$1,400, $1,500, and $1,600 Stimulus Checks Released – See Payment Details and Eligibility!

Published On: March 26, 2025

Millions of Americans could still get a second chance to receive their third stimulus checks—yes, even in 2025. The IRS is now offering Recovery Rebate Credit payments of $1,400, $1,500, and $1,600 to those who missed out back in 2021. If you’re wondering how to qualify or how to actually get that money, this guide walks you through everything in plain English.

Overview

These payments aren’t technically “new” stimulus checks—they’re unclaimed funds from the 2021 round under the American Rescue Plan. The IRS has identified over a million people who never received the full amount they were entitled to. That’s where the Recovery Rebate Credit comes in.

If you missed your third check, you still have time. But you’ll need to file or amend your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.

Amounts

There are three potential payment amounts: $1,400, $1,500, and $1,600. The exact number you get depends on your tax situation and any dependents you may have claimed.

These amounts reflect the original stimulus payment of $1,400 per eligible adult and child. The $1,500 or $1,600 amounts could include adjustments for partial payments or additional qualifying dependents not counted the first time.

Eligibility

Wondering if you qualify? Here’s a quick checklist:

You didn’t receive your full 2021 stimulus check.
You either filed a 2021 tax return without claiming the credit or haven’t filed at all.
You fall within the eligible income limits.

Check your 2021 Form 1040, Line 30. If it’s blank or zero, there’s a good chance you’re owed money.

Here’s a quick table to break down income limits:

Filing Status	Full Payment Income	Phase-Out Ends At
Single	$75,000	$80,000
Head of Household	$112,500	$120,000
Married Filing Joint	$150,000	$160,000

If your adjusted gross income was higher, your payment might be smaller—or phased out entirely.

Filing

To get the payment, you must file a 2021 tax return, even if you usually don’t have to. This applies especially to low-income earners, retirees, or people on disability who might’ve skipped filing that year.

Use IRS Free File or any trusted tax filing software. If you’re not comfortable filing yourself, work with a tax pro. Either way, the key is getting that 2021 return in before the April 15, 2025 deadline.

Delivery

Once your return is filed and processed, the IRS will send your payment either by direct deposit or mail. If they have your bank info from a prior return, it’ll go straight to your account. Otherwise, expect a check in the mail.

Need to update your info? Use IRS Form 8822 to change your address or update your bank details online through their website.

Timeline

The IRS has already started processing payments, with most expected to be issued by late January 2025. If you’re just now filing your 2021 return, expect to receive your money within 6 to 8 weeks after it’s processed.

Here’s a simple timeline:

Action	Date
Payments Start	March 2025
Deadline to File 2021 Return	April 15, 2025
Estimated Payment Timeframe	6-8 weeks after filing

Claiming

Let’s walk through how to claim your check:

Step 1: Look at your 2021 tax return. Check Line 30 on Form 1040.
Step 2: If it’s blank or shows $0, file or amend your 2021 tax return.
Step 3: Wait for your payment via direct deposit or mail.

It’s really that simple. The hardest part might just be tracking down your old tax info—but once that’s done, the rest is smooth sailing.

Don’t let your money sit with the IRS. If you’re eligible, it’s your right to claim what you’re owed. And with the April 2025 deadline approaching fast, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.