SOUTH BEND — Those long-promised tax stimulus rebate checks are headed your way. But for some people, it may not be as much as you thought.

130 million Americans will get a check from the federal government to help stimulate the economy.

If you filed your taxes and chose direct deposit, you could see your rebate any day now.

A lot of stores are hoping to see some of that money come their way, so they’re offering special deals.

As soon as that government check comes in the mail, a lot of people don't plan on keeping it long.

"I'm gonna spend it!” one shopper told WSBT News.

And retailers are just as excited. At Sears there is a special deal for customers.

"They'll be able to have the opportunity to cash their check in to buy a Sears gift card and then we will give them 10 percent of the total value of their check in another gift card,” explained Bill Schlatterbeck.

Wal-Mart stores are also trying to see some of that money by offering to cash your rebate at the checkout counter for free. But the government says, when it comes to these stimulus checks, there might be a catch.

Some people may not have as much to spend as they thought.

A single tax filer can expect $600. A married couple can look forward to $1,200, with 300 more per child.

However, not if you owe the government. If you owe past-due taxes, have overdue government student loans, or owe any back child support, you'll get what's left, if anything, after the debt is settled.

If you aren't sure if you owe anything to the government, there is a phone number you can call: 1-800-304-3107.

The checks started going out this week; they should all be mailed by July. When you get your check depends on your Social Security number too.

If you filed your taxes this year and did direct deposit, you'll get yours faster and that has to do with your Social Security number. The lower the number, the faster you'll see your check in the bank.