If you feel like you missed out on some of the government support during the pandemic, you’re not alone. A lot of people never received their full stimulus checks—and now in 2025, there’s still a chance you might be able to claim up to $1,400 through something called the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Let’s break it down in plain language, so you know exactly what’s going on and whether or not you can still get this money.
So… What’s This $1,400 Stimulus Payment All About?
Back in 2021, the government issued a third round of stimulus checks—$1,400 per eligible adult, plus more for dependents. But here’s the thing: not everyone got their full payment.
Some people never got the check. Others got less than they should have. That’s where the Recovery Rebate Credit comes in. It’s basically the IRS giving you one last shot to claim what you’re owed, but the deadline’s creeping up.
Who Can Still Claim It?
The requirements are actually pretty straightforward. Here’s how to figure out if you still qualify:
1. You Didn’t Get the Full $1,400 Back Then
If for any reason—missing info, changed income, filing status—you didn’t get the full third-round stimulus payment, you can still get it now by filing a tax return.
2. Income Limits Still Apply
It’s based on your 2021 income (not 2025), so keep that in mind.
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Single: Under $75,000? You’re good.
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Married filing jointly: Under $150,000? Same deal.
Above those amounts, the payment drops off. If you made over $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married), you’re probably not eligible.
3. You Have Dependents?
You might get even more. For every dependent, it’s an extra $1,400. So if you’ve got kids, a college student, or even an adult dependent, make sure they’re listed when you file.
4. You’re on Social Security, SSDI, or SSI?
Good news—these benefits don’t disqualify you. As long as your income falls under the limits and you file the return, you can still get the money.
How Do You Actually Get the Payment?
Here’s the important part: you must file a 2021 tax return (even if you had zero income that year). And you have to do it before the IRS deadline of April 15, 2025.
Not sure how to do that? There are free tax filing options online or even help at local tax clinics if you’d rather talk to someone in person.
Also, if you already filed but forgot to claim the credit, don’t panic. You can amend your return—and yes, people are still doing that even now.
When Will the Money Hit Your Account?
If you’ve already filed and claimed the credit, the IRS began sending out payments in early 2025. Depending on your situation, the money might come via direct deposit or an old-fashioned check in the mail. If you’re filing now, expect a delay—maybe a few weeks to process, depending on how quickly they’re moving.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you’re out of luck—at least for this credit. Once that door closes, the IRS isn’t going to reopen it. That’s why it’s better to take care of it now than scramble later.
Is There Anything Else You Can Get?
Possibly. If you didn’t get other tax benefits like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, those are still available to people who qualify. So even if the $1,400 isn’t in the cards, there might be other ways to get help.
If you missed out on the third stimulus check or didn’t get the full amount, the IRS is giving you one last shot to claim it. But time’s running out. Filing that 2021 tax return might seem like a hassle now—but it could be worth up to $1,400 or more. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
