Tens of millions of Americans may have left money on the table — and you could be one of them. The IRS has confirmed that a total of $3,400 in stimulus payments from earlier relief packages may still be unclaimed by eligible individuals and families. Whether you missed a check, didn’t file taxes, or assumed you didn’t qualify, there’s still time to get what’s yours.
What Is the $3,400 Unclaimed Stimulus?
The $3,400 refers to the combined total of the first two stimulus checks:
- $1,200 from the CARES Act (2020)
- $600 from the second round (2020–2021)
- $1,600 for a family of four (based on the two rounds)
Many Americans missed out due to non-filing, address changes, or confusion around eligibility. Fortunately, the IRS allows people to claim these payments retroactively by filing a tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Who Might Still Be Owed This Money?
Anyone who didn’t receive the full stimulus payments in 2020 or early 2021 may still be eligible. This includes:
- Low-income individuals who didn’t file tax returns
- College students or young adults who were incorrectly claimed as dependents
- New parents who had children in 2020 and didn’t update the IRS
- Retirees and SSI/SSDI recipients who assumed they didn’t need to act
If your income was below the eligibility threshold and you met the criteria at the time, you could be owed up to $3,400 or more, especially if you have dependents.
How to Claim the Unclaimed Stimulus
To receive your unclaimed stimulus, file a federal income tax return for 2020 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. You can file using free tax software or through the IRS Free File system. Make sure to accurately report your income, dependents, and any partial payments you already received. If you’re unsure, the IRS “Get My Payment” tool can help check your status.
Breakdown of Unclaimed Stimulus Eligibility
| Stimulus Round | Payment Amount | Who Qualified | Claim Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Stimulus (2020) | $1,200 per adult | Income under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married) | 2020 Tax Return |
| Second Stimulus (2020) | $600 per adult | Same income limits, includes children | 2020 Tax Return |
| Total for Two Rounds | $1,800 per adult + $1,600 for 2 kids | Families of 4 could get up to $3,400 | Recovery Rebate Credit |
Important Filing Deadlines
The IRS allows late claims for up to three years, meaning the deadline to claim your 2020 refund is May 17, 2024. If you don’t act before that, your money is gone for good. The good news? Even if you had zero income, you can still file a simple return to claim your stimulus.
Final Thoughts
If you missed out on any part of the stimulus money — or aren’t sure if you received the full amount — now is the time to double-check. With up to $3,400 still on the table, it’s well worth a quick filing. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The money is yours — claim it before the IRS keeps it for good.
