Missed the $1,400 Stimulus? You Could Still Be Eligible — Check Out Now!

Many Americans are still asking if they missed out on the $1,400 stimulus payment from 2021. The good news is, if you never received your money, you may still be eligible to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Plus, the IRS is now sending out automatic payments to some taxpayers.

This guide will show you who qualifies, how to claim your payment, and what other financial help might be available to you.

Missed Stimulus

Here’s a quick overview:

If you missed your $1,400 stimulus, don’t worry—you still have time to claim it. But you’ll need to act before the deadline.

What Was It?

The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Payments were issued between March and December 2021.

Some people missed their payment because of:

• Filing status changes
• Wrong banking or mailing information
• Low-income non-filers
• Tax return delays or errors

If you were eligible but didn’t get your check, you can still claim it by filing a 2021 tax return.

Who Still Qualifies?

You may still be eligible if:

• You did not receive the full $1,400 Economic Impact Payment.
• You need to file a 2021 tax return.
• Your adjusted gross income (AGI) was under:
  • $80,000 for single filers
  • $120,000 for heads of household
  • $160,000 for married couples
• You are not claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• You are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying non-resident alien.

Not sure if you received it? Use the IRS “Get My Payment” tool to check.

How to Claim

If you missed out, here’s what you need to do:

File a 2021 Tax Return

You must file by May 15, 2025.

• Gather documents like W-2s, 1099s, and Social Security statements.
• Complete Form 1040 or 1040-SR (for seniors).
• Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30.
• File electronically for faster processing.

Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit

The Recovery Rebate Credit equals the amount of stimulus you should have received.

• If you already filed a 2021 return but didn’t claim the credit, you’ll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X).
• Even if you were a non-filer (low income), you can still file a simple return to claim it.

Tip: Use IRS Free File or ask a tax professional for help if needed.

Automatic Payments

The IRS is automatically sending payments to about 1 million taxpayers who missed claiming the RRC. These payments total about $2.4 billion.

• Payments are issued by direct deposit or paper check.
• You will receive an IRS letter confirming your payment.
• If you believe you qualify but don’t get your money, you may need to file an amended return.

Check your bank account and your mailbox over the next few months.

Other Help

If you missed the stimulus check, you might still qualify for more programs:

• Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child in 2021.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Refundable credit for low-to-moderate-income workers.
• SNAP Benefits: Food assistance for low-income families.
• Medicaid and ACA Subsidies: Expanded health coverage options.

Tip: Visit Benefits.gov to check eligibility for financial aid programs that could help you even more.

FAQs