How to check for an incoming stimulus payment
There is no active federal stimulus payment program running right now. The last round of federal stimulus checks ended in 2021. However, some states and cities have launched their own one-time payment programs, and a few ongoing programs exist that work like stimulus payments. The fastest way to learn about money is headed your way is to check the IRS website first, then search your state's revenue or treasury department site.
If you received a stimulus check in 2020 or 2021 and want to verify it cleared, or if you're looking for a payment that may have been sent to an old address, the IRS has a tracking tool. Go to irs.gov and search "Get My Payment" — this tool shows the status of payments sent between March 2020 and December 2021. It will tell you the payment date, amount, and delivery method (direct deposit, check, or debit card).
For current state-level payments, search "[your state name] stimulus payment 2024" or "[your state name] tax refund advance." Some states offer tax refund advances or one-time rebates that function like stimulus payments. Your state's department of revenue website will list any active programs and whether you need to take action to receive the money.
Key Takeaways
- Federal stimulus payments ended in 2021; the IRS "Get My Payment" tool shows the status of those payments if you received one.
- Some states have launched their own one-time payment programs or tax refund advances that work similarly to federal stimulus checks.
- Search your state's revenue or treasury department website to learn about a state-level payment program is active and whether you may have access to.
- If a payment was sent to an old address or bank account, contact the IRS or your state directly rather than waiting for it to arrive.
What happened to the federal stimulus programs
The federal government issued three rounds of stimulus payments: the first in April 2020 ($1,200 per adult), the second in December 2020 ($600 per adult), and the third in March 2021 ($1,400 per adult). These were one-time payments tied to the COVID-19 pandemic response. No new federal stimulus payments have been authorized since then.
If you did not receive one of these payments, or if you received a payment but it was incorrect, you may have been able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 tax return. That window has closed. The IRS does not issue stimulus payments outside of these three programs, and no legislation currently pending would create a new federal stimulus round.
State and local stimulus or rebate programs that may still be active
Several states have created their own payment programs in recent years. These are not federal stimulus checks but work the same way — a one-time payment deposited to your bank account or mailed as a check. Examples include Colorado's tax refund advance, California's inflation relief payments (which ended in 2023), and New York's property tax rebate program. These programs vary by state and change year to year.
To learn about your state has an active program, visit your state's department of revenue or treasury website and search for "stimulus," "rebate," "refund advance," or "tax relief." Some programs are automatic — the state sends money to anyone who filed taxes and meets income limits. Others require you to submit a form. A few states have set up dedicated landing pages where you can enter your information to check status.
If you live in a major city, check your city's budget office or finance department website as well. Some cities have run their own one-time payment programs, though these are less common than state programs.
How to track a payment if you think one was sent to you
If you believe you should have received a federal stimulus check in 2020 or 2021 but never got it, use the IRS "Get My Payment" tool. It will show you the date the payment was issued and how it was sent. If the tool shows a check was mailed, and you never received it, you can request a replacement check from the IRS by calling 800-829-1040.
If the tool shows the payment was sent via direct deposit to a bank account you no longer use, contact that bank to ask if the deposit was rejected. If it was, the IRS may have sent a check to your address on file instead. Check with your current bank to see if a check arrived there by mistake.
For state-level payments, go to your state's revenue department website and look for a payment tracker or status tool. Some states have online portals where you can enter your Social Security number or tax ID to see if a payment is pending. If the state website does not have a tracker, call the department directly — they can tell you whether a payment was issued and where it was sent.
What to do if a payment was sent to an old address
If the IRS or your state sent a check to an address where you no longer live, the check may have been returned to the sender or held by the post office. Do not wait for it to arrive at your new address — the post office does not forward government checks automatically.
Contact the IRS or your state's revenue department directly. Have your current address, Social Security number, and the year of the payment ready. Ask them to reissue the check to your current address or, if possible, deposit it to a bank account instead. Processing a replacement check usually takes two to four weeks.
If you moved and did not update your address with the IRS or your state, update it now. This prevents future payments from going to the wrong place. You can update your IRS address at irs.gov or by calling 800-829-1040. For your state, contact your state's revenue department.
Ongoing federal programs that function like stimulus payments
While one-time stimulus checks are not coming, a few federal programs send regular payments that serve a similar purpose. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit that can result in a payment larger than taxes owed. The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per child under 17. Both are claimed on your tax return.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and Social Security provide monthly payments to older adults and people with disabilities. These are not stimulus payments but ongoing benefits. If you think you may be may be able to access for any of these programs, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.
Some people also receive payments through unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, or disability programs. These are not stimulus payments either, but they function as income support. If you lost a job or were injured, check whether you may be may be able to access for these programs through your state's labor or workers' compensation board.
How to avoid scams claiming to help you get stimulus money
Scammers often pose as the IRS or state revenue departments and claim they can help you recover a "missing" stimulus payment for a fee. The IRS and state governments do not charge fees to send you money or to help you track a payment. Do not give your Social Security number, bank account information, or money to anyone who contacts you claiming to help with stimulus payments.
If someone calls, texts, or emails claiming you have an unclaimed stimulus payment, hang up or delete the message. Go directly to irs.gov or your state's official revenue website instead. The IRS and state agencies will never ask you to pay money upfront or provide sensitive information via email or text.
If you have already given out personal information to a scammer, contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the government sending out stimulus payments in 2024?
No federal stimulus payments are being issued in 2024. The three rounds of federal stimulus checks ended in 2021. Some states have their own one-time payment or tax refund programs, but these vary by state and are not federal stimulus checks. Check your state's revenue department website to see if a state program is active.
Can I get a stimulus payment if I didn't file taxes?
For the 2020 and 2021 federal stimulus payments, you could claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return if you missed the payment. That window has closed. For current state programs, requirements vary — some states require a tax return, others do not. Check your state's program rules directly.
What if the IRS says I owe money — will they take my stimulus payment?
For the 2020 and 2021 stimulus payments, the IRS could offset payments against back taxes, child support, or federal student loans owed. That program ended. If you currently owe taxes, contact the IRS to set up a payment plan before filing your next return.
How long does it take to get a replacement stimulus check?
If you request a replacement check from the IRS for a 2020 or 2021 payment, it typically takes two to four weeks to arrive. For state-level payments, timing varies — some states process replacements in one to two weeks, others take longer. Call your state's revenue department for a specific timeframe.
Where do I report a stimulus payment I received by mistake?
If you received a stimulus payment you believe you were not may have access to to, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or your state's revenue department. Do not spend the money — you may be asked to return it. Keeping money you know was sent in error can result in penalties and interest.