Missed the $1,400 Stimulus? You Could Still Qualify – Check Your Eligibility Now!

If you didn’t receive the third stimulus payment worth $1,400, you’re not alone. Many Americans missed out due to filing delays, incorrect information, or confusion about eligibility. But the good news is—it’s not too late. The IRS has opened a final window for eligible individuals to claim their missed payment through the Recovery Rebate Credit.

This guide explains who qualifies, how to claim the money, and what other financial aid programs you might be eligible for. If you’re still hoping to receive that $1,400 stimulus, read on.

Overview

Here’s a quick look at the key details:

$1,400 Stimulus Check

The $1,400 check was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It was meant to help Americans recover financially from the pandemic.

Payments were sent out between March and December 2021. But not everyone got theirs. Here’s why some missed out:

• Changed filing status
• Banking or address issues
• Non-filers with low income
• Delayed or incorrect 2021 tax filings

If you qualified but didn’t receive it, you can still get the money by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.

Who Still Qualifies?

You may be eligible to claim the credit if:

• You didn’t receive the full $1,400
• You file a 2021 tax return
• Your income is under:
  • $80,000 (single)
  • $120,000 (head of household)
  • $160,000 (married filing jointly)
• You weren’t claimed as a dependent in 2021
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualifying resident
• You’re not disqualified by IRS restrictions

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

How to Claim

If you missed the payment, follow these steps:

1. File Your 2021 Tax Return
   • Use Form 1040 or 1040-SR (seniors)
   • Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30
   • File electronically for faster results
   • Deadline: May 15, 2025
2. File an Amended Return
   Already filed but didn’t claim the credit? Use Form 1040-X to amend your 2021 return.
3. Non-Filers Should File
   If you weren’t required to file in 2021 due to low income, you still need to submit a simple return to get your credit.

Make sure to gather documents like W-2s, Social Security statements, or other income records.

What If the IRS Sends It Automatically?

The IRS announced that about 1 million taxpayers will get their missed payments automatically. These are people who qualified but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 return.

• Payments are being sent via direct deposit or check
• No action needed if you’re eligible
• You’ll get a letter confirming the payment

If you think you qualify but don’t receive it, file an amended return to claim what you’re owed.

Other Relief

Even if you missed the $1,400 stimulus, you could still be eligible for other helpful benefits:

• Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child in 2021 for eligible families
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Refundable credit for working individuals with low to moderate income
• SNAP (Food Assistance): Helps low-income households buy groceries
• Affordable Care Act Subsidies: Reduced premiums or free health insurance through Medicaid or ACA exchanges

Check your eligibility at Benefits.gov or reach out to a local nonprofit for help with applications.

Claiming your missed stimulus payment might seem like a hassle, but it could mean $1,400 or more back in your pocket. With the May 15, 2025 deadline approaching fast, now is the time to act. File your 2021 tax return, check your eligibility, and explore other relief options to make sure you’re not leaving any money behind.

FAQs