Millions of Americans may still have a chance to claim a $1,400 stimulus payment in 2025—money originally authorized during the pandemic but never received. Thanks to a reopened IRS window, retirees, low-income earners, and others who didn’t file taxes in 2021 can now act before the April 15, 2025 deadline to secure what they’re owed.
This is not a brand-new stimulus check, but a final opportunity to retroactively claim the third-round Economic Impact Payment through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Deal with the $1,400 Stimulus in 2025?
The IRS recently announced that nearly $1 billion in unclaimed stimulus payments from 2021 are still waiting to be collected. These payments—worth $1,400 per eligible person—were part of the American Rescue Plan Act, issued during the third round of stimulus checks in 2021.
The issue? Many eligible individuals never received the money simply because they didn’t file a 2021 tax return. This often includes retirees, Social Security recipients, and low-income households who normally aren’t required to file.
Program Overview: $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Payment Amount | $1,400 per eligible person |
| Claim Type | Recovery Rebate Credit (2021 tax year) |
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Eligibility Focus | Retirees, low-income earners, non-filers |
| Official Website | irs.gov |
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Check?
You may be eligible to claim the full or remaining portion of the $1,400 stimulus payment if you meet the following criteria:
- Lived in the U.S. for most of 2021.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Did not file a 2021 tax return, or filed without claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Income within the IRS threshold (generally under $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for joint filers).
- Did not receive the full third stimulus check during 2021.
Many Social Security recipients who rely solely on retirement benefits fall into this group—especially those who didn’t file taxes, assuming they didn’t need to.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check in 2025
Time is of the essence, but the process is straightforward:
1. File a 2021 Tax Return
Even if you had zero income, you must file a federal tax return for tax year 2021 using Form 1040 or 1040-SR (the version for seniors). File by April 15, 2025, to qualify.
2. Review What You’ve Already Received
Check for IRS Letter 6475, sent out in early 2022, which outlines how much of the third stimulus payment you received. You can also log into your IRS account for this information.
3. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Use your 2021 return to fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section. This allows the IRS to calculate how much you’re still owed and include it in your refund.
If you’re using tax software or a preparer, this process will be automatically guided step-by-step.
Why This Matters, Especially for Seniors
During the pandemic, many seniors who receive Social Security and don’t normally file taxes assumed the IRS would automatically send them any stimulus payments. While that was true for the first two rounds, the third round—issued in 2021—required some individuals to file a return to claim the full amount, particularly if there were discrepancies or no return was filed.
This is a final opportunity for those left behind in the third stimulus wave to receive the payment. It’s money that was already approved and allocated but simply never reached many Americans who needed it most.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
With the deadline set for April 15, 2025, there’s still time, but not much. If you or someone you know never filed for the 2021 tax year and didn’t receive the third $1,400 stimulus check, it’s worth checking eligibility now. For seniors, retirees, and low-income families, this payment could provide some welcome financial relief—even years after the pandemic ended.
FAQs:
Is this a new stimulus check for 2025?
No, this is not a new round of payments. It’s a second chance to claim the third stimulus from 2021 through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Can I still qualify if I received some money in 2021?
Yes, if you only got a partial payment, you may still be eligible for the remainder.
Do I need income to file a return?
No. You can file even with zero income—and you must do so to claim this credit.
