Whispers of a fourth $1400 stimulus check have swept across social media, raising hopes among Americans grappling with rising costs. As of May 2025, however, the federal government has not confirmed plans for a new Economic Impact Payment. Instead, attention remains on unclaimed funds from the 2021 stimulus and state-level relief programs. This article dives into the rumors, clarifies eligibility for existing payments, and outlines what to expect in the coming months.
No Federal 4th Stimulus Yet
Despite online buzz, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has explicitly stated that no fourth stimulus check is scheduled for 2025. The three previous rounds, distributed in 2020 and 2021 under the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, provided up to $3200 per person, with the third round offering $1400. Claims of a new $1400 payment lack official backing, and the IRS urges caution against unverified sources. Instead, state programs in places like California and Minnesota are filling the gap with targeted relief.
Unclaimed 2021 Funds: A Final Opportunity
For those who missed the 2021 $1400 stimulus, the IRS is still processing Recovery Rebate Credits for eligible taxpayers. Approximately 1.1 million Americans have yet to claim $1 billion in unclaimed funds from the third round. The catch? You must file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim the credit. Automatic payments, totaling $2.4 billion, were sent to 1 million taxpayers between December 2024 and January 2025, but non-filers must act before the deadline expires.
| Program | Eligibility | Deadline | Max Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Rebate Credit | 2021 AGI ≤ $75,000 (single), ≤ $150,000 (joint) | April 15, 2025 | $1400 per person |
| CA Family First | Sacramento low-income families | Ongoing | $725/month |
| MN Tax Rebate | 2024 filers, low/moderate income | Varies | Up to $1400 |
Who’s Eligible for Payments?
Eligibility for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit mirrors the third stimulus criteria: single filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $75,000 or joint filers under $150,000 qualify for the full $1400. Payments phase out at $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (joint). You need a valid Social Security Number and cannot be claimed as a dependent. State programs, like California’s Family First or New Jersey’s ANCHOR, often target low-income households or seniors, requiring recent tax filings.
How to Claim or Check Payments
To claim unclaimed 2021 funds, file a 2021 tax return using Form 1040 or 1040-SR, even if your income was low. The IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool or online account can track payment status. For state programs, check your state’s Department of Revenue website for specific requirements. Avoid scams by sticking to official IRS or state portals—never share personal details via unsolicited messages. The IRS sent notification letters for automatic payments, so check your mail if you filed a 2021 return.
State Relief and Future Hopes
While a federal fourth stimulus remains unconfirmed, states are stepping up. Minnesota’s tax rebates and California’s ongoing payments offer relief to qualifying residents. Social media rumors about a $2000 or $1400 check persist, but without IRS approval, they’re speculative. Americans should focus on claiming 2021 funds before the April deadline and explore state aid. As economic challenges linger, pressure for federal relief may grow, but for now, vigilance and action are key.