It’s been a few years since the pandemic brought stimulus checks into most Americans’ lives. But what many people don’t realize is that a large number of those payments—worth thousands of dollars—are still sitting unclaimed. And now, the IRS is urging about 600,000 people to take one simple step to get their share.
The amount at stake? As much as $3,892.
This Isn’t a New Stimulus—But It’s Money You May Have Missed
This isn’t a brand-new government handout, but it is part of the same COVID-era support efforts. It comes from something called the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was created as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan.
During that time, three rounds of stimulus checks were distributed, but not everyone received the full amount they were owed. Some people didn’t get any payment at all—often because they didn’t file taxes that year, or their income or life situation changed.
If you were among those people, this might be your last chance to claim the money you were meant to get.
Why So Many People Missed Out
You may be wondering: why did 600,000 people not get their payments in the first place?
There are a few common reasons:
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Some folks didn’t file a 2021 tax return because they didn’t think they needed to.
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Others had changes in income, like job losses or reduced hours, that made them newly eligible.
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Families who had a baby or added dependents in 2021 might not have gotten the right amount either.
In short, if your situation changed during that year—or if you skipped filing taxes—you might be owed more than you think.
How Much Could You Get?
The maximum Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 is up to $1,400 per person. So a single person who missed the full payment could get $1,400. A couple with two children could be looking at a check for $5,600. Many of the unclaimed checks are valued around $3,892—a life-changing sum for someone struggling to make ends meet.
What You Need to Do
The good news? You don’t need to jump through hoops or spend money to claim your payment. But you do need to file a 2021 tax return—yes, even though it’s now 2025.
The IRS is giving people until April 15, 2025 to file their 2021 return and claim the credit.
Here’s how to get started:
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Visit the official IRS website and look for the Free File tool if you earn less than $73,000 a year. It walks you through the process step by step.
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If you need help, local programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) offer free in-person support.
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You’ll need basic paperwork, like your 2021 income information (W-2 or 1099 forms) and details about any dependents.
If you already filed but think your payment was incorrect, you may be able to amend your return. It’s worth asking a tax advisor or using online tax software to find out.
Time Is Ticking
April 2025 might sound far away, but time has a way of slipping by. The IRS warns that once the deadline passes, the money is gone for good. And unfortunately, they won’t be issuing reminders or follow-up letters to everyone who’s eligible.
This means the responsibility falls on you to check if you’re owed and take action.
A Small Effort, a Big Reward
For many, $3,892 could help pay off bills, cover rent, or simply give some breathing room in today’s tight economy. The money is there—it’s already been set aside. All you have to do is claim it.
Whether you missed the payment by accident or thought you weren’t eligible at the time, there’s still a path forward. But you need to act before the deadline.
If you think you—or someone you know—might be among the 600,000 still eligible, now’s the time to look into it. Don’t leave this money on the table.
