Millions of Americans have already benefited from the third round of stimulus payments authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Yet surprisingly, thousands of eligible citizens still haven’t received their $1400 payments.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now issuing urgent reminders that time is running out to claim these funds.
With an April deadline fast approaching, understanding your eligibility and the proper steps to claim your payment has never been more critical.
“We’re making every effort to reach people who are entitled to these payments,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a recent press statement.
“These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet—these are funds that can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially for those still recovering from pandemic-related financial hardships.”
For many Americans, this $1400 payment represents more than just extra money.
It could mean catching up on overdue bills, replenishing depleted savings accounts, or finally addressing postponed medical care.
The economic impacts of the pandemic continue to linger for many households, making these funds as relevant now as when they were first authorized.
Who Still Qualifies for the $1400 Payment?
The third round of stimulus payments was originally issued in March 2021, with most eligible Americans receiving their payments automatically through direct deposit, paper checks, or prepaid debit cards.
However, several groups of people may still be eligible to claim their payment before the April cutoff.
Individuals who experienced significant life changes in 2021 may qualify for additional stimulus money.
This includes new parents who welcomed a child in 2021, as the original payments wouldn’t have included dependents not yet reported on tax returns.
People whose income decreased significantly between 2020 and 2021 may also be eligible for additional funds.
Since the original eligibility was based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns, those who earned too much in those years but then saw their income drop in 2021 might now qualify for the full payment or a partial amount.
Americans who don’t normally file tax returns—often called “non-filers”—represent one of the largest groups of people who may have missed out on stimulus payments.
This group includes some retirees, veterans, and individuals with income below the filing threshold.
Recent immigrants who received Social Security numbers in 2021 but resided in the U.S. during the eligibility period may also qualify.
These individuals may have been ineligible during the initial distribution but can now claim the payment through the recovery rebate credit.
College students who were claimed as dependents on their parents’ 2019 or 2020 tax returns but are now filing independently may also qualify.
Many of these young adults were excluded from the initial payments but may be eligible to claim the funds on their own returns if they’re now financially independent.
Understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit
The key to claiming a missed stimulus payment lies in understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This tax credit was created specifically to help people receive stimulus money they were eligible for but didn’t receive automatically.
“The Recovery Rebate Credit essentially merges the stimulus payment process with the tax filing system,” explained Janet Holtzblatt, senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
“It gives people who missed out on automatic payments another opportunity to receive their funds.”
To claim the credit, you’ll need to file a tax return for the 2021 tax year, even if you don’t normally file or aren’t otherwise required to file.
The form includes a specific section for the Recovery Rebate Credit, where you’ll calculate the amount you’re eligible for based on your 2021 income and family situation.
It’s important to note that the credit is calculated based on your 2021 tax information, not 2020 or 2019 data that might have been used for the original distribution.
This means your eligibility could be different from when payments were first issued, potentially working in your favor if your circumstances changed.
When filing, you’ll need to know exactly how much stimulus money you’ve already received, if any.
The IRS should have sent Notice 1444-C after the third stimulus payment was issued, which shows the amount you received.
If you can’t locate this notice, you can also check your IRS online account or the Get My Payment tool on the IRS website.
Having accurate information about previous payments is crucial to avoid delays in processing your return and receiving your credit.
Special Considerations for Dependents and Families
Families with dependents have several special considerations when claiming missed stimulus payments.
The third stimulus package included payments for all dependents, regardless of age, which was a significant change from previous rounds.
For new parents, the $1400 payment for a child born in 2021 can be claimed on your 2021 tax return.
This applies even if your child was born as late as December 31, 2021.
“Many parents don’t realize that babies born in 2021 qualify for the stimulus payment,” noted tax attorney Barbara Weltman.
“This can be a significant benefit for new families who are facing the increased expenses that come with having a child.”
Families who added dependents through adoption in 2021 also qualify for the additional $1400 per dependent.
The key requirement is that the dependent must have a valid Social Security number.
For those with older dependents, including college students, elderly parents, or adult children with disabilities, the third stimulus package removed the age restrictions that existed in earlier rounds.
This means eligible taxpayers can claim the payment for any qualifying dependent, regardless of age.
Divorced parents should note that only one parent can claim the stimulus payment for each child.
Generally, the parent who claims the child as a dependent on their tax return is the one eligible to receive the stimulus payment for that child.
Foster parents who welcomed children into their homes during 2021 may also qualify for the dependent stimulus payment, provided they claim the child as a dependent on their 2021 tax return and meet other eligibility requirements.
Income Limits and Phase-Out Thresholds
Understanding the income thresholds for the third stimulus payment is crucial to determining your eligibility.
