President Trump’s proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks have sparked nationwide interest, with millions of Americans wondering whether they’ll qualify. And according to Social Security expert and YouTuber Blind to Billionaire, there’s one simple test that determines whether you’re likely eligible.
The key factor? Your income — nothing else.
As he explains it, Trump’s plan is straightforward: “Is your income below $75,000 a year as an individual — yes or no? If your answer is yes, you are most likely eligible for this.” For married couples, the threshold increases to $150,000. That means it doesn’t matter whether you’re employed, unemployed, retired, or working part-time. If your income stays under the limit, you’re likely in line to receive the full benefit.
For many Americans, especially those hit hard by inflation and the Biden-era economic downturn, that clarity has brought a sense of relief — and renewed optimism.
Trump has described the payments as “tariff dividends”, funded through taxes on foreign imports rather than on American workers. The idea is simple: if foreign countries profit off the U.S. market, American families should get something back. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the payments would arrive sometime in 2026, saying: “The tariffs allow us to give a dividend. We’re going to do a dividend, and we’re also going to be reducing debt.”
While the plan isn’t yet codified in writing — something Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged, saying legislative action will ultimately be required — the framework mirrors Trump’s long-standing America First approach: foreign nations pay, American workers benefit.
The tariff system Trump uses is already generating massive revenue. Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the government collected about $90 billion through September 2023, and roughly $195.9 billion in total by August 2025. Those funds are the backbone of the proposed dividend payments.
Fiscal analysts estimate that even if eligibility were limited to Americans earning under $100,000, the total cost of the program could reach $300 billion. That’s where Trump’s broader economic strategy — including the proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act — comes into play, potentially giving the administration flexibility in how the payments are distributed, whether as direct checks, tax credits, or other forms of relief.
In the meantime, Americans are already preparing. With Trump’s popularity surging and his economic agenda resonating with working families, many see the proposed dividend as a direct reversal of years of inflation, rising costs, and stagnant wages under Biden.
And for now, the eligibility test remains incredibly simple:
If an individual earns below $75,000 — or a couple below $150,000 — they’re likely in line to receive Trump’s $2,000 dividend.
