Stimulus Checks 2025: Still a Chance to Get Paid: If you missed out on receiving a stimulus payment during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still an opportunity to claim that money — even in 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has stated that certain individuals may still be eligible to receive past-due Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), more commonly referred to as stimulus checks.
These payments were originally disbursed in 2020 and 2021 to offer financial support during the peak of the pandemic. However, some eligible recipients may not have received their payments at the time. You can still access these funds by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit, but the time left to act is quickly running out.
Who Is Still Eligible for a Stimulus Check in 2025?
According to the IRS, there are still certain groups of individuals who might qualify for stimulus funds retroactively, especially if their tax filing status or income has changed in recent years. You might be eligible if any of the following situations apply to you:
- You didn’t file a tax return for 2020 or 2021 but were otherwise qualified based on your income and personal circumstances.
- You submitted your 2020 or 2021 tax return for the first time recently.
- You were previously listed as a dependent on someone else’s return but now file taxes on your own.
- You experienced a significant drop in income or another life event that now qualifies you for a previous payment.
If you fall into one of these categories, the IRS advises filing or amending your tax returns as necessary and completing the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive your owed stimulus money.
How Much Could You Still Receive?
The amount you may still be eligible to receive depends on which round(s) of payments you missed. Here are the maximum payments for each round:
You could receive as much as $1,200 from the first stimulus payment issued in March 2020.
You might be entitled to up to $600 from the second round that came in December 2020.
You may receive up to $1,400 from the third payment that went out in March 2021.
The exact payment you qualify for depends on several factors such as your adjusted gross income, filing status (single, married, head of household), and how many dependents you have.
How to Claim a Missing Stimulus Payment
To access any unpaid stimulus funds, individuals must file or amend their 2020 and/or 2021 federal income tax returns. The IRS requires taxpayers to use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR and fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet within the return.
It’s important to provide precise details regarding your income and any dependents you may have. Even if you don’t usually file taxes because of your low income, submitting a tax return is necessary in order to receive any missing payments you’re owed.
Deadlines and Processing Time
The final date to submit a 2020 federal tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for that year was May 17, 2024, and that deadline has already passed. Similarly, the last day to file your 2021 return was April 15, 2025, which is also now closed.
However, if you filed your return before these cutoffs and included the credit, the IRS has indicated that they generally process such claims within a time frame of 6 to 12 weeks. If you’ve provided valid banking information, the payment will typically be issued via direct deposit. Otherwise, a paper check will be mailed to your address on file.
What To Do Next
If you believe you are eligible for any past stimulus payments but haven’t received them yet, here are some recommended steps to follow:
- Request a transcript of your IRS account to see whether any stimulus checks were ever sent out in your name.
- Speak to a certified tax professional or reach out to free IRS assistance programs to understand your eligibility.
- Check your online IRS account regularly to keep track of any pending payments or credits that may be applied.
Taking these actions can help ensure that any unclaimed stimulus money reaches you before it’s too late.
Matthew K. Ayers is a seasoned finance writer with a sharp eye for market trends and economic insights. With a background in financial analysis and a passion for simplifying complex topics, he crafts clear, actionable content to help readers make smarter money decisions. From personal finance to global markets, Matthew delivers trustworthy advice with clarity and precision.
