$1,400 Stimulus Check Could Be Yours, but You Must Act Immediately

If you missed out on the third stimulus check from the U.S. government in 2021, there’s still good news—you can still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. But time is running out. You have until April 15, 2025 to submit your tax return and receive the payment.

Even if you didn’t file taxes in 2021 or had no income, you could still qualify. This includes people who receive Social Security, SSI, or other benefits. Let’s break down who is eligible, how much you can get, and how to claim it before the deadline.

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit was part of the American Rescue Plan of 2021, which included $1,400 per eligible person—for you and each dependent.

Even if you didn’t get the third stimulus check at the time, you can still claim the money by filing a 2021 tax return. The credit applies to:

Adults who didn’t receive the full $1,400
College students, grandparents, or others listed as dependents
Retirees or low-income individuals with no regular taxable income

Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?

Eligibility is based on your 2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI):

Single filers: Full credit up to $75,000 AGI
Married couples: Full credit up to $150,000 AGI
Above these limits, the credit reduces gradually
At $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married), the credit phases out completely

Even if your income came from Social Security or government benefits, you can still qualify.

What If You Didn’t File Taxes in 2021?

No worries. The IRS Free File tool lets you submit your return for free, even if you had no income. Choose direct deposit to receive your money faster.

If you already filed in 2021 but forgot to claim the credit, you can still fix it using Form 1040-X (amended return). But do it soon, as this process takes longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure you don’t lose your payment by making one of these common errors:

Wrong SSN or bank details: One small error and the payment may not reach you.
Skipping dependents: Add every qualifying dependent—including college students, elderly parents, or disabled adults.
Believing SSI, SNAP, or no income disqualifies you: These benefits don’t affect your eligibility.
Not filing because you didn’t work: You must file to claim the money, even with zero income.

Beware of scams. The IRS does not send messages or emails asking for personal details. Always use official channels.

How Much Can You Receive?

Let’s look at a few examples:

A couple with two children and AGI of $145,000 can receive $5,600 ($1,400 × 4).
A single retiree with no taxable income can still get $1,400 by filing a basic return.
If your AGI is too high, like $160,000 for couples, you won’t qualify.