In 2025, the US government is introducing a new round of stimulus payments as a relief for those who missed out on earlier support during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief comes in the form of a 4th Stimulus Check worth $1400 for eligible taxpayers. This initiative aims to offer a second chance for individuals and families who were overlooked or did not claim their full Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) or Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) in their 2021 tax returns.
If you were eligible but never claimed the payments you deserved, or if you faced difficulty during the pandemic years, then this payment is for you. Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the eligibility, process, and how to get this new stimulus check.
4th Stimulus Check: Key Details
Overview of 4th Stimulus Check
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $1400 per individual |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Deposit or Paper Check |
| Payment Timeline | Starts 2-4 weeks from approval |
| Eligibility Deadline | April 15, 2025 |
| Filing Requirement | Must file 2021 tax return if not already done |
| Official Website | www.irs.gov |
Eligibility Criteria for the 4th Stimulus Check
To qualify for the 4th stimulus payment, certain conditions must be met. These are laid out in specific terms based on financial need, missed benefits, and personal situation.
1. Missed Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) Claim
Many taxpayers failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns, which would have made them eligible for a larger EIP. If you were eligible for one of the three previous stimulus rounds but missed claiming the credit or entered an incorrect amount, you will be able to claim it as part of this 4th check.
2. Required 2021 Tax Return
For eligibility, it is mandatory to file your 2021 tax return if you haven’t already done so. If you filed it and missed claiming the recovery rebate credit, you’re entitled to make a correction and still qualify for the benefit. The deadline to file the tax return to claim your payment is April 15, 2025.
3. Individuals with Disabilities
Disabled individuals who were eligible for previous rounds of stimulus checks but missed out will also receive payments if they fulfill all other requirements. You must either provide medical documentation or proof of your condition during the tax filing process to establish your eligibility.
4. Previous Eligibility for EIPs
Applicants must have qualified for at least one of the first three Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) provided during the pandemic. Those who never received these payments, or received them at a reduced amount due to errors, may receive full benefits through the 4th stimulus check.
5. Citizenship or Residency
Eligibility extends to individuals who are U.S. citizens or resident aliens. You also need a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify for the payment.
6. Income Requirements
Income plays a major role in determining the level of eligibility. Below are the guidelines for annual income:
- Single Filers: AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) less than $75,000
- Married Couples Filing Jointly: AGI less than $150,000
- Head of Household: AGI less than $112,500
Note: Taxpayers with income higher than the stated thresholds may still qualify, but at reduced levels. Eligibility is phased out for higher-income earners.
How to Receive the Payment?
1. Direct Deposit Method
This is the fastest and most secure way to receive your 4th stimulus payment. If you file your tax return with your bank account information, the IRS will directly deposit the funds into your account, typically within 2-4 weeks of approval.
2. Paper Check
If you didn’t provide your bank details, you’ll receive a paper check at the address you listed on your tax return. This could take 4-8 weeks from the approval date.
How Much Will You Receive?
The maximum amount of the 4th stimulus check is $1400 for each eligible individual. However, the total payment varies depending on your situation:
- Individuals who missed previous payments: $1400 per person.
- Families with children: A family of four may qualify for up to $5600 (1400 x 4).
Other factors like dependent claims or previously filed tax returns may affect the final amount. The key point is that if you didn’t fully receive your first, second, or third EIP, the 4th check could cover what you missed.
Payment Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Approval Date | Early 2025 |
| First Payments | 2-4 weeks from approval |
| Paper Checks | 4-8 weeks from approval |
The payments will be issued promptly after the approval date in 2025. It’s recommended that you ensure your tax return is filed early to avoid delays in processing your payment.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to file my 2021 tax return to get the 4th check?
Ans: Yes, filing your 2021 tax return is required to qualify for the stimulus check. If you did not previously file your return, you must submit it by April 15, 2025, to claim the check.
Q2: What if I haven’t claimed all my previous stimulus payments? Can I still receive the full amount?
Ans: If you are eligible for any past payments that you missed out on, this 4th check allows you to claim them. If you didn’t claim or received less than what you were owed during the pandemic, the 4th stimulus payment will give you what you missed.
Q3: How do I know how much I will get in the 4th payment?
Ans: The maximum amount is $1400 per individual. However, the amount depends on factors such as whether you received previous EIPs, the number of dependents you have, and your income. The IRS will provide exact figures once your tax return is processed.
Final Thoughts
This new stimulus check initiative provides much-needed relief to those who missed out on earlier assistance or were affected by the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you missed out on previous payments or you’re just hearing about this now, the 4th stimulus check is an opportunity for financial support. Make sure to file your 2021 tax return as soon as possible and check for any eligibility requirements so that you don’t miss out on the $1400 that may be owed to you.