IRS Sending New Payments in 2025 – Track Your Stimulus and Social Security Money Now!

If you’ve heard talk about the IRS sending new payments in 2025, you’re not imagining things. While it’s not another round of pandemic stimulus checks, the IRS is issuing one-time payments worth up to $1,400 to about 1 million taxpayers who missed out on the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. This could mean hundreds—or even thousands—of extra dollars in your pocket if you qualify.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, or need help figuring out how to claim it, this guide will walk you through it step by step.

Overview

If you haven’t claimed your Recovery Rebate Credit yet, time is running out, but there’s still a clear path to claim what you’re owed.

Recovery Rebate Credit

The Recovery Rebate Credit was created during the pandemic to ensure that anyone who missed out on the third stimulus payment could still claim it. This third payment, called EIP3, was worth up to $1,400 per adult and dependent.

If you didn’t receive your third check, or received less than you should have, you could qualify for this new payment in 2025 by filing or amending your 2021 tax return.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you must meet the following:

• Filed a 2021 federal tax return
• Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or claimed $0 by mistake
• Did not receive the full third stimulus payment in 2021
• Were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
• Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return

If you match these conditions, you could still claim your money.

How Much Could You Get?

Here’s how the payments break down:

Example:

• Single parent with two kids: $4,200
• Married couple with two kids: $5,600

This could provide major help with bills, groceries, or savings goals.

How to Track Your IRS Payment

Even though the Get My Payment tool is no longer active, you can still track your payment:

1. Log In to Your IRS Online Account

• Go to irs.gov/account
• Sign in or create an account
• Under “Tax Records,” check for payments labeled “Recovery Rebate Credit”

2. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool

If you recently filed or amended a 2021 return:

• Visit Where’s My Refund?
• Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount
• Track your refund or payment status

3. Check Your Mail

The IRS sends letters confirming payments (example: Letter 6475). Save all IRS correspondence for your records.

What If You Haven’t Filed Your 2021 Return?

You still have time, but don’t wait much longer. The final deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.

How to File:

• Go to IRS Free File if your income is under $73,000
• Select a software provider
• Complete and submit your 2021 return
• Choose direct deposit for faster payment

Filing now could help you claim up to $1,400 per eligible person—and get paid in just a few weeks.

Social Security Recipients

If you’re getting Social Security, SSDI, or SSI, there’s no special stimulus check just for you in 2025. However, Social Security benefits were increased by 3.2% due to the 2025 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment).

This means your monthly benefit has gone up slightly to help cover inflation, starting from May 2025.

To check your updated payment:

• Visit ssa.gov/myaccount
• Log in to view your new benefit amount

Action Steps

Here’s what you need to do to make sure you don’t miss out:

• Check your 2021 return: See if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Log in to your IRS account: Verify if you have a pending payment.
• File your 2021 return if needed: Use IRS Free File or consult a tax professional.
• Update your direct deposit info: For faster payments.
• Keep your IRS letters safe: They are important for future tax records.

FAQs