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Home » News » Millions Still Qualify For $1,400 Stimulus Check

Millions Still Qualify For $1,400 Stimulus Check

But Time Is Running Out

A generic government-issued doge stimulus check placed on a pile of cash, with the White House in the background under a clear blue sky, symbolizing financial relief.

More than a million Americans could miss out on a $1,400 stimulus check from the IRS—and the deadline to claim it is just weeks away.

The payment stems from the third round of COVID-19 relief, issued as part of the American Rescue Plan in March 2021. While most people received the money automatically, many who qualified never got the full amount.

If you didn’t receive your check, the IRS says you still have time to claim it—but only until April 15, 2025.

What Was the $1,400 Stimulus Check?

This third stimulus payment included:

  • $1,400 for each eligible adult
  • $1,400 for each qualifying dependent

Most payments went out by direct deposit, check, or prepaid debit card. If you missed yours, you can still receive it by filing a 2021 tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30 of Form 1040 or 1040-SR.

Why Some Americans Never Got It

Millions didn’t receive the full stimulus for several reasons:

  • They never filed a 2021 tax return
  • They filed but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
  • They were unaware they qualified at all

The IRS began identifying these cases in 2024 and automatically sent payments to people who filed but didn’t claim the credit. However, if you didn’t file your 2021 return, you must act before the April 15 deadline.

How to Check If You’re Eligible

To qualify for the full $1,400 stimulus:

  • Single filers must have had AGI of $75,000 or less
  • Married couples filing jointly: AGI of $150,000 or less
  • Heads of household: AGI of $112,500 or less

Payments begin to phase out above those thresholds and completely phase out at:

  • $80,000 for single filers
  • $160,000 for joint filers
  • $120,000 for heads of household

You also must:

  • Have had a valid Social Security number
  • Not have been claimed as someone else’s dependent
  • Have filed a 2021 tax return or do so by April 15, 2025

If you had qualifying dependents in 2021, you could be eligible for an additional $1,400 per child or dependent.

How to Claim the Stimulus Before the Deadline

You must file a 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025—no exceptions.

Steps to Claim:

  1. File Form 1040 or 1040-SR for tax year 2021
  2. Enter the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30
  3. Use free IRS tools or a trusted tax professional for help

If you already filed but didn’t claim the credit, and you’re eligible, the IRS may issue your payment automatically.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

You’ll lose the money permanently. The IRS gives taxpayers a three-year window to claim refunds. After that, the money goes unclaimed—even if you qualified.

There is no extension beyond April 15, 2025.

Who’s Most Likely to Miss Out?

Those at greatest risk of missing the payment include:

  • Low-income individuals not required to file taxes
  • Retirees or people on fixed incomes
  • College students or young adults
  • People without internet access
  • Non-English speakers
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity

The IRS says it’s trying to raise awareness, but many eligible Americans still don’t know they qualify.

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