Even though the main rounds of federal COVID-19 stimulus payments have ended, a surprising update from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has brought hope to many Americans.
According to recent estimates, about 600,000 eligible households in the U.S. have still not claimed their third stimulus check of $1,400.
If you or someone you know hasn’t received this payment, it may not be too late — but time is running out.
Why Haven’t These Checks Been Claimed Yet?
The $1,400 stimulus payment was part of the American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021. While the majority of eligible Americans received their checks via direct deposit, mailed checks, or prepaid debit cards, some payments went unclaimed, especially by people with lower or no incomes who didn’t file taxes.
In many cases, those who earn below the federal income tax filing threshold aren’t required to file taxes, so they may not have been automatically sent a check. The IRS has identified this group as a major portion of the 600,000 still eligible households.
Who Can Still Get the $1,400 Check?
To qualify for the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) of $1,400, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet the income requirements (generally under $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for joint filers)
- Not already received the payment in 2021
If you didn’t receive this stimulus check and think you were eligible, you may still be able to claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return.
How to Claim the Payment Now?
Even though the 2021 tax filing season has passed, the IRS allows late tax filings, and it’s not too late to claim your $1,400 stimulus payment.
Here’s what you need to do:
- File a 2021 federal income tax return, even if you’re not required to normally.
- Make sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the return.
- If eligible, the IRS will process your return and send the payment after verification.
You can file your return either online or on paper. For help filing, you can use IRS Free File if your income is below $73,000.
Also, this IRS page has all the latest updates on stimulus payments and rebate credits.
When Will You Get the Payment?
Once your 2021 return is filed and accepted, the IRS usually processes the rebate credit within 21 days, assuming there are no errors or follow-up requirements.
- Direct deposit payments are the fastest.
- Mailed checks may take several weeks longer.
Is There a Deadline?
Yes — while you can still file a 2021 return, you must do so within three years of the original deadline, which means the final deadline is April 15, 2025.
But it’s always best to file sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute issues or delays in receiving your payment.
Why It Matters Now?
With rising costs of living, grocery prices, rent, and energy bills still pressuring families across the country, this $1,400 relief could be a major help for anyone who hasn’t claimed it yet. It’s essentially free money for those who are eligible — and it only takes one form to get started.
The IRS is also conducting outreach campaigns, especially targeting low-income households, rural communities, and older Americans, to let them know that this money is still available.
What If You’re Not Sure You Got the Check?
You can check the status of your payments through the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool or by checking your IRS account online.
If you previously received the first or second stimulus checks but missed the third one, it should show up in your tax records.
What to Watch Out For?
Please be careful of scam calls, texts, or emails claiming they can help you claim your stimulus money faster — the IRS never contacts people through these channels for payment processing.
Always use the official IRS website (irs.gov) for any updates or to file your return.
Final Thoughts
The fact that 600,000 households are still eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check is a big deal. It’s a reminder that even if time has passed, relief is still available for those who need it most. If you missed out the first time, don’t assume you’ve lost your chance.
File that 2021 tax return, claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, and get the money you deserve.