The full $1400 payment is available to individuals with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) up to $75,000 and married couples filing jointly with AGIs up to $150,000.
However, the payment phases out quickly above these thresholds.
Individuals with AGIs above $80,000 and couples with AGIs above $160,000 are not eligible for any payment.
Head of household filers have a different threshold, with full payments available to those with AGIs up to $112,500 and complete phase-out occurring at $120,000.
These relatively tight phase-out ranges mean that small changes in income can significantly impact eligibility.
“The narrow phase-out range for the third stimulus payment caught many people by surprise,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt.
“Someone just $5,000 over the threshold could be completely ineligible, while they might have received partial payments in previous rounds.”
If your income decreased in 2021 compared to the tax return the IRS used to determine your initial eligibility (either 2019 or 2020), filing a 2021 return could result in additional stimulus money.
This is particularly relevant for people who lost jobs or experienced reduced hours during the pandemic.
Conversely, if your income increased significantly in 2021, you won’t be required to pay back any stimulus money you already received based on your lower previous income.
The IRS has confirmed that there is no “clawback” provision for stimulus payments.
Self-employed individuals should pay particular attention to their adjusted gross income calculations, as business losses can potentially reduce AGI and increase stimulus eligibility.
Consulting with a tax professional may be beneficial in these more complex situations.
Filing a 2021 Tax Return: What You Need to Know
Even though we’re well into 2023, it’s still possible to file a 2021 tax return to claim your stimulus payment.
The IRS allows taxpayers to file returns for the previous three years to claim refunds they’re entitled to.
To file a 2021 return, you’ll need to use the forms specific to that tax year rather than current forms.
These can be downloaded from the IRS website or obtained by calling the IRS directly.
You’ll need several key documents to complete your return accurately.
These include your Social Security number, income statements (such as W-2s or 1099s) for 2021, documentation of any stimulus payments already received, and banking information for direct deposit of your refund.
If you don’t typically file a return because of low income, the IRS offers free filing options that can help you claim your stimulus payment.
The Free File program remains available for prior year returns, though with fewer participating providers than for current year returns.
Many community organizations also offer free tax preparation assistance through programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).
These services can be particularly helpful for those who don’t regularly interact with the tax system.
“Don’t be intimidated by the process,” encouraged Claudia Stanley, a certified public accountant.
“Even if you’ve never filed before, there are resources available to help you navigate the system and claim the money you’re entitled to.”
For those who filed a 2021 return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, an amended return may be necessary.
Form 1040-X can be used to correct a previously filed return and claim the credit you missed.
Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
Several common obstacles prevent eligible people from claiming their stimulus payments.
Understanding these challenges and how to address them can help ensure you receive your funds before the deadline.
One major barrier is lack of awareness.
Many people simply don’t realize they’re still eligible for a payment or don’t understand that they need to take action to claim it rather than waiting for automatic distribution.
“The most vulnerable populations—those who would benefit most from these payments—are often the least likely to know about their eligibility or how to claim their funds,” observed Nina Olson, former National Taxpayer Advocate and current Executive Director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights.
Missing documentation poses another challenge.
Without records of previous stimulus payments or income documents from 2021, it can be difficult to file an accurate return and claim the correct amount.
For those missing documentation, the IRS can provide transcripts of previously filed tax returns and records of stimulus payments through the Get Transcript service on their website.
This service is available online or by mail for those without internet access.
Address changes since the original stimulus distribution may also cause complications.
If you’ve moved since filing your last tax return, the IRS may not have your current contact information, potentially leading to missed communications or undelivered payments.
Updating your address with the IRS can be done by submitting Form 8822, filing a new tax return with your current address, or calling the IRS directly.
Making sure your contact information is current helps ensure any correspondence or payments reach you successfully.
Banking changes can similarly cause problems.
If you’ve closed or changed bank accounts since your last tax filing, any attempted direct deposits might have been returned to the IRS.
When filing to claim your missed payment, provide current banking information for direct deposit to avoid further delays.
Alternatively, you can choose to receive your payment as a paper check, though this typically takes longer.
Special Cases: Navigating Complex Situations
Certain life circumstances create unique challenges when claiming stimulus payments.
Understanding how these special cases are handled can help those in complex situations successfully claim their funds.
Individuals who were incarcerated during 2021 may still qualify for the stimulus payment.
Despite initial confusion, court rulings confirmed that incarceration status does not disqualify someone from receiving these funds.
People who experienced homelessness during the pandemic face particular difficulties in claiming their payments.
Without a permanent address or regular access to banking services, many homeless individuals missed the initial distribution.
“For people experiencing homelessness, stimulus payments can be a critical lifeline,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
“But the traditional distribution systems often don’t work for those without stable housing or bank accounts.”
