More than three years after the third round of federal stimulus checks rolled out during the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of Americans are still eligible to receive a payment of up to $1,400 but they must act fast.
Two major programs are behind the upcoming payments: one from the IRS under the Recovery Rebate Credit and another from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Here’s what you need to know about each, who qualifies, and how to claim your money.
IRS Recovery Rebate Credit: Up to $1,400 Still Available
The IRS has identified nearly one million taxpayers who did not properly claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax returns. As a result, the agency is now automatically issuing payments of up to $1,400 to those who missed out on the third stimulus check.
These payments are going out without requiring an amended return. If you qualified for the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) in 2021 but didn’t receive it or didn’t claim it correctly, this is your opportunity to receive the money.
Who’s Eligible?
According to the IRS, eligibility for the Recovery Rebate Credit includes:
- Individuals who filed a 2021 federal tax return but either didn’t claim the credit or claimed $0.
- Income must not exceed $75,000 (single filers) or $150,000 (married couples filing jointly).
- You did not receive the full amount of the third stimulus payment.
What You Need To Do
- If you already filed a 2021 return and meet the criteria, no action is needed — the IRS is sending these payments automatically.
- If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you must do so by April 15, 2025, to claim the credit.
After that date, you will no longer be eligible to receive the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
How Will You Get Paid?
Payments began in December 2024 and are expected to continue through early 2025, either via:
- Direct deposit (if bank info is on file)
- Paper check by mail
For most, no further steps are required beyond confirming your tax status.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend: $1,400 Checks for 600,000 Residents
Separately, nearly 600,000 Alaskans are set to receive a state-funded payment of up to $1,400 through the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
This is not a federal stimulus check, but rather an annual dividend funded by Alaska’s oil revenues and distributed to eligible residents.
Who Qualifies for the Alaska PFD?
To be eligible for the 2025 payout, you must:
- Have been an Alaska resident for the full 2024 calendar year.
- Have the intent to remain a resident of Alaska.
- Not have claimed residency in any other state or country during 2024.
- Not have been convicted of certain felonies or incarcerated during the qualifying year.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Expected Payout Date: Fall 2025 (Exact date pending legislative review)
- Estimated Payment: Between $1,000 and $1,400, depending on oil revenues and state budget decisions.
If you submitted your application on time and meet the residency and legal requirements, no further action is needed. Simply wait for payment confirmation.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re among the 600,000+ Americans potentially eligible for these payments, here’s your action plan:
For IRS Recovery Rebate Credit:
- Check if you filed a 2021 tax return.
- Review your return to see if the Recovery Rebate Credit was claimed.
- If not, and you were eligible for the third stimulus check, the IRS will automatically issue the payment.
- Haven’t filed? Do it before April 15, 2025 at irs.gov.
For Alaska PFD:
- Make sure you applied before March 31, 2025.
- Monitor the Alaska PFD site for payment updates.
- Expect payments in fall 2025, if your application was approved.
Why Are These Payments Happening Now?
The federal RRC payments are part of the IRS’s effort to correct missed or underpaid pandemic benefits. According to the IRS, some taxpayers mistakenly believed they weren’t eligible, or left the section blank, leading to underpayment.
Meanwhile, the Alaska PFD is an annual distribution, but with high oil prices and political momentum, this year’s payout could be one of the biggest yet.
Final Thoughts
While most stimulus checks were issued years ago, these two programs provide a second chance to claim up to $1,400 per household. Whether you qualify for the federal IRS credit or Alaska’s PFD, don’t miss out — deadlines are fast approaching.
