Many Americans may still be eligible to claim a stimulus check worth up to $1,400, but the clock is ticking. If you haven’t yet received this money, you could be missing out on vital financial support that was introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The IRS has set a June 2025 deadline for eligible individuals to claim their unclaimed stimulus payment. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how to apply, and why you should act now.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
This stimulus check was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people received their payment automatically in 2021, millions didn’t, often due to not filing taxes or having outdated bank information on file with the IRS.
Now, the IRS is offering a final opportunity to claim this benefit before the cut-off date.
Who Can Still Get This Payment?
If you missed out earlier, you may still be eligible if you meet the following conditions:
- You didn’t receive the third stimulus check in 2021.
- You had low or no income in 2021, so you didn’t file taxes that year.
- Your dependent (child, parent, or another qualifying individual) didn’t get the payment.
- You experienced a change in income or circumstances since 2021.
- You are a new U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) issued recently.
Importantly, even if you’re not typically required to file a tax return, you must file one for 2021 to claim your missing payment.
Deadline to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
The official IRS deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is June 15, 2025.
After that, the opportunity will be gone forever. That’s why it’s essential to act now if you think you missed your payment.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The $1,400 stimulus check is claimed through something called the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 federal tax return.
Here’s how it works:
- If the IRS records show that you didn’t get the full payment, you’ll receive it as a refund after filing your return.
- You’ll need to use IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR to file for 2021.
- Even if you have zero income, you can file a return to claim the credit.
How to Claim the Check: Step-by-Step
- Visit the IRS website and download the 2021 tax return forms.
- Fill out Form 1040 or 1040-SR, making sure to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section.
- If needed, use IRS Free File options or get help from a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) center.
- Submit your return electronically or by mail before June 15, 2025.
What If You Received a Partial Payment?
Even if you got some amount in 2021 but not the full $1,400, you can still file to get the difference. Many people were underpaid due to incorrect income estimates or missing dependents.
Filing the 2021 return ensures your situation is recalculated properly, and you receive every penny owed.
Common Reasons People Missed the Payment
- Non-filers who didn’t submit tax returns in 2020 or 2021.
- Low-income households who assumed they didn’t qualify.
- Immigrants or new citizens who got SSNs after the deadline.
- College students or dependents whose families didn’t claim them correctly.
- Homeless or displaced individuals without regular access to tax filing services.
Final Warning
This is your last chance to claim the money you’re entitled to. Once the IRS closes the books on the 2021 tax year, the government won’t issue any more of these payments. If you’re even slightly unsure whether you received it, it’s better to double-check and file.
