Big Announcement: New Stimulus Checks Start Arriving for 1 Million Americans. Are You Eligibile to Get One?

Millions of Americans are welcoming a financial lifeline in the form of delayed stimulus payments, with eligible taxpayers receiving up to $1,400. These payments, officially termed Economic Impact Payments (EIP), come as a result of unclaimed benefits from the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Why These Payments Matter

An estimated one million Americans are set to benefit from these delayed payments, providing much-needed relief after the holiday season. Originally designed to support citizens during the pandemic, the stimulus checks are arriving late but remain highly impactful for many families navigating ongoing economic challenges. Dubbed the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), the new payments are being distributed to individuals who either failed to claim the stimulus on their 2021 tax returns or left the relevant fields blank. For many, this unexpected boost is a timely solution to mounting financial pressures.

Who Qualifies and When to Expect Payments

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirmed that these payments are automatically sent to taxpayers who were eligible but missed out during the initial rounds. According to the IRS, individuals who left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or incorrectly marked it as “$0” on their 2021 tax returns are the primary recipients.

Payments began rolling out in late December 2024, with most expected to arrive by late January 2025. Recipients can expect either direct deposits or paper checks, accompanied by a formal notification letter confirming the payment details.

Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), are buzzing with posts from users celebrating their unexpected windfall:

• User Rishab shared on January 8: “Bruh I just got a stimulus check in the mail because I never got one during COVID lmao. I’ll def take it.”
• Another user, Stoogie, posted on January 2 with a photo of the envelope, captioned: “It is 2025, and I just got a COVID stimulus check in the mail.”

IRS Efforts and What’s Next

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel highlighted the organization’s efforts to identify and assist eligible taxpayers:
“The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers. These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile. We realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were eligible.”

To streamline the process, the IRS ensured these payments were automatic, sparing recipients from the hassle of filing amended returns. Taxpayers who have yet to file their 2021 tax returns still have an opportunity to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS has set a deadline of April 15, 2025, to submit returns and claim any eligible refunds. Importantly, even individuals with little to no income during the pandemic are encouraged to file, as a tax return is essential for accessing the credit.