Homeless individuals can still file tax returns to claim their payments by using the address of a shelter, friend, relative, or service provider who will accept mail on their behalf.
Some tax preparation services specifically assist homeless populations in navigating this process.
Americans living abroad were eligible for stimulus payments provided they met the income requirements and had a valid Social Security number.
Expats who missed the original payments can file a 2021 return to claim them, even if they have no U.S. tax liability.
Mixed-status families, where some members have Social Security numbers and others have Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), have specific eligibility rules.
Generally, only family members with valid Social Security numbers qualify for payments.
For those dealing with the estates of deceased relatives, the rules state that individuals who died before January 1, 2021, are not eligible for the third stimulus payment.
However, those who died after receiving the payment do not need to return it.
Avoiding Scams: Protecting Yourself While Claiming Your Payment
The substantial sums involved with stimulus payments have unfortunately attracted numerous scammers.
Being aware of common scams can help you protect your personal information and your payment.
The IRS will never initiate contact with taxpayers via email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information.
Any such communications claiming to be from the IRS are fraudulent.
Similarly, legitimate IRS representatives will never demand immediate payment using specific methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
The agency also doesn’t threaten to immediately bring in law enforcement for non-payment.
“Scammers are incredibly sophisticated in mimicking official communications,” warned Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support at AARP.
“They create a sense of urgency to trick people into making quick decisions rather than verifying the legitimacy of the request.”
To safely claim your stimulus payment, always access the IRS website directly by typing the address (irs.gov) into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or text messages.
This helps ensure you’re on the legitimate site rather than a convincing fake.
Be particularly cautious of services offering to help you get your stimulus payment faster for a fee.
The only legitimate way to claim a missed payment is through the IRS, and there’s no way to expedite the process by paying a third party.
If you believe you’ve encountered a stimulus-related scam, report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
These agencies track scam patterns and can help warn others.
For those with limited internet access or comfort with technology, the IRS offers phone assistance, though wait times can be long.
Local taxpayer advocate offices can also provide guidance on legitimate ways to claim your payment.
What to Expect After Filing: Timelines and Next Steps
Once you’ve filed to claim your missing stimulus payment, understanding what happens next helps set realistic expectations about when you’ll receive your funds.
Processing times vary based on several factors, including how and when you file.
For electronic returns, the IRS typically processes the Recovery Rebate Credit within 21 days, similar to regular tax refunds.
Paper returns take significantly longer—potentially 6 to 8 weeks under normal circumstances and possibly longer due to ongoing processing backlogs.
“The IRS continues to work through significant pandemic-related challenges,” explained former IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig before leaving the position.
“While we’re making progress, taxpayers should still anticipate some delays in processing, particularly for paper returns or returns that require manual review.”
You can check the status of your return and refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app.
These resources are typically updated once daily and provide the most current information available.
If several weeks have passed since you filed and there’s no update on your refund status, you may need to contact the IRS directly.
Be prepared for potentially long wait times when calling, especially during tax season.
Once your return is processed, your Recovery Rebate Credit will be included with any other refund you’re entitled to.
The payment will arrive either through direct deposit to your bank account (if you provided banking information) or as a paper check mailed to your address.
If your refund is different from what you expected, you’ll typically receive a notice explaining the discrepancy.
This often occurs when the IRS records of previous stimulus payments differ from what you reported on your return.
Beyond the $1400: Other Pandemic Relief You May Have Missed
While claiming your $1400 stimulus payment is important, it’s worth investigating other pandemic relief programs you might also be eligible for.
Many of these programs have separate deadlines and application processes.
The expanded Child Tax Credit for 2021 provided up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and $3,000 per child ages 6-17.
While monthly advance payments were distributed during 2021, those who didn’t receive them can claim the full credit on their 2021 tax return.
“The expanded Child Tax Credit represented one of the most significant investments in American families in generations,” noted Chuck Marr, Senior Director of Federal Tax Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“Studies show it reduced child poverty by roughly 30% during its implementation.”
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was also temporarily expanded for 2021, with broader eligibility and increased benefit amounts, especially for workers without qualifying children.
The maximum credit for childless workers nearly tripled from previous years.
Emergency Rental Assistance programs continue to operate in many states, providing funds to help with housing costs and utilities for those experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Unlike tax credits, these programs typically require separate applications through state or local agencies.
Student loan payment pauses have been extended multiple times since the pandemic began.
Borrowers should stay informed about current deadlines and potential forgiveness programs that might apply to their specific situation.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (formerly the Emergency Broadband Benefit) provides discounts on internet service for eligible households.
This ongoing program helps ensure continued access to essential online services and resources.
“Many pandemic relief programs were designed to work together to provide comprehensive support,” explained Jeremie Greer, co-founder of Liberation in a Generation.
