Missed a Stimulus Check? Here’s How to Get Paid in 2025

Thousands of Americans have reported delays or confusion over stimulus check eligibility in 2025. If you’re wondering why you haven’t received a payment—or if you’re worried you were left out—you’re not alone.

The IRS has not yet approved a new round of federal stimulus checks for 2025, but recent headlines, tax credits, and state-level relief programs have created serious confusion. The good news: whether you missed a past payment or want to be ready for the next one, there are steps you can take now to protect your eligibility.

First: Has a new federal stimulus check been approved in 2025?

As of April 2025, no new federal stimulus checks have been passed by Congress. However, several proposals are under discussion, including:

Expansions to the Child Tax Credit
Emergency housing and inflation relief
A new DOGE-linked stimulus program (pushed by Elon Musk and debated in the Senate)

None have become law—yet.

If a new stimulus is approved, payments would be distributed by the IRS using tax return data, direct deposit info, or addresses tied to prior benefits.

What to do if you think you missed a stimulus payment

You may still be eligible for past relief—including the 2021–2022 Recovery Rebate Credit or missed child tax credit advances. Here’s how to check:

1. Check your IRS online account

Visit IRS.gov and log into your online account. You’ll find:

All payments sent to you (with dates and amounts)
Your current mailing address and bank info
Your 2020–2024 tax filing status

If the IRS shows a payment was issued, but you never received it, you can request a payment trace.

2. File or amend your tax return

If you never filed a return—or filed with outdated info—you may have missed a check. File your 2024 tax return ASAP, even if your income was low.

For missed payments:

Use Form 3911 to request a trace
Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return if eligible

Even if the IRS isn’t currently issuing new checks, filing now helps you:

Get refunds or tax credits
Stay eligible for future programs
Ensure your contact and bank info are up to date

3. Watch out for scams

Scammers are targeting people who think they missed a check. They’ll offer to “help” you claim your money—for a fee or personal info.

Avoid anyone who:

Promises guaranteed payment or “fast-track” processing
Requests your Social Security number or banking info by text/email
Says you must pay upfront to get a refund

Only use IRS.gov and trusted tax prep services.

What about state stimulus checks?

Several states are still issuing one-time tax rebates or benefit payments in 2025. These are separate from any federal stimulus and often require separate applications or qualifications.

States offering recent or upcoming payments include:

California (inflation relief refund)
Colorado (TABOR surplus refund)
New Mexico (economic relief rebates)
Pennsylvania (property tax/rent rebates)
New York (earned income credit boosts)

Stay ready for what’s next

A new federal stimulus check may still be coming—but in the meantime, updating your tax info and tracking what you’re owed is your best defense against missing out.

Check back regularly for updates, and subscribe to our stimulus tracker so you never miss a payment again.

More in our series:

Want to check out more from FL1? Check out these related topics!

Stay informed. For the latest breaking news and headlines from across the FL1 National Desk subscribe using the Google pop-up prompt or download the FingerLakes1.com App!

Digital Team

This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.