SSDI recipients did not receive a fourth stimulus check

The federal government issued three rounds of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2020, 2021, and 2021. There was no fourth stimulus check sent to the general public, including people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance. Some states created their own relief programs after the federal payments ended, but these were separate from any federal stimulus and varied widely by location.

If you received three stimulus payments and are wondering whether a fourth was issued, the answer is no. The last federal stimulus payment was the third Economic Impact Payment, sent in the fall of 2021. No additional rounds have been authorized since then.

Key Takeaways

  • The federal government issued three stimulus payments total, with the last one sent in 2021; no fourth federal stimulus check was created.
  • SSDI recipients were included in all three rounds of federal stimulus payments if they met the income and filing requirements.
  • Some states and cities created their own one-time relief payments after federal stimulus ended, but these were not stimulus checks and had different rules.
  • If you think you missed a stimulus payment you were owed, you can check the IRS website or contact the IRS directly to verify your payment status.

The three federal stimulus payments that were issued

The first stimulus payment, called the Economic Impact Payment, was sent in spring 2020. The second was sent in early 2021. The third was sent in fall 2021. Each round had slightly different income limits and payment amounts, but SSDI recipients were generally included in all three if their income fell within the limits set for that round.

These payments were not automatic for everyone. The IRS used tax return information, Social Security records, and Veterans Affairs records to identify who should receive a payment. Most SSDI recipients received their payments directly, but some had to take additional steps if their information was not on file with the IRS.

Why there was no fourth stimulus check

Congress did not pass legislation authorizing a fourth round of stimulus payments. After the third payment in 2021, the focus of federal relief shifted to other programs, such as expanded unemployment benefits and rental information funds. Some lawmakers proposed additional stimulus payments, but these proposals did not become law.

The decision not to continue stimulus payments reflected changing economic conditions and political disagreement about whether more direct payments were needed. By late 2021, inflation and labor shortages were becoming more visible, and policymakers debated whether more cash payments would help or worsen these problems.

State and local relief programs that came after federal stimulus ended

After the third federal stimulus ended, some states and cities created their own relief programs. These were not stimulus checks in the federal sense, but one-time payments to residents who met certain conditions. California, Colorado, and a few other states sent payments to low-income residents or people who had been affected by the pandemic. New York City created a program for undocumented immigrants who had lost income.

These programs were temporary and have mostly ended. They were not available in all states, and the rules varied significantly. If you live in a state that created such a program, that program would have had its own process process and important date, which has likely already passed.

How to check if you received all three federal stimulus payments

You can verify whether you received each of the three stimulus payments by visiting the IRS website and using the "Get My Payment" tool. This tool shows the payment date and method (direct deposit, check, or debit card) for each payment you received. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address to use it.

If the tool shows that you did not receive a payment you believe you were owed, you have options. You can claim the missing payment as a credit on your tax return for the year in which the payment should have been sent. The IRS has instructions for doing this on its website, and a tax professional or free tax preparation service can help you file the claim.

What to do if you think you were owed a stimulus payment

If you did not receive one or more of the three stimulus payments and believe you were owed them, start by checking the IRS "Get My Payment" tool to confirm the payment status. If the tool shows no record of a payment, gather documents that prove your income and filing status for the year in question—usually a tax return or, if you did not file, a letter from Social Security showing your benefits.

You can then claim the missing payment on your next tax return. The IRS will process the claim and send you the money, usually within a few weeks of filing. If you do not file taxes normally, you may still be able to file a return just to claim the stimulus payment. A free tax preparation service in your area can help you do this at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fourth stimulus check if I explore now?

No. There is no fourth federal stimulus check available, and no process process for one exists. If you see a website or advertisement claiming to help you get a fourth stimulus payment, it is not legitimate. The only stimulus payments issued were the three rounds in 2020 and 2021.

Will there be another stimulus check in the future?

Congress would have to pass new legislation to authorize additional stimulus payments. There is no current proposal to do so, and no way to predict whether future payments will be issued. If Congress does authorize more payments, the IRS will announce it publicly and provide information about who is owed money.

I'm on SSDI—was I automatically included in the stimulus payments?

Most SSDI recipients were included automatically if their income was below the limit for that round. However, some people on SSDI had to file a tax return or provide information to the IRS to receive their payment. If you did not receive a payment you believe you were owed, check the IRS tool to see the status.

What if I received a stimulus payment by mistake?

The IRS has not required people to return stimulus payments that were sent in error. If you received a payment and later learned you were not owed it, you do not need to repay it. The IRS has stated that recipients should keep any payments they received.

Can I claim a missing stimulus payment on my taxes if I don't normally file?

Yes. You can file a tax return solely to claim a missing stimulus payment, even if you have no other income or tax obligation. A free tax preparation service can help you file. The IRS will then send you the payment you are owed.