Since the coronavirus pandemic began, life’s changed quite a bit for 37-year-old Stacey Williams of Queens. The single mother of two said that just like everyone else, she’s had to push through. 


What You Need To Know

  • 37-year-old Stacey Williams qualifies for at least two of the financial benefits that are a part of the stimulus package

  • The former administrative assistant stays home to help her 17-year-old and 7-year-old sons with remote learning

  • If the president signs the bill on Friday, as planned, the first stimulus payments could go out around April 1

Before the pandemic, Williams used to be an administrative assistant, but she lost her job. Now, she stays home to help 7-year-old Jayden and 17-year old Justin with their remote learning.

“I’m home with them, and I have to make sure that they’re OK but in addition to that, a lot of jobs closed down. A lot of companies closed down and a lot of people became displaced because of the pandemic and not being able to work," Williams said. "So it's been a struggle for me and the other moms that I know from the neighborhood. We’re all just kind of working together.

She believes that considering the circumstances, she’s been blessed. That’s also how she’s looking at the $1,400 stimulus check that should be coming her way as part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan: as a blessing. 

“$1 is like $1 million when you have nothing,” said Williams.

She said previous stimulus checks, even the last one for $600, helped her a lot. At the time, her oldest son needed money for college applications. 

“There comes a point when you’re struggling and you don't have to make that decision between, 'Do I keep the lights on or do I pay this application co-payment?'" Williams said.

She’ll also get an economic boost from the provision within the aid package that expands the child tax credit. 

She said having this, in addition to a stimulus check, will allow her to take care of her kids needs and catch up on some bills. 

“One of the things that is most important, above anything else, is making sure that there’s food on the table, the lights are on, that the gas stays on. Because while the world stopped, the bills didn't stop,” Williams said.

If the president signs the bill on Friday, as planned, the first stimulus payments could go out around April 1.