Close to a million Americans are set to receive stimulus checks worth up to $1,400. These payments, originally part of the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) program to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now being sent to those who missed out earlier. For many households, this financial support comes at a crucial time as they manage post-holiday expenses.
Key Details About the Payments
These new payments, issued under the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), are intended for taxpayers who didn’t claim their stimulus payments on their 2021 tax returns.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), eligible taxpayers include those who filed their 2021 tax returns but left the Recovery Rebate Credit section blank or mistakenly reported $0, even though they qualified for the credit.
Initially distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic over four years ago, these payments were recently processed in late December 2024. Most recipients can expect to see the funds deposited into their bank accounts or receive paper checks by the end of January 2025.
How the Payments Will Be Delivered
The IRS has ensured that taxpayers won’t need to take any extra steps to receive their payments. The process has been automated, so eligible individuals will get their money directly without needing to amend their tax returns. Recipients will also receive an official letter explaining the payment details.
Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, explained, “Nearly a million people missed out on claiming this credit due to its complicated process. To make it easier, we’ve opted to issue these payments automatically, so taxpayers don’t need to deal with filing an amended return.”
Public Reactions on Social Media
The news of delayed stimulus payments has sparked reactions on social media, with recipients sharing their surprise and gratitude:
- One user, Rishab, posted on January 8: “Can’t believe it – I just got a stimulus check from COVID! Definitely not complaining.”
- Another user, Stoogie, shared a photo of a letter stamped with “Not a bill or an advertisement,” saying, “It’s 2025, and I just received my COVID stimulus check.”
- ISA tweeted, “Did anyone else get a surprise stimulus check recently? Just got one out of nowhere.”
What to Do Next
The IRS has reminded taxpayers that they can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if they file their 2021 tax returns by the April 15, 2025, deadline. Even those who had little or no income during the period can potentially qualify for the credit by submitting a tax return.
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received your payment, the IRS recommends checking your eligibility and ensuring you’ve filed the necessary paperwork.
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