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Last Chance to Claim Missing Stimulus Payments
The federal government issued three total Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus payments, in 2020 and 2021 to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you missed out on your stimulus payments or didn’t get the full amount you qualify for, you can still claim the money as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 and/or 2021 tax return, but need to file before the deadline.
Read below to learn more about the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and how to confirm if you received them.
How to claim your federal stimulus payments
If you missed out on your stimulus checks or didn’t get the full amount you qualify for, you can still claim the money as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 and/or 2021 tax return. Missing first and second payments may only be claimed on a 2020 tax return. Missing third payments may only be claimed on a 2021 tax return.
Past year returns can only be done for free with the help of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Check out our in-person help and virtual help filing options for help. Unfortunately, you cannot do past year returns through our self filing option.
How much is the federal stimulus payment worth?
- The first Economic Impact Payment was $1,200 for individuals ($2,400 if married filing jointly) plus $500 for each qualifying child.
- The second Economic Impact Payment was $600 for individuals ($1,200 if married filing jointly) plus $600 for each qualifying child.
- The third Economic Impact Payment was up to $1,400 for individuals ($2,800 if married filing jointly) plus $1,400 for each dependent.
For more details about the Economic Impact Payments, visit the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit webpage.
Am I eligible for a federal stimulus payment?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Were a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident (and your spouse also was if you were married filing jointly)
- Were not a dependent of another taxpayer
- Had a Social Security number valid for employment
- Adjusted gross income (AGI) did not exceed:
- $150,000 if married and filing a joint return or filing as a qualifying widow or widower
- $112,500 if filing as head of household
- $75,000 if filing as a single or as married filing separately
You are not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit claimed on a 2020 tax return if any of the following apply:
- You were claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2020 return
- You did not have a Social Security number that was valid for employment issued before the due date of your 2020 tax return (including extensions); some exceptions apply for those who filed married filing jointly, where only one spouse had a valid Social Security number to claim the credit
- You were a nonresident
- You were an estate or trust
Individuals who died prior to January 1, 2020, were not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit claimed on a 2020 tax return.
I’m not sure if I already received a stimulus payment. How do I check?
You can view information about your Economic Impact Payments by signing in to, or creating, an IRS online account. Check out our step-by-step video tutorial if you need help creating an IRS online account.
You can also contact your banking institution, or view your online banking records, to confirm if you received any payments.
Will stimulus payments affect my benefits?
Receiving the Recovery Rebate Credit does not impact one’s income eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Claiming the credit does not influence an individual’s immigration status or their ability to obtain a green card or immigration benefits.