Millions of Americans received stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not everyone ever saw the money they were entitled to. Years later, some payments remain unclaimed. According to Marca, those funds haven’t disappeared yet.
If you never received a stimulus payment in 2020 or 2021, or if a paper check was misplaced or expired, there are still legal routes to recover that money before it is permanently archived by the US Treasury.
Why stimulus payments went unclaimed
As reported by Marca, there are several reasons why eligible recipients missed out. In many cases, checks were mailed to old addresses or were lost before delivery. Administrative issues such as incorrect Social Security Numbers (SSN) or ITIN details also disrupted payments.
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However, confusion played a major role. Marca reported that many low-income earners, self-employed individuals, or immigrants whose legal status had changed assumed they were not eligible.
{{/usCountry}}However, confusion played a major role. Marca reported that many low-income earners, self-employed individuals, or immigrants whose legal status had changed assumed they were not eligible.
{{/usCountry}}As a result, they never filed the tax return required to trigger the payment.
How Americans can still claim missed stimulus money
The IRS is no longer issuing automatic stimulus checks. According to Marca, anyone who missed payments from 2020 or 2021 must now claim the money through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This credit allows eligible taxpayers to request unpaid stimulus funds directly on their federal tax return.
For those who already filed their returns without claiming the credit, the IRS offers another option: Form 1040-X. This amended return lets taxpayers correct earlier filings and add credits that were overlooked.
Also Read: Filing Form 1040 in 2026? How to prepare early for your 2025 federal tax return
How to check if the IRS owes you a payment
Before filing paperwork, it is advised to confirm whether a stimulus payment was already issued. This can be done in three main ways:
- IRS Online Account: Taxpayers can review their Economic Impact Payment history, including amounts, dates, and delivery methods.
- Tax transcripts: Requesting transcripts for 2020 and 2021 can show whether a payment was authorized but never received.
- IRS Notice 1444 or 1444-A: These official letters were sent when stimulus payments were issued and can help verify outstanding funds.
While recovery options still exist, unclaimed stimulus payments won’t remain available forever. Once the administrative deadline passes, the Treasury may permanently close access to those funds.