Hidden Stimulus Money: IRS Sending Out $485 to $1,650 – Find Out If You Qualify

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about surprise stimulus payments showing up—somewhere between $485 and $1,650. And if you’ve been wondering whether this is legit or just another rumor, here’s the truth: yes, these payments are real, but they’re not part of a new federal stimulus program.

They’re mostly tied to unclaimed money from past pandemic-era relief, and in some cases, state-level payments that are still being issued. So while you won’t see a big national stimulus like we saw in 2020 or 2021, you might still be eligible for money that’s quietly being sent out now.

Let’s walk through who qualifies, where the money is coming from, and how to find out if you’re eligible.

First, What Are These Payments?

These checks are coming from two main sources:

1. The IRS, which is still issuing back payments for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (basically the third stimulus check that some people missed or didn’t get in full).

2. State governments, some of which are continuing to offer their own rebates or cost-of-living payments.

These payments may seem like a “surprise,” but they’re actually catch-up money that was owed long ago.

Why Are People Getting Payments Now?

The main reason people are seeing this money now is because they either:

• Never filed their 2021 taxes, or

• Filed them but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit properly, or

• Didn’t receive the full amount of the third stimulus check and are now being corrected

The IRS has been processing these delayed payments throughout 2024 and into 2025. So if you qualify and haven’t filed yet, you still have time—but not much.

Who’s Eligible for These IRS Payments?

You could be eligible for a payment between $485 and $1,650 if:

• You earned under $75,000 as a single filer (or $150,000 for couples)

• You didn’t receive the full third stimulus payment (which was $1,400 per person)

• You didn’t file a 2021 tax return but were still eligible

• You were claimed as a dependent back then and your status has since changed

The amount you’re owed depends on your income, your filing status, and whether you already received part of the original payment.

What’s the Deadline to File?

If you want to claim this money, you have until April 15, 2025 to file your 2021 federal tax return. After that date, the IRS closes the door, and you won’t be able to claim this money anymore—even if you were eligible.

If you already filed and included the credit, your payment should either be on its way or already in your account.

What About State-Level Payments?

Several states are also offering separate relief payments or tax rebates, completely independent from the federal stimulus program. These vary by state, but some current examples include:

• California: Ongoing payments through utility rebates and leftover Golden State stimulus funding

• New York: Inflation relief checks and property tax refunds

• Georgia, Arizona, and Michigan: One-time tax rebates or cost-of-living support

Each state has different rules, income limits, and deadlines, so it’s worth checking your state’s tax or treasury department website to see what’s available.

How to Find Out If You’re Eligible

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Go to the official IRS website and check your online account or use the “Get My Payment” tool to see what you received in 2021.

2. If you didn’t get the full $1,400 stimulus, you can file or amend your 2021 tax return to claim the missing amount.

3. If you need help filing, there are free services available like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).

Be Careful—Scammers Are Watching

Any time there’s talk about stimulus checks or payments, scams tend to follow. A few things to remember:

• The IRS will never call, text, or email you asking for personal or banking information.

• You don’t need to pay any fee to get your money.

• Stick with trusted sources—like the IRS or your state’s official websites—to check your status.

No, the government isn’t sending out brand-new stimulus checks to everyone—but that doesn’t mean there’s no money available. If you missed the third stimulus check in 2021, you could still be eligible for a payment ranging from $485 to $1,650. You just need to act before April 15, 2025.

And depending on where you live, your state might also have its own payment program going on right now.

Not sure how to get started? I can help walk you through the filing process or check if your state is offering anything. Let’s make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.