Claiming Stimulus Checks
Published on January 05, 2024
Updated on April 21, 2025
Reviewed by
Clark Stott has been with Expat Tax Online since 2015. Being a dual national based in the UK, Clark has unique experience helping US citizens (and Accidental Americans) become tax compliant via the Streamlined Tax Amnesty program. Clark likes to help Americans in the UK keep their tax situations as simple as possible to avoid harsh IRS treatment.
Table of Contents
Can Americans abroad claim stimulus checks in 2025?
Yes, but only the missed payment for the third Stimulus check issued last March 2021. The deadline to claim Stimulus payments one and two has now passed. Even if you reside outside the United States as long as you’re eligible for it, you can claim the payment.
The stimulus check is a key component of economic relief efforts. It has been a lifeline for many citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were three main federal stimulus payments:
- March of 2020: US$1,200 per adult (US$500 per child)
- December of 2020: US$600 per adult (US$600 per child)
- March 2021: US$1,400 per adult (US$1,400 per dependent)
If you missed claiming the 2021 stimulus check, you still have the chance to claim it under the Recovery Rebate Credit. The deadline is April 15, 2025.
What if I’ve made a claim, but the payment wasn’t given?
You can check the payment status of the check on the IRS website under “Get My Payment” to see if your payment was issued, how it was sent, or if there are any issues. Additionally, you can call the IRS at +1 (800) 829-1040.
Am I still eligible to claim the stimulus check?
Basically, if you were eligible for the third stimulus payment in 2021 and have filed your 2021 tax return, you can still claim the check. Here are the eligibility criteria to qualify for the 3rd stimulus check:
- You are a US citizen or Green Card holder. Dual citizens may still be eligible for the partial payment amount, depending on their residency status.
- You hold a valid Social Security Number (SSN). If you’re married and filing jointly, at least on of you should have a valid SSN.
- You have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under US$75,000. For couples filing jointly, the AGI should be under US$150,000.
- You have a non-dependency status or are not a dependent of another taxpayer on their tax return.
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a pathway for Americans to claim past owed stimulus payments on their tax returns. US citizens who didn’t receive stimulus payments or received less than the full amount they qualify for can benefit from this credit.
Qualifying individuals are advised to file a federal tax return even if they typically don’t owe taxes to maximize benefits like stimulus checks.
How can I claim my missed stimulus payment?
Here is the process for claiming stimulus payments that were missed or not received:
- Check for missed payments: You can review your past transactions and returns with the IRS to see which stimulus check you haven’t yet received.
- File your tax return: Particularly your 2021 federal tax return.
These steps can significantly increase your chances of successfully claiming your stimulus payment without undue hassle or delay.
Is filing a US tax return required to get stimulus payments?
Yes, the IRS uses your tax return information to determine if you qualify for the payments. Not filing a return for the previous year could mean missing out on these funds.
Good news! The IRS allows filing late tax returns up to three years after the original due date, so you have until April 15, 2025, to file or amend your 2021 return.