Many Americans are still unaware they could receive a $1,400 payment from the government—but time is running out. This money comes from the third round of stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. While most people received their funds automatically, over 1 million eligible individuals never claimed their payments.
The IRS has issued a last reminder to act before April 15, 2025. After this date, unclaimed stimulus payments will no longer be available. If you qualify but haven’t filed a 2021 tax return, you’ll need to do so before the deadline. This is especially important for those with low or no income, who may not realize they are still eligible.
The stimulus payments were part of the American Rescue Plan to support people during financial hardship. Even if you missed the payment initially, you can still get it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. But don’t wait—once the deadline passes, the money goes back to the U.S. Treasury for good.
Time is Running Out to Get Your $1,400 Relief Payment
The third round of stimulus checks offered $1,400 per person in 2021 to help Americans recover from the effects of the pandemic. These payments were sent via direct deposit, mailed checks, or prepaid debit cards. Still, many people didn’t receive theirs due to missed tax filings or incorrect information.
To help these individuals, the government allows people to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. But there’s a strict time limit—April 15, 2025, is the final day to submit that return. If you qualify but don’t file by then, you lose the money forever.
Who Qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
You may still be able to receive the full $1,400 if you met these income guidelines in 2021:
- Single individuals earning less than $75,000
- Married couples filing jointly with income under $150,000 (eligible for $2,800 total)
- Dependents of any age can also add $1,400 each to your total
If your income was slightly above those limits, you might still get a smaller amount. However, the payments fully phase out for single earners above $80,000 and couples earning more than $160,000.
Haven’t Filed a 2021 Tax Return? You Still Have a Chance
If you didn’t file taxes in 2021—maybe because your income was very low or you weren’t required to file—you can still get your stimulus. You’ll need to submit a 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
Even if you had no income, you could still qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS offers Free File tools online for easy filing, or you can get help from a certified tax preparer.
Easy Steps to Claim Your Missed Payment
Here’s what to do if you want to get your $1,400 check:
- File a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025
- Make sure to fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section
- If you already filed but missed the credit, review your IRS account to check for automatic payments
- Track your refund on the IRS website once you’ve submitted your return
It’s a quick process and could result in a helpful financial boost—especially for lower-income families.
What If Your Check Was Sent But Never Arrived?
If you believe the IRS sent your payment but you didn’t receive it, you can request a payment trace. Here’s how:
- Call the IRS at 800-919-9835
- Submit IRS Form 3911 to report a lost, stolen, or undelivered payment
If the IRS finds that your payment was never issued, you’ll still need to file a 2021 return to get the money through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Where Are the Most Unclaimed Stimulus Checks?
According to IRS data, some states have the highest number of residents with unclaimed payments. Here are the top four:
- California: Over 116,000 unclaimed payments, average refund: $600
- Texas: Around 102,200 people, average refund: $810
- New York: 73,000 eligible residents, average refund: $995
- Florida: Nearly 70,000 people, average refund: $732
These numbers show how many people could still benefit—if they file in time.
Don’t Miss Out—Act Before April 15
This may be your final chance to receive money that’s rightfully yours. The IRS has made it clear: no extensions will be given after the April 15, 2025 deadline.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help, visit the IRS website or speak to a tax advisor. This could be a big help, especially during tough financial times.
Make sure you file before it’s too late—because once the deadline passes, there’s no way to get the payment back.