to take a step in the right direction toward household stabilization. These necessary actions will minimize foreclosures in the coming months, alleviate emergency shelter capacity, and mitigate potential COVID-19 infections.”

For homeowners to qualify, they must have a mortgage balance of less than $548,250. Those who do should reach out to their state housing agency for more information about receiving a portion of the fund.

Another relatively obscure benefit of the ARP is the State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund. This refers to a pot of money given to states, counties, and cities for distribution to local households that have experienced economic hardship during the pandemic.

“Local governments will receive funds in two tranches, with 50% provided beginning in May 2021 and the balance delivered approximately 12 months later," said a statement from the Treasury. "States that have experienced a net increase in the unemployment rate of more than 2 percentage points from February 2020 to the latest available data as of the date of certification will receive their full allocation of funds in a single payment; other states will receive funds in two equal tranches.”

Visit the U.S. Treasury Department website to request payment as part of this fund from your local government.