“But their separate application processes and administering agencies created complexity that prevented many eligible people from accessing all available benefits.”
The Broader Economic Impact: Why These Payments Matter
Beyond the individual benefits, understanding the broader economic significance of stimulus payments provides important context for why claiming these funds matters—both for recipients and for the economy as a whole.
The third round of stimulus payments injected approximately $400 billion into the U.S. economy during a critical recovery period.
Economic research has consistently shown that stimulus payments were largely spent rather than saved, particularly among lower-income households.
This spending supported local businesses and helped maintain economic activity during uncertain times.
“The evidence is clear that these direct payments were effective at preventing deeper economic hardship,” stated Claudia Sahm, former Federal Reserve economist known for her work on stimulus policies.
“They reached people quickly and allowed them to meet needs that would otherwise have gone unaddressed.”
Studies of how recipients used their payments found that necessities dominated, with food, utilities, housing, and debt payments accounting for the majority of spending.
This contradicts concerns that the payments would be used frivolously or harm economic recovery.
The pandemic’s economic impacts were not distributed equally, with lower-income households, communities of color, and women experiencing disproportionate hardship.
Stimulus payments helped address some of these disparities by providing universal support based primarily on income thresholds.
While the immediate crisis phase of the pandemic has passed, many households continue to face financial challenges from its lingering effects.
Inflation, depleted savings, and accumulated debt mean that even now, these payments can provide meaningful relief.
“Economic recovery isn’t just about macroeconomic indicators,” observed Rakeen Mabud, chief economist at the Groundwork Collaborative.
“It’s about whether families can afford groceries, whether they can pay their rent, and whether they have a bit of financial breathing room.
That’s why these payments remain relevant even years after the acute phase of the crisis.”
Expert Advice: Making the Most of Your Stimulus Payment
Financial experts offer several recommendations for those about to receive a delayed stimulus payment.
While individual circumstances vary, these general principles can help you maximize the benefit of these funds.
Prioritizing necessities should come first, particularly for those with unmet basic needs.
This includes catching up on rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, food, and essential medications.
“When receiving a lump sum like a delayed stimulus payment, it’s tempting to spend it all at once,” cautioned financial counselor Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education.
“Creating a prioritized plan before the money arrives can help ensure it addresses your most pressing needs.”
For those who’ve accumulated debt during the pandemic, strategically paying down high-interest obligations can provide long-term financial benefits.
Credit card debt, payday loans, and other high-interest debts should generally be addressed before lower-interest obligations.
Building or replenishing emergency savings represents another prudent use of stimulus funds, particularly given ongoing economic uncertainty.
Even setting aside a portion of the payment can help provide a buffer against future financial shocks.
Some recipients may benefit from investing in their future earning potential through education, training, or tools needed for work.
This might include courses to develop new skills, equipment for a small business, or technology needed for remote work opportunities.
For those in more stable financial positions, contributing to retirement accounts or children’s education funds can provide long-term benefits.
The $1400 invested now has significant growth potential over decades.
“Remember that taking care of your physical and mental health is also a valid financial decision,” added financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin.
“If addressing a delayed medical need or seeking mental health support will improve your overall wellbeing and ability to work, that’s a legitimate use of these funds.”
Taking Action Before the Deadline
As the April deadline approaches, taking prompt action is essential for anyone who believes they may be eligible for a missed stimulus payment.
The steps required—primarily filing a 2021 tax return—are straightforward but must be completed within the timeframe established by tax regulations.
“This isn’t just about claiming a payment—it’s about claiming what you’re legally entitled to,” emphasized Nina Olson.
“These funds were authorized by Congress to help Americans weather an unprecedented crisis, and ensuring they reach all eligible recipients fulfills that legislative intent.”
For those hesitant about engaging with the tax system, remember that numerous free resources exist to help navigate the process.
From IRS Free File to nonprofit tax assistance programs, support is available regardless of your income or tax filing experience.
Community organizations, public libraries, and legal aid societies often provide additional assistance with stimulus-related questions.
Many have specific programs designed to help vulnerable populations access pandemic benefits they may have missed.
While the process may seem daunting, particularly for those who don’t typically file tax returns, the potential benefit—$1400 per eligible person plus additional amounts for qualifying dependents—makes it worth pursuing.
For many families, this could amount to several thousand dollars in much-needed financial support.
The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for Americans across all walks of life.
These stimulus payments represent one of the most direct forms of assistance provided during this difficult period.
As we continue to recover from the economic disruption of COVID-19, ensuring that all eligible individuals receive their authorized payments helps fulfill the promise of equitable support during extraordinary times.
Don’t let the April deadline pass without determining whether you might be among those still eligible to claim these important funds.