Even though the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic are over, some financial support policies from that time are still active in the United States. One of them is the chance to claim the third IRS stimulus check, also known as the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This payment was originally sent out in 2021, but some people never received the full amount—or anything at all. The good news? You still have time to claim this money in 2025, but you must act fast and meet certain rules.
Who Can Still Claim the IRS Stimulus Check in 2025?
The third stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offered up to $1,400 per person, including dependents of any age. It was part of a government effort to help families during the pandemic. While most people got their money automatically, some missed out due to tax issues, lack of information, or ineligibility at the time.
To qualify for the full $1,400 payment, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2021 must have been:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
If your income was slightly above these amounts, you may still qualify for a reduced payment. The benefit completely phases out at:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $120,000 for heads of household
- $160,000 for married couples filing jointly
If you did not get the payment, or got less than you should have, you can claim the difference through the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is the IRS’s way of allowing you to claim missed stimulus money. It applies to anyone who didn’t receive their full third Economic Impact Payment in 2021.
To get this credit, you must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. Even if you normally don’t file taxes (due to low income or other reasons), you still need to do it in this case to claim the money.
How to Claim the Stimulus Payment in 2025
Step 1: Check if You Qualify
Make sure your 2021 income was within the limits mentioned above. If you’re not sure whether you received the full payment, you can check your IRS letters from that year or log in to the IRS online portal to view your payment history.
Step 2: File Your 2021 Tax Return
If you didn’t already file your 2021 tax return, you need to do it now. You can do it online (faster) or by paper mail. When filling out the return, you must include the Recovery Rebate Credit section and calculate how much you are owed.
Step 3: Get Your Refund
Once your return is processed, the IRS will send the money as part of your tax refund. If you choose direct deposit, the payment will reach you more quickly.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
The final date to claim the third stimulus payment is April 15, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you’ll lose your chance to get the money. This could be $1,400 or more if you had dependents.
So, if you think you were supposed to receive the 2021 stimulus check but didn’t, don’t wait. File your 2021 tax return and claim the credit before time runs out.