No fourth stimulus check has been announced or passed into law

As of now, there is no fourth stimulus check. Congress has not passed legislation for one, and no federal agency has announced plans for one. The three stimulus checks that were sent—in 2020 and 2021—were one-time payments tied to specific laws passed during the pandemic. SSDI recipients who received the first three checks were included because they file tax returns or receive benefits through Social Security.

If you are waiting for a fourth check, it is not coming based on current law. However, Congress could pass new stimulus legislation in the future, which would require a new law and a new decision about who receives payments. There is no way to predict whether that will happen or when.

Key Takeaways

  • Three stimulus checks were sent between March 2020 and January 2021; no fourth check has been authorized by Congress.
  • SSDI recipients were included in the first three rounds because they receive Social Security benefits, even if they did not file taxes.
  • Any future stimulus payment would require Congress to pass a new law; you cannot explore for or request a check that does not exist.
  • If you missed one of the three checks you were may have access to to, you may be able to claim it on your tax return for that year.

How the three stimulus checks worked

The first stimulus check ($1,200 per adult) was authorized in March 2020 under the CARES Act. The second ($600 per adult) came in December 2020. The third ($1,400 per adult) was sent in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan. All three rounds included SSDI recipients automatically—the IRS and Social Security coordinated to send checks to people receiving benefits, without requiring them to file a tax return or take any action.

Payments were sent by mail, direct deposit, or debit card depending on how the person received their benefits and what banking information the government had on file. Most SSDI recipients received their checks within a few weeks of the authorization date, though some took longer.

What changed after the third check

After the third stimulus check in early 2021, Congress did not pass any additional stimulus legislation. The pandemic emergency declarations ended in 2023, and the political focus shifted away from direct payments to individuals. While some members of Congress have proposed stimulus bills in later years, none have passed both chambers and been signed into law.

Proposals for a fourth check have appeared in various bills introduced by individual lawmakers, but these remain proposals only—they have not advanced to a vote or become law. The absence of a new law means there is no fourth check to send and no way for you to receive one.

If you missed one of the first three checks

If you believe you were may have access to to one of the three stimulus checks but never received it, you have options. You can claim the payment on your federal tax return for the year it was issued. The IRS calls this the Recovery Rebate Credit.

To claim a missed check, file a tax return for that year (even if you normally do not file) and report the stimulus amount you did not receive. The IRS will then send you the money as a refund or credit against taxes owed. You can file past-year returns at any time; there is no important date to claim a stimulus check you missed.

If you need help filing a past-year return, the IRS offers free tax preparation through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax information) sites in most communities. You can find a site near you at irs.gov or by calling 211.

Why SSDI recipients were included in stimulus checks

SSDI recipients were included in all three stimulus rounds because they receive federal benefits and are considered part of the Social Security system. The law did not require them to file taxes or have a bank account—Social Security and the IRS shared records to identify who should receive payments and how to reach them.

This automatic inclusion meant most SSDI recipients did not have to do anything to get their checks. However, some people with SSDI who also had other income or circumstances did file taxes, and they could claim the stimulus on their return if they had not received it by mail.

What to watch for if stimulus legislation is proposed

If Congress does pass a new stimulus bill in the future, news outlets and government websites will report it widely. You do not need to search for information or worry about missing an announcement—if a fourth check is authorized, it will be major news, and Social Security will have instructions on its website about who receives it and how.

Be cautious of websites, emails, or phone calls claiming to help you "explore for" or "claim" a stimulus check that does not exist. Scammers sometimes use the promise of stimulus money to collect personal information or charge fees. The government does not charge fees for stimulus checks, and you do not explore for them—they are sent automatically to people who meet the criteria set by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Social Security to ask about a fourth stimulus check?

You can call, but Social Security will tell you the same thing: no fourth check has been authorized. Social Security does not have information about future legislation. If you missed one of the first three checks, Social Security can help you understand your options, but the fastest route is to file a tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

What if I see ads online saying there is a fourth stimulus check?

Those are almost always scams or misleading ads. Real stimulus checks are announced by Congress and reported by major news outlets. If you see an ad asking you to pay a fee, give personal information, or click a link to "verify" your check, do not do it. The government does not charge fees and does not ask you to verify information online.

If a fourth stimulus check is passed, will SSDI recipients automatically get it?

Most likely, yes. The first three checks were sent automatically to SSDI recipients without requiring any action. If Congress passes a fourth stimulus, it would probably follow the same pattern. But that depends on how the law is written—Congress could change the rules for a future stimulus.

How do I claim a stimulus check I never received on my tax return?

File a tax return for the year the check was issued and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the amount you did not receive. You can file past-year returns anytime. If you need help, use VITA (free tax preparation) or a tax preparer. The IRS will send you the money as a refund.