Anchor checks are sent on a rolling schedule based on your filing date, not all at once

Anchor checks—the one-time payments from Connecticut's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program—do not arrive on a single date. Instead, the state sends them in waves throughout the year, starting with people who filed their taxes earliest. If you filed your 2023 tax return in February, you will likely receive your check before someone who filed in April. The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services processes and mails checks in the order applications are received, so timing depends entirely on when your return reached them.

The state does not announce a specific "check day" because there is no single day. Checks began going out in spring 2024 for the 2023 tax year and continued through summer and fall. If you have not yet received yours and you know you are part of the program, the delay is usually because your return is still being processed or because the state is working through a backlog of applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Anchor checks arrive on a rolling basis throughout the year, with earlier filers receiving theirs first.
  • The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services mails checks in the order tax returns were received, so there is no single payment date for everyone.
  • You can check the status of your check by contacting the Department of Revenue Services or checking your tax account online.
  • If your check was lost or damaged in the mail, you can request a replacement through the state.

How to learn about your check has been mailed

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services does not send notifications when your check is in the mail. Instead, you have to check the status yourself. The easiest way is to log into your account on the Connecticut tax portal using your Social Security number and date of birth. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Payment Status" or "Refund Status"—this will show whether your check has been processed and mailed.

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, you can contact the Department of Revenue Services directly at 860-297-5962. Have your Social Security number and tax return information ready. The staff can tell you whether your check has been mailed, when it was sent, and what the expected delivery date is based on postal service standards. Wait times can be long during peak tax season, so calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon may be faster.

What to do if you have not received your check after eight weeks

Checks typically arrive within two to three weeks of being mailed, depending on where you live in Connecticut and postal service delays. If eight weeks have passed since you confirmed your check was mailed and you still have not received it, the check may have been lost or damaged in transit. Do not assume it will arrive—contact the Department of Revenue Services to request a replacement.

When you call or visit the online portal, explain that your check did not arrive and provide the date it was mailed. The state can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, deposit the funds directly into your bank account if you provide your routing and account numbers. A replacement check typically takes two to three weeks to arrive, though direct deposit is usually faster.

Anchor checks and tax filing important date

The timing of your check depends on when you filed your tax return, not when the tax important date was. Connecticut's tax important date is typically April 15, but the state processes returns throughout the year. If you filed on April 1, your return enters the queue before someone who filed on May 1, and you will receive your check sooner. Filing early does not change your may be able to access—it only changes when you receive your payment.

If you filed an extension and submitted your return after the April important date, your check will arrive later in the year, after the state has processed all on-time returns. There is no penalty for filing late, but you will wait longer for your payment.

Understanding the payment amount and what it covers

The Anchor check amount varies based on your household income, family size, and how much you earned from work during the tax year. The state calculates this when it processes your return, so the amount on your check is specific to your situation. You can see the amount before the check arrives by logging into your tax account online or by calling the Department of Revenue Services.

The Anchor program is a one-time payment—you receive it only once per tax year, and only if you meet the income and work requirements. It is not a recurring monthly benefit. If you received an Anchor check for the 2023 tax year, you may be part of the program again for the 2024 tax year, but you will need to file your 2024 return to receive that payment.

What happens if your address changed since you filed

If you moved after filing your tax return but before receiving your check, the mail may go to your old address. The post office will not automatically forward a check to your new address in most cases. If you moved, contact the Department of Revenue Services when ready and provide your new address. The state can reissue your check to the correct location or hold it for you to pick up in person.

You can update your address through the online tax portal or by calling 860-297-5962. Have your old address, new address, and Social Security number ready. The sooner you notify the state, the sooner they can correct the mailing address and send your check to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Anchor check deposited directly into my bank account instead of mailed?

If you have not yet received your check, you can request direct deposit by contacting the Department of Revenue Services. Provide your bank routing number and account number. Direct deposit is faster than mail delivery and reduces the risk of the check being lost. If your check has already been mailed, you will need to wait for it to arrive or request a replacement that can be deposited directly.

What if I filed my taxes but the state says I am not part of the Anchor program?

Not everyone who files taxes receives an Anchor check. The program is limited to people who earned income from work and meet specific income thresholds. If the state says you do not may have access to, it means your income was either too high or you did not have earned income during the tax year. You can ask the Department of Revenue Services to explain why you were not included.

Do I have to do anything to receive my Anchor check, or does it come automatically?

If you filed your tax return and meet the program requirements, your check is sent automatically—you do not need to take any action. The state processes your return and mails the check without you having to request it. You only need to contact the state if you want to check the status, update your address, or request a replacement.

How long does it take to get a replacement check if mine was lost?

A replacement check typically takes two to three weeks to arrive after you request it. Direct deposit is usually faster—sometimes within one to two weeks. The exact timing depends on how quickly the state processes your request and postal service delivery times.