The $1,400 Economic Impact Payment (often rounded in conversation to $1,390 due to rounding or partial payments) was a lifeline for millions of Americans during the COVID-19 crisis. But did you know you can still claim it if you missed out?
Whether you’re unsure of your eligibility, believe you were underpaid, or never received the check at all, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—step-by-step.
Table of Contents
What Was the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion relief package signed into law in March 2021. It was the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), following previous checks of $1,200 and $600 in 2020.
The goal? To help individuals and families weather the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic—job loss, reduced hours, health care costs, and rising expenses.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualified for the Full $1,400?
Income Thresholds for Full Payment
Your eligibility depended on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your most recent tax return—either 2019 or 2020:
- Single Filers: Full payment up to $75,000 (phases out completely at $80,000)
- Head of Household: Full payment up to $112,500 (phases out at $120,000)
- Married Filing Jointly: Full payment up to $150,000 (phases out at $160,000)
If you earned more than these amounts, your payment was reduced or eliminated entirely.
Citizenship and Social Security Requirements
To qualify, you needed to be:
- A U.S. citizen or resident alien
- In possession of a valid Social Security number
Mixed-status households (where one spouse has an SSN and the other does not) could still qualify under certain conditions.
Dependent Eligibility: More Inclusive Than Earlier Stimulus Rounds
This round was broader in scope than previous ones. It included:
- Children under 17
- College students
- Elderly or adult dependents
Each qualifying dependent added an extra $1,400 to your household payment.
How to Claim the $1,390 Stimulus Payment If You Missed It
If you didn’t receive your payment or received less than you should have, you may still be eligible to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit—but only by filing your 2021 federal tax return.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming the Payment
- Gather Tax Documents
Collect any relevant 2021 tax forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.). - Check Eligibility
Review the IRS guidelines or use their online eligibility tool. - File a 2021 Tax Return
Even if you don’t usually file taxes, you must file a return to claim the credit. - Use IRS Free File
If your income was under $73,000, - Complete the Recovery Rebate Credit
Enter the amount on Line 30 of Form 1040 when filing your 2021 return. - Choose Direct Deposit
For faster payment, opt for direct deposit instead of a mailed check.
Important Deadline
You have until April 15, 2025, to file your 2021 tax return and claim your payment. After that, the window closes.
Real-Life Scenarios: Do Any of These Apply to You?
Scenario 1: Your Income Dropped in 2021
If you were disqualified in 2020 due to high income but earned less in 2021, filing your 2021 return can help you qualify.
Scenario 2: You Had a Baby or Adopted a Child in 2021
Children born or adopted in 2021 qualify for the $1,400 payment. File your 2021 return and claim the child as a dependent.
Scenario 3: You’re a Non-Filer
If you typically don’t file taxes (e.g., low income, seniors), you still need to file a 2021 return to receive the payment.
Stimulus Payments Up to $3,284 Coming in 2025 See If You Qualify and When to Expect Your Money
IRS Tax Refund 2025 Eligible Americans Could Receive Stimulus Payments of Up to $3,600
SSDI Disability Payments Between $1,850 and $4,018 Arriving Soon via Direct Deposit
Chase Bank to Close All 4,700 Branches for 24 Hours Wells Fargo Not an Option
IRS May Issue a New 2025 Stimulus Check for Those With This Annual Income
Helpful Resources and Where to Check Your Payment Status
- IRS Get My Payment Tool: See if your stimulus payment was issued.
- IRS Online Account: View your full payment history.
- IRS Letters 1444-C and 6475: These documents confirm how much you received—keep them for your records.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Money You’re Owed
Millions of Americans have received their $1,400 stimulus checks, but many others still qualify and just haven’t claimed them. Whether you missed your payment, were underpaid, or had a major life change in 2021, there’s still time to receive what’s rightfully yours.
But don’t wait—April 15, 2025, is the final deadline to claim this benefit.