The Third Stimulus Check Arrived in March and April 2021
The third stimulus payment—formally called the Economic Impact Payment—was distributed starting in mid-March 2021. Most SSDI recipients who met the income threshold received $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per dependent child. The payment went to the same bank account or address where you received your regular SSDI deposit, so no separate process was needed.
The IRS and Treasury Department sent payments in waves over several weeks. If you received SSDI through direct deposit, your payment typically arrived within days of the IRS processing it. If you received a paper check, delivery took longer—sometimes two to four weeks depending on postal service delays in your area.
Because this stimulus round ended in 2021, the date itself is now historical. However, understanding how and when you received it matters if you need to report it on taxes, reconcile it with your records, or understand how the IRS tracked your payment.
Key Takeaways
- The third stimulus payment of $1,400 per person was distributed starting March 17, 2021, and continued through April and May for those with processing delays.
- SSDI recipients received the payment automatically using the same account information on file with Social Security—no action was required on your part.
- Direct deposit recipients typically saw the money within one to three business days of the IRS processing their payment; paper check recipients waited two to four weeks.
- The IRS issued a payment tracking tool during distribution, and you can still verify whether you received the full amount by checking your tax records or contacting the IRS.
How SSDI Recipients Received the Payment
Social Security coordinated with the IRS to send stimulus payments to SSDI beneficiaries without requiring a separate process. The IRS used your Social Security number and the payment method already on file with Social Security—either direct deposit or mailing address.
If you had set up direct deposit for your regular SSDI check, the stimulus payment went to that same bank account. If you received paper checks from Social Security, the IRS mailed you a paper check instead. You could not choose a different method or redirect the payment to a different account.
Some SSDI recipients who had not filed a tax return in recent years faced delays because the IRS had to verify their income and dependent information. The IRS used 2019 or 2020 tax returns to confirm you met the income limits. If you had not filed taxes and had no record on file, you might have received the payment later or had to claim it on a subsequent tax return.
Timeline for When Payments Arrived
The IRS began processing the third stimulus on March 12, 2021, and started sending payments on March 17. The distribution happened in batches over several weeks:
| Payment Method | Typical Arrival Window | Factors That Caused Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Direct deposit | March 17 – early May 2021 | IRS processing time, bank processing delays, income verification holds |
| Paper check | Late March – June 2021 | Postal delays, address changes, IRS verification holds |
| Debit card (EIP card) | April – May 2021 | Card production and mailing delays, address on file issues |
If your payment arrived later than expected, it was usually because the IRS needed to verify your income or dependent information. Some recipients did not receive a payment until they filed a 2020 tax return, which allowed the IRS to confirm their may be able to access.
What to Do If You Did Not Receive Your Payment
If you never received the third stimulus payment and believe you were may have access to to it, you can still claim it on your tax return. The IRS allows you to claim the payment as a credit on your 2021 tax return (filed in 2022) or your 2020 tax return (filed in 2021) if you missed the original distribution window.
To claim the payment, you need to file a tax return for the year in which you should have received it. If your income was below the threshold—$75,000 for single filers, $150,000 for married filing jointly—you were may have access to to the full $1,400 per person. You can use IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you received a payment but believe the amount was wrong—for example, you had a dependent child who was not counted—you can also correct this on your tax return. Keep records of any dependents you claimed and their Social Security numbers.
Income Limits and Who Received the Payment
The third stimulus payment had income phase-out limits. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeded certain thresholds, your payment was reduced or eliminated. For SSDI recipients, MAGI typically included only your SSDI benefits and any other income you reported to the IRS.
The full $1,400 payment went to single filers with MAGI under $75,000, heads of household under $112,500, and married couples filing jointly under $150,000. For every $100 of income above those thresholds, the payment was reduced by $5. Once your income exceeded the threshold by $280,000 or more, you received nothing.
Many SSDI recipients fell well below these thresholds, so they received the full amount. However, if you had other income—from work, pensions, or investments—that pushed you over the limit, your payment was smaller or zero. The IRS used your most recent tax return to calculate this, which is why some people with changing income situations received less than expected.
Verifying Your Payment and Tax Records
You can confirm whether you received the third stimulus payment by checking your IRS account online at irs.gov. Log in to your account and look for "Payments" or "Economic Impact Payment" in your transaction history. The IRS shows the date the payment was issued and the method (direct deposit, check, or debit card).
If you received the payment but did not deposit a check or set up a debit card, contact your bank or the card issuer to locate it. Uncashed checks can sometimes be reissued, and debit cards may still be active even if you did not use them when ready.
Keep a record of the payment date and amount for your own records. If you file taxes and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you will need to show that you did not receive the full amount you were may have access to to. The IRS matches your claim against their records, so having documentation helps if there is a discrepancy.
How the Third Stimulus Affected Your SSDI Benefits
The third stimulus payment did not reduce your SSDI benefits. Congress specifically exempted stimulus payments from being counted as income for purposes of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI benefit calculations. This meant you could receive the full $1,400 without it affecting your monthly check.
However, if you received SSI instead of SSDI, the payment may have affected your SSI amount temporarily. SSI has strict resource limits, and the stimulus payment counted as a resource for one month. After that month, it no longer counted. If the payment pushed your resources over the SSI limit, your SSI check was reduced for that month only.
If you are unsure whether you received SSDI or SSI, check your Social Security statement or the letter you receive each year. SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on financial need. Most people over age 65 or with a long work history receive SSDI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get the third stimulus payment if I missed it in 2021?
Yes. You can claim it on your tax return by filing Form 1040 or 1040-SR and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. You must file for the tax year in which you should have received the payment (2020 or 2021). If your income was below the threshold, you can claim the full $1,400 per person.
What if I received the payment but the amount was wrong?
File a tax return for the year you received it and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the difference. For example, if you received $1,400 but were may have access to to $2,800 (for yourself and a dependent), claim the $1,400 difference on your return. Attach documentation of your dependent's Social Security number.
Did the stimulus payment count as income for SSI or SSDI?
For SSDI, no—the payment did not reduce your benefits. For SSI, the payment counted as a resource for one month only. After that month, it no longer affected your SSI amount. If you have SSI, check with Social Security about how it affected your specific situation.
Where can I check if the IRS sent my payment?
Log into your IRS account at irs.gov and look for your payment history under "Payments" or "Economic Impact Payment." The IRS shows the date issued and the method (direct deposit, check, or card). If you received a check or card, contact your bank or the card issuer if you cannot locate it.
What if I moved after the payment was sent?
If you received a paper check or debit card at an old address, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement. Have your Social Security number and current address ready. The IRS can reissue a check or card to your current address, though processing takes several weeks.