What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check Still Available in 2025?
While the pandemic-era stimulus checks may seem like a thing of the past, over 1 million Americans are still eligible for a $1,400 payment from the federal government — and the IRS deadline is April 15, 2025.
The check is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit program, which was designed to help those who didn’t receive all or part of the third Economic Impact Payment back in 2021. The IRS began distributing a new round of payments in December 2024, but many taxpayers have yet to claim what they’re owed.
Who’s Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The IRS says this is your last chance to file a 2021 tax return and get the stimulus money you may have missed. To qualify:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Did Not Receive Full Stimulus in 2021 | Missed one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the pandemic |
| Did Not Claim Recovery Rebate Credit | Filed a 2021 return but left the credit section blank or incorrect |
| Income Thresholds Apply | Full $1,400 check for AGI under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married) |
| Filed or Will File 2021 Tax Return | Must file by April 15, 2025 to be eligible |
Even if you received part of the stimulus before, you may still qualify for the difference if your income or filing status changed.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
Here’s how the Recovery Rebate Credit works:
- If you already filed your 2021 return and were eligible but didn’t claim the credit, the IRS is automatically sending checks or direct deposits.
- You’ll receive a paper check or a direct deposit to the account listed on your 2023 tax return.
- A separate IRS letter will notify you of the payment.
If you haven’t filed a 2021 return, you must file it by April 15, 2025, to be eligible. This is your last opportunity to claim the credit or any refund for that year. After that, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.
How Much Could You Receive?
- Up to $1,400 per individual
- For a couple filing jointly: up to $2,800
- Payments may vary depending on income and dependents
The credit is fully refundable, meaning you can still receive the full amount even if you owe no taxes.
Which States Have the Most Unclaimed Stimulus Money?
Many states have significant unclaimed refunds. For example:
- Mississippi residents are owed over $8.2 million in unclaimed 2021 refunds
- The average return per eligible filer is around $701
- Nationwide, the IRS estimates over $1 billion in unclaimed stimulus and tax refunds
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you forfeit your eligibility to receive the $1,400 stimulus check or any associated tax refund. These funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury permanently.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
With inflation still impacting households and many Americans struggling to stay afloat, this could be your last chance to secure up to $1,400 in stimulus money you’re already entitled to.
File now, claim your Recovery Rebate Credit, and ensure you don’t miss out before the IRS deadline hits.
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