How to check whether you are receiving a stimulus payment
The only way to know whether a stimulus payment is coming to you is to check the status tool run by the agency that issued it. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) maintains a tracker for federal stimulus payments. Some states also run their own stimulus programs and have their own trackers. If you received a stimulus payment in the past, you can use the same IRS tool to see if a new one has been issued since then.
The IRS stimulus tracker is called "Get My Payment" and it is available on IRS.gov. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address on file with the IRS. The tool tells you whether a payment has been issued, the amount, the delivery method (direct deposit, check, or debit card), and the expected arrival date. If you do not see a payment listed, it means one has not been issued to you under that particular stimulus program.
State stimulus programs are less common and vary widely. If you live in a state that has announced a stimulus or tax relief program, that state's revenue or tax department will have posted a tracker or instructions on how to check. You can search "[your state name] stimulus payment tracker" to find the official tool. Do not use a third-party website claiming to check your status — use only the official government site.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov is the official way to check federal stimulus payment status, and it requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and address on file.
- A stimulus payment is only issued if Congress has passed a law authorizing it and you meet the income and residency requirements for that specific program.
- If the IRS tool shows no payment, it means either you do not meet the requirements for that program or Congress has not authorized a new stimulus payment.
- Some states run their own stimulus programs separate from federal payments, and each has its own tracker on the state revenue department website.
- Stimulus payments are never announced in advance to individual people — you find out by checking the official tracker, not by receiving a letter or email first.
What determines whether you receive a stimulus payment
Congress must pass a law authorizing a stimulus payment before one can be issued. There is no standing stimulus program — each payment requires a new law. When Congress does pass a stimulus law, the IRS receives instructions on who qualifies based on income, tax filing status, and sometimes other factors like age or work status.
The most recent federal stimulus payments were issued in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan. No new federal stimulus payments have been authorized since then. If you are checking the IRS tool and see no payment, it is because no new stimulus law has been passed, not because you were rejected.
If a new stimulus law is passed in the future, the IRS will announce it publicly and the "Get My Payment" tool will be updated. You do not need to do anything to prepare or register — the IRS will use tax return information it already has on file to determine who qualifies.
How the IRS "Get My Payment" tool works
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get My Payment" or navigate directly to the tool. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the mailing address the IRS has on file for you. The tool will then display any stimulus payments issued under your name.
The tool shows the payment amount, the date it was issued, and how it was sent to you — direct deposit to a bank account, a paper check mailed to your address, or a prepaid debit card. If direct deposit was used, the tool will show the last four digits of the account number. If a check was mailed, the tool will show the mailing date.
If you entered your information correctly and the tool shows no payment, it means no stimulus payment has been issued to you under any current program. This does not mean you are ineligible for a future stimulus — it means Congress has not authorized one yet, or the payment has not been processed.
What to do if the tool says your payment status is unknown
If the "Get My Payment" tool displays "Payment Status Not Available" or a similar message, it usually means the IRS is still processing your information. This can happen if you recently filed a tax return, changed your address with the IRS, or if there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the IRS has on file.
Wait three to five business days and check again. If the status is still unknown after a week, verify that you entered your Social Security number, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your most recent tax return or IRS correspondence. Even a small difference — like a middle initial or apartment number — can cause the tool to not find your record.
If you have moved since your last tax return, update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 before checking the tool again. You can file this form online through IRS.gov or mail it to the address listed on the form.
Checking for state stimulus payments
Some states have issued their own stimulus or tax relief payments separate from federal payments. These are not coordinated with the IRS and each state runs its own program with its own rules and tracker.
To learn about your state has a stimulus program, search "[your state name] stimulus payment" or visit your state's revenue or tax department website. If a program exists, the state will have posted a tracker tool or instructions for checking your status. You will typically need your Social Security number and date of birth, similar to the federal tool.
State programs vary in timing, payment amounts, and income thresholds. Some states have already closed their programs and are no longer issuing payments. Check your state's official site to see whether a program is currently active.
What happens if you received a stimulus payment by mistake
If you received a stimulus payment but believe you should not have — for example, because your income was above the limit or you were not a resident of that state — you can return it. Contact the IRS or your state revenue department to report the error and ask how to return the funds.
Do not ignore an overpayment. The IRS may discover the error during a later audit and will expect you to repay it, potentially with interest. Reporting it yourself and returning the funds voluntarily is the simpler path.
If you are unsure whether you were supposed to receive the payment, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your situation. Have your tax return and the payment details in front of you when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a letter in the mail telling me a stimulus payment is coming?
No. The IRS does not send advance notice of stimulus payments to individuals. You find out by checking the "Get My Payment" tool. If you receive a letter claiming to notify you of a stimulus payment, it is likely a scam. The IRS will never contact you first about a stimulus payment.
Can I call the IRS to ask if I am getting a stimulus payment?
You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, but the tool is faster and more reliable. The phone line is often busy during high-volume periods. Use "Get My Payment" first, and call only if the tool shows an error or you cannot access it.
What if I did not file a tax return — can I still get a stimulus payment?
It depends on the program. Some stimulus laws allowed people who did not file taxes to receive payments if they had income below the threshold. The IRS would have used information from other sources, like Social Security or Veterans Affairs records. Check the "Get My Payment" tool to see if a payment was issued to you.
If Congress passes a new stimulus law, how will I know?
Congress will announce it publicly and the news will cover it widely. The IRS will then update the "Get My Payment" tool and post instructions on IRS.gov. You do not need to sign up or register — just check the tool after the announcement. Do not trust emails or texts claiming to notify you of a new stimulus.
Can I get a stimulus payment if I owe back taxes?
It depends on the program rules set by Congress. Some stimulus laws allowed payments to people with tax debt; others did not. If you owe back taxes, the IRS may offset your stimulus payment to pay down what you owe. Check the "Get My Payment" tool to see if a payment was issued, and contact the IRS if you have questions about offsets.