I Never Got My Stimulus Check. Can I Still Claim It?

Millions of Americans have relied on stimulus checks as a financial lifeline during challenging times. However, not everyone received their payments seamlessly. If you are among those who never got their stimulus check, it’s important to understand your options for claiming it.

This article explores the factors that may have affected the distribution of these funds and potential solutions for reclaiming missing payments.

Income Threshold Factors

Income thresholds determined eligibility for stimulus payments. For the third round of Economic Impact Payments, individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000, heads of household earning up to $112,500, and married couples filing jointly with an AGI up to $150,000 were eligible for the full payment. Payments phased out completely at $80,000 for individuals, $120,000 for heads of household, and $160,000 for joint filers.

AGI, based on your tax return, represents total income minus specific deductions. Accurate reporting is critical, as discrepancies can affect eligibility. For instance, a significant income change between tax years might impact qualification. Taxpayers who experienced a reduction in income in 2020 or 2021 compared to prior years may have become eligible for payments they initially did not qualify for.

Filing Issues That May Affect Payment

Tax filing errors or inconsistencies can delay or disrupt stimulus payments. Filing status errors, such as selecting the wrong status, can lead to mismatches with IRS records, hindering payment processing. For example, filing as single instead of head of household could create complications.

Mistakes like incorrect Social Security numbers or misreported income can also delay payments, as the IRS relies on accurate tax return data to determine eligibility. Late submissions or amended returns may further impact payment timing. Submitting accurate returns promptly reduces the risk of delays.

Bank Account Closure or Changes

Changes to bank account information can interfere with stimulus payment delivery. The IRS uses the most recent bank account details from your tax return. If your account is closed or altered, the payment may be rejected. This is particularly relevant for those who frequently switch banks or recently closed an account.

If a deposit is rejected, the IRS typically issues a paper check, which can take weeks to arrive. Keeping bank details up-to-date when filing taxes can help avoid disruptions. If changes are anticipated, opting for a mailed check during tax filing may be a safer option.

Joint bank accounts can complicate matters. If one account holder is deceased or removed, the IRS may still attempt to deposit funds into the joint account, potentially causing legal and logistical challenges. Understanding how joint accounts are managed can help address these issues.

Address Errors or Name Changes

Address errors and name changes can delay or misdirect stimulus payments. The IRS relies on the most current address and name information from your tax return. If you’ve moved recently or legally changed your name, these updates may not be reflected in IRS records.

To avoid these issues, update your information with the IRS using Form 8822 for address changes and ensure the Social Security Administration has your current name. Synchronizing these records helps prevent discrepancies. The IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool can also provide updates on your payment status and confirm where it was sent.

Potential Offsets for Outstanding Debts

Missing stimulus payments may result from offsets applied to outstanding debts. The U.S. Treasury Offset Program (TOP) allows certain federal and state debts to be deducted from government payments, including stimulus checks. While the first two rounds of payments were largely protected from offsets, the third round offered less protection, particularly for private debt collection.

Federal tax debts, child support arrears, and some state-level obligations, such as unpaid unemployment insurance overpayments, could result in offsets. For instance, if you owe back taxes, the IRS may apply your stimulus payment toward your outstanding balance. However, federal student loan debts were excluded from garnishment during the pandemic due to temporary relief measures under the CARES Act.

Private creditors and debt collectors could garnish third-round stimulus payments in some cases, particularly if a court order allowed a creditor to seize funds from your bank account. Some states enacted temporary protections against garnishment, but these measures varied. If you suspect an offset or garnishment is the reason for your missing payment, reviewing your debt obligations and contacting the IRS or a legal advisor can help identify solutions.