What will you do with your coronavirus check? Here's what KUOW listeners told us

Many Americans have noticed that $1,200 suddenly showed up in their bank accounts on Wednesday. Others noticed even more.

And still, others may soon notice a paper check appearing in the mail.

The money entering our bank accounts as we type are part of the national economic relief effort spurred by the coronavirus pandemic and it's severe blow to the economy.

About 80 million Americans got their stimulus money, also known as Economic Impact Payments, directly deposited into their bank accounts on Wednesday.

Single people earning up to $75,000 will receive $1,200; couples earning up to $150,000 will get $2,400. And parents get $500 extra for each kid under age 17.

Report: Adding Trump's Name To Checks Will Delay Them. IRS Says They're On Schedule

According to one analysis by The Washington Post, most Americans are planning on spending the new money on essentials, such as food.

We asked KUOW listeners what they plan to do with these funds. A few folks noted that local non-profits are struggling at the moment, so money should be sent their way for the work they do.

"NW Harvest uses donations to secure bulk food orders for those that need food assistance," Samara wrote on Facebook. "That’s where any extra we have is going."

"Someone on FB suggested that, unless the funds are truly needed (which for many is the case) the $200 part could be donated to the person's favorite charity," Cate wrote. "Mine will go to Whisker City, Shoreline, WA."

One common sentiment was that if you don't need the stimulus money (your job is secure, or you are financially well off) then the money should be donated to help others.

Essentials/bills: Ayla's answer was simple: rent. She's not alone. A lot of people said the money will go directly to their landlords. Others mentioned that it will buy them food for a while.

One person wrote that they are donating half of the money and using the rest for an upcoming dentist bill.

Local businesses: Johnny writes, "I'll blow it on takeout from local restaurants in my neighborhood. It keeps people employed..."

Others expressed that they feel the money will cause a massive wave of people flooding into Costcos.

The main sentiment at play is that the money could be sent through the local economy to keep businesses — and jobs — afloat.

Big picture: Christine wrote that some of the money should go to support a candidate, media outlet, or business than can help the country recover from the pandemic, and the hardships ahead.

Saving it/debt: Nettie wrote that they "don't know what the future holds" so they are sticking the money in savings while they wait for a rainy day — or at least, a more rainy day.

Another listener, Liz, wrote that she would be using the money to pay down some credit card debt. Cody commented that he would do the same.

A couple other listeners noted that they would use the money to pay their taxes.