The past few years have brought unprecedented financial support from the U.S. government, aimed at easing the economic burden on families and individuals. For many, this has included receiving "child benefits" – primarily through the enhanced Child Tax Credit – and "stimulus checks," formally known as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). However, the rollout of these separate, yet often conflated, programs has left a significant number of people confused.
Perhaps you diligently received your monthly Child Tax Credit payments, or a lump sum at tax time, leading you to believe you were fully accounted for by the IRS. Yet, a nagging question remains: "If I receive child benefits, where is my stimulus check?" This article aims to clarify the distinction between these vital programs and, most importantly, provide a comprehensive guide on how to claim any missing stimulus payments you may be entitled to, even if your primary interaction with the IRS has been through child-related benefits.
Demystifying the Terms: Stimulus Checks vs. Child Benefits
Before diving into how to claim missing funds, it’s crucial to understand that "stimulus checks" and "child benefits" are distinct programs with different purposes, eligibility criteria, and distribution methods.
1. Stimulus Checks (Economic Impact Payments – EIPs):
These were direct payments issued by the IRS to individuals and families in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were three rounds of EIPs:
- First EIP (CARES Act, 2020): Up to $1,200 per eligible adult and $500 per qualifying child dependent.
- Second EIP (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021): Up to $600 per eligible adult and $600 per qualifying child dependent.
- Third EIP (American Rescue Plan, 2021): Up to $1,400 per eligible adult and $1,400 per qualifying child dependent.
The primary goal of EIPs was to provide immediate economic relief and stimulate the economy by putting money directly into people’s hands. Eligibility was primarily based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and having a valid Social Security Number. Payments were largely sent automatically based on the most recent tax return on file (2018, 2019, or 2020) or information from federal benefit agencies (Social Security, SSI, VA, Railroad Retirement).
2. Child Benefits (Primarily the Child Tax Credit – CTC):
While there are various programs that could be broadly termed "child benefits," in recent years, this most commonly refers to the Child Tax Credit (CTC), particularly its enhanced version under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for tax year 2021.
- Purpose: The CTC is a tax credit designed to help families with the costs of raising children. It directly reduces a taxpayer’s income tax liability.
- Enhanced CTC (2021): For 2021, the credit was significantly increased (up to $3,600 per child under 6, $3,000 per child aged 6-17) and made fully refundable. Crucially, the IRS also distributed advance payments of the 2021 CTC from July to December 2021. These were the monthly payments many families received, often referred to as "child benefits."
- Regular CTC (Prior & Current): For other years, the CTC typically offers up to $2,000 per qualifying child, with a refundable portion (Additional Child Tax Credit) for lower-income families.
Key Distinction: Stimulus checks were one-time (or limited-time) direct payments for broad economic relief. The Child Tax Credit is an ongoing tax benefit designed to support families, which for one year (2021) included advance monthly payments. While both came from the IRS and involved dependents, they operated under different legislative frameworks and had different eligibility nuances.
Why You Might Have Received Child Benefits But Not a Stimulus Check
It’s a common scenario: you saw monthly deposits for your Child Tax Credit, confirming the IRS had your information, but your stimulus check never arrived. Here are the most common reasons for this discrepancy:
Different Eligibility Years/Criteria:
- Stimulus Checks: The first two EIPs were largely based on your 2019 tax return (or 2018 if 2019 wasn’t filed). The third EIP was based on your 2020 return (or 2019 if 2020 wasn’t filed).
- Advance CTC: These payments were based on your 2020 tax return (or 2019 if 2020 wasn’t filed).
- This means if your income, filing status, or number of dependents changed significantly between the tax year used for your EIP and the tax year used for your CTC, your eligibility for one might not guarantee eligibility for the other. For example, a new baby born in 2020 might have qualified you for the Third EIP but wouldn’t have been on your 2019 return for the first two.
"Non-Filer" Status & IRS Records:
- Many individuals who receive federal benefits like Social Security (SS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA benefits, or Railroad Retirement Benefits were automatically sent stimulus checks, even if they didn’t file taxes. The IRS used data from these agencies.
- However, for EIPs, these agencies often only had information for the primary beneficiary, not necessarily their dependents. If you were a non-filer who received SS/SSI/VA benefits and had qualifying children, you often needed to take an extra step (like using the IRS "Non-Filers Tool" in 2020) to inform the IRS about your dependents to receive the additional dependent portion of the EIPs.
- For the Child Tax Credit, the IRS was often able to determine eligibility for advance payments based on your 2020 tax return, which would have included your dependents. If you filed a 2020 return, that information was available.
Missing or Incorrect Information on File:
- Even if you filed, an error in your banking information or mailing address could have led to a missed payment.
- Payments could have been sent to an old account, or a check/debit card might have been lost in the mail or mistaken for junk mail.
Income Thresholds:
- While both programs had income phase-outs, the specific AGI levels and how they applied could differ. It’s possible your income was too high for a particular EIP but still within the range for the Child Tax Credit (or vice-versa, though less common for low-income families).
Debt Offset:
- While EIPs were largely protected from most federal and state debt offsets (like back taxes or student loans), they could be garnished for child support. If you owed child support, your EIP might have been partially or fully offset. Child Tax Credit payments, however, were generally protected from most offsets, including child support.
