IRS Stimulus Checks Eligibility: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Over the last few years, millions of Americans have received stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of federal efforts to support individuals and families during economic downturns—most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), were crucial for providing financial relief during uncertain times.
But even with three rounds of payments distributed and various follow-up support programs announced, questions remain: Who was eligible? Who missed out? Are more stimulus checks coming? And what can you do if you think you're still owed money?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down IRS stimulus checks eligibility requirements, how to check your status, how to claim missed payments, and what to expect in the future.
Understanding Stimulus Checks
Stimulus checks are one-time direct payments issued by the federal government to eligible taxpayers during times of economic hardship. They are typically intended to stimulate consumer spending and ease financial burdens.
History of IRS Stimulus Checks
| Round | Name | Amount per Person | Issued Year | Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CARES Act Stimulus | $1,200 | 2020 | CARES Act (March 2020) |
| 2 | COVID-Related Tax Relief | $600 | 2021 | CAA (December 2020) |
| 3 | American Rescue Plan | $1,400 | 2021 | American Rescue Plan Act (March 2021) |
Each of these payments came with specific eligibility criteria, and not everyone qualified for the full amount.
Who Was Eligible for Stimulus Checks?
Eligibility for IRS stimulus checks primarily depended on several factors:
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Income
-
Filing status
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Citizenship/residency
-
Dependency status
Here’s a breakdown of these core eligibility elements:
Income Thresholds
| Filing Status | Full Payment if AGI ≤ | Phase-Out Range | Not Eligible if AGI ≥ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $75,001 – $99,000 | $99,000+ |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $112,501 – $136,500 | $136,500+ |
| Married Filing Joint | $150,000 | $150,001 – $198,000 | $198,000+ |
Income was based on the most recently filed tax return (2018, 2019, or 2020 depending on the payment round).
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
You were eligible for a stimulus payment if you:
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Were a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien
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Had a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
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Filed taxes or used the IRS non-filer tool
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Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return
If you filed jointly with a non-citizen spouse (without an SSN), you may have been excluded in early rounds, but this changed with the third stimulus payment.
Common Ineligibility Scenarios
Despite broad eligibility, many individuals were disqualified due to one or more reasons. Below is a list of common disqualification scenarios:
Why You Might Not Have Received a Stimulus Check
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Income Too High
If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeded the phase-out thresholds, you might have received a reduced payment or none at all. -
Claimed as a Dependent
Adults who were claimed as dependents (e.g., college students or elderly parents) were not eligible for their own payments in the first two rounds. -
No Valid Social Security Number
Individuals without SSNs were generally ineligible unless married to a qualifying taxpayer (varied by round). -
Non-Filers Not Using the IRS Portal
Some non-filers (especially seniors or low-income individuals) did not receive checks because they didn’t register with the IRS. -
ITIN Filers
People using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) were ineligible for most payments.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Status
The IRS provided several online tools and methods for individuals to check their eligibility and payment status.
IRS Tools and Resources
| Tool/Resource | Purpose | Where to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Get My Payment Tool | Track payment status | IRS.gov/GetMyPayment |
| IRS Non-Filer Tool | Register for payments (if not required to file taxes) | (Closed in 2021) |
| Recovery Rebate Credit | Claim missed stimulus on tax return | 2020 & 2021 tax returns |
If you didn’t receive one or more stimulus payments, you may still be able to claim them as a tax credit by filing a tax return—even if you typically don’t file taxes.
Stimulus for Dependents
Dependents and Payments by Stimulus Round (Heading 3)
| Stimulus Round | Eligible Dependents | Amount per Dependent |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Children under 17 | $500 |
| Round 2 | Children under 17 | $600 |
| Round 3 | All dependents | $1,400 |
The third round of stimulus checks significantly expanded eligibility by including adult dependents (college students, disabled adults, elderly dependents), which was a major policy shift.
How to Claim Missing Stimulus Payments
If you were eligible but didn’t receive your full stimulus amount, you could claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your federal tax return.
Steps to Claim Your Stimulus Check
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File or amend your 2020 or 2021 tax return
Use Form 1040 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. -
Use IRS transcripts to confirm past payments
Check IRS account online for payment history. -
Include dependents properly
Make sure all SSNs and dependent information are correct. -
Review for income phase-out adjustments
Some taxpayers received less due to a higher income in earlier years—file based on the lowest qualifying year. -
Track your refund
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track any credit-related payments.
Are More Stimulus Checks Coming?
As of 2025, there are no new federal stimulus checks approved by Congress, but that could change depending on economic conditions, political changes, or public demand. However, state-level stimulus payments or tax rebates have been issued in places like California, New Mexico, and Colorado.
| Source | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | No new payments | None approved since 2021 |
| State-level | Active in some states | Based on surplus budgets or inflation relief |
| IRS | Only back payments | Claim via Recovery Rebate Credit if eligible |
Tips to Maximize IRS Benefits
Stimulus checks were part of broader COVID-era relief. You may still be eligible for other programs:
List of Related IRS Benefits
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Child Tax Credit – Up to $3,600 per child in 2021
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – For low to moderate-income workers
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Health Coverage Tax Credit – Help with insurance premiums
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Saver’s Credit – For low-income individuals saving for retirement
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Education Credits – American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits
Conclusion
IRS stimulus checks were a lifeline for millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding who qualified—and how to claim any missed payments—can ensure that no financial support goes unclaimed. While the federal government is not currently distributing new stimulus checks, many individuals are still owed money and can recover it via tax filings.
Eligibility was determined by income, tax filing status, citizenship, and dependency—making it essential to stay informed. Whether you're filing back taxes, helping a loved one, or planning for future tax credits, staying up to date on IRS guidelines is the best way to ensure you receive everything you're entitled to.
