Missed the $1,400 Stimulus Payment? Here’s Why and What Steps to Take Next!

Millions of Americans qualified for the third stimulus check—worth $1,400 per eligible person—but not everyone actually received the money. If you’re still waiting for yours, don’t panic. There are clear reasons you might have missed the payment, and more importantly, practical steps you can take today to claim what you’re owed.

Whether it’s due to a filing error, missing information, or an overlooked tax credit, this guide walks you through how to check your eligibility, correct your return, and request the payment before the final deadline.

Overview

Topic	Details
Stimulus Payment Amount	$1,400 per eligible individual
Eligibility Limits	$75K (single) / $150K (married) for full amount
Common Problems	Missing RRC, non-filing, income changes
IRS Contact	800-919-9835 or IRS.gov
Final Claim Deadline	April 15, 2025 (via 2021 tax return)

Why You Didn’t Get the $1,400 Stimulus

The $1,400 stimulus was technically an advance of the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return. If you didn’t claim this credit when you filed, the IRS may have assumed you weren’t eligible.

• If you left the RRC field blank or reported $0, no payment would be triggered.
• Many filers skipped this section by mistake or misunderstood what it meant.

You Didn’t File Your 2021 Taxes

If you didn’t submit a 2021 return—maybe you thought you didn’t earn enough—you wouldn’t have been considered for the payment. Even non-taxable income earners must file to get stimulus credits.

Income Was Too High in 2021

Stimulus payments phased out based on income:

Filing Status	Full Payment	No Payment Beyond
Single	$75,000 or less	$80,000+
Married Joint	$150,000 or less	$160,000+

A small raise or job change in 2021 could’ve pushed your AGI beyond the limits.

You Claimed Dependents Incorrectly

The $1,400 also extended to dependents. But if you didn’t claim your child or other qualifying dependent properly—or forgot to add a new baby born in 2021—their portion may have been left out.

How to Check and Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus

Look for the “Recovery Rebate Credit” line. If it’s blank or says $0 and you believe you qualified, that’s likely the issue.

Pro tip: Compare your AGI from 2021 to the income limits above.

Use the IRS “Get My Payment” Tool

Visit IRS Get My Payment to check the status. You’ll need:

• Social Security number
• Filing status
• Refund or payment info

This tool shows if your stimulus was issued and how it was sent.

File an Amended Return (Form 1040-X)

If you didn’t claim the RRC or made mistakes, file an amended return. It’s easier than you might think:

• Download Form 1040-X or amend online through your tax software.
• Update details like income, dependents, or credit claims.
• Submit and wait—processing usually takes 6–8 weeks.

Call the IRS

Still no luck? Contact the IRS at 800-919-9835. Have these ready:

• Your Social Security number
• Filing status
• Copy of your 2021 tax return

They can help confirm whether your payment was issued or if action is still needed.

File Your 2021 Return (If You Haven’t Yet)

Even if you made no income, you can still file late. The IRS is accepting 2021 tax returns until April 15, 2025, specifically for people trying to claim stimulus money via the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Update Your Contact & Bank Info

Ensure your mailing address and bank details are current. You can update info by:

• Logging into your IRS Online Account
• Contacting your tax preparer

Outdated info could result in missed or returned payments.

Don’t Miss the Deadline

Time is ticking. The final date to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (and thus the $1,400 stimulus) is April 15, 2025. After that, it’s gone for good.

FAQs