Your Path to Claiming Missing Stimulus Checks: The Recovery Rebate Credit
The good news is that if you believe you were eligible for a stimulus check (or a portion of one) but didn’t receive it, you still have a way to claim it. This is done through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on your federal income tax return.
The Recovery Rebate Credit is how you claim any missing stimulus payments from the first, second, or third rounds. It essentially allows you to reconcile what you should have received versus what you did receive, and if there’s a shortfall, that amount is added to your tax refund or reduces the amount of tax you owe.
Here’s how to proceed, step-by-step:
Determine Which EIP(s) You’re Missing:
- First and Second EIPs (2020): These are claimed on your 2020 federal income tax return.
- Third EIP (2021): This is claimed on your 2021 federal income tax return.
- Crucial Note: You can no longer use the IRS’s "Non-Filers Tool" or "Get My Payment" tool to claim missing EIPs. The Recovery Rebate Credit is the only method now.
Gather Necessary Information:
- IRS Letter 6475 (for Third EIP): The IRS sent this letter to individuals in early 2022, summarizing the amount of the Third EIP they received. This letter is critical for accurately claiming the RRC on your 2021 return.
- IRS Letter 6444 (for First and Second EIPs): The IRS sent this letter in early 2021, summarizing the amount of the first two EIPs you received. While less critical than 6475 (as 2020 returns were filed earlier), it’s helpful if you have it.
- Bank Records: Check your bank statements for deposits from the "IRS TREAS 310" or "IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF."
- Social Security Numbers: For yourself, your spouse (if applicable), and all qualifying dependents.
- Income Records: Even if you primarily receive benefits, have any other income documentation (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) ready.
File or Amend the Relevant Tax Return(s):
If you haven’t filed your 2020 or 2021 tax return yet: This is your straightforward path.
- You’ll need to complete the appropriate tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR).
- Look for the section on the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most tax software (see below) will guide you through this process, asking questions about the stimulus payments you received versus what you were eligible for.
- Important for Non-Filers: Even if your only income is from federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA) and you aren’t normally required to file a tax return, you must file a 2020 or 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Filing for this purpose will generally not result in you owing taxes.
If you already filed your 2020 or 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the RRC or made an error:
- You will need to amend that tax return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
- This process is more complex than original filing, so consider using tax software or seeking professional help.
Choose Your Filing Method:
Tax Software: This is often the easiest and most accurate method.
- IRS Free File Program: If your AGI is below a certain threshold (changes annually, check IRS.gov), you can use free tax software provided by IRS partners. This is highly recommended for low-to-moderate income filers and non-filers.
- Commercial Tax Software: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc., all support claiming the RRC.
Tax Professional: If your situation is complex, or you’re uncomfortable with tax software, a qualified tax preparer (Enrolled Agent, CPA) can assist you.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): These IRS-sponsored programs offer free tax help to qualified individuals (generally those with low-to-moderate income, disabilities, or who are elderly). They are an excellent resource for non-filers and those needing assistance with the RRC.
Paper Filing: While possible, it’s generally slower and more prone to errors than e-filing. If you paper file, ensure you send it to the correct IRS address for your state.
Special Considerations for Those Who Only Receive Benefits
If your only income is from Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, or other non-taxable sources, and you receive child benefits (e.g., the Child Tax Credit portion), you might have assumed you didn’t need to file taxes. For stimulus checks, this assumption could have cost you.
- The Key Takeaway: Even if you were not required to file a tax return because your income was below the filing threshold, you must file a 2020 tax return (for 1st and 2nd EIPs) and/or a 2021 tax return (for 3rd EIP) to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- No Tax Bill: Filing solely to claim the RRC will generally not create a tax liability for you, as these are refundable credits. It will simply ensure you receive the money you were due.
- Future Benefits: Filing a tax return, even if you don’t owe taxes, also helps the IRS keep your most current information on file, which can be beneficial for future government programs or tax credits you might qualify for.
Don’t Delay: Understand the Deadlines
While there isn’t a hard "deadline" to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit as long as the IRS allows you to file or amend prior-year returns, it’s always best to act sooner rather than later. Generally, you have three years from the original due date of the tax return to claim a refund or credit.
- For the 2020 tax return (1st and 2nd EIPs), the original due date was May 17, 2021.
- For the 2021 tax return (3rd EIP), the original due date was April 18, 2022.
This means the window for claiming these payments is closing. The sooner you address any missing stimulus checks, the sooner you can receive the funds you’re owed.
Conclusion
The distinction between "stimulus checks" and "child benefits" has been a source of significant confusion for many families. While the Child Tax Credit (and its advance payments) provided crucial support, it was a separate program from the Economic Impact Payments. If you received child benefits but suspect you’re missing a stimulus check, don’t give up hope.
The Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 and/or 2021 federal income tax return is your pathway to claiming those missing funds. Whether you’re a non-filer who only receives federal benefits or someone who simply overlooked the credit, taking the steps to file or amend your tax return is essential. Resources like IRS Free File and VITA/TCE programs are available to help you navigate this process, ensuring you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. Don’t leave money on the table – empower yourself with the knowledge to claim what’s rightfully yours.