Delivery Timelines for Stimulus Payments

Updated for filing 2021 tax returns

When Are Stimulus Payments (EIPs) Sent?

The delivery of an EIP depends on which piece of legislation it comes from. EIP1 (the CARES Act) was delivered on a different schedule from EIP2 (the Consolidated Appropriations Act) and EIP3 (American Rescue Plan Act).

When did EIP1 from the CARES Act arrive?

The IRS began sending economic impact payments in April of 2020; most taxpayers did not need to take any action to receive their payment.

The Department of the Treasury used info from 2019 tax returns to determine AGI, qualifying children, and whether to send payments by check or direct deposit. If you hadn’t filed your 2019 taxes, your 2018 tax return information was used.

The Get My Payment tool allowed taxpayers to choose how to receive their EIP, and the tool also helped track stimulus payments. Get My Payment no longer has information for EIP1, but you can access your EIP1 info via an Online Account at IRS.gov.

Note: You may need to set up an ID.me account to get an Online Account, but the IRS will be transitioning away from facial recognition technology by the end of February 2022.

When did EIP2 from the Consolidated Appropriations Act arrive?

The Consolidated Appropriations Act EIPs were sent in January, 2021. Direct deposits generally occurred within the first two weeks of January. Mailed payments generally arrived before February 24, 2021.

Get My Payment no longer has information for EIP2, but you can access your EIP2 info via an Online Account at IRS.gov.

Note: To access an Online Account, you will need an ID.me account to verify your identity. (Returning users have until summer of 2022 to log in with a username and password).

When did EIP3 from the American Rescue Plan Act arrive?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP Act) began sending in March 2021. The IRS has officially delivered all payments, but if you qualify for more payment than you received, you can claim that missing amount on your 2021 tax return via the Recovery Rebate Credit.

What do I do if I haven’t gotten my stimulus payments yet?

EIP1 and EIP2 could be claimed with the RRC on your 2020 tax return. If you didn't receive a payment but the IRS says you were sent one, you should request a payment trace. See the IRS's FAQ page on claiming the 2020 RRC for more information.

For EIP3, you can claim any additional amount you qualify for with the RRC on your 2021 tax return. If the IRS has sent payment but you haven't received it yet, you can request a payment trace. You should only request a payment trace if it has been:

• 5 days since the deposit date and the bank says it hasn't received the payment
• 4 weeks since the payment was mailed by check to a standard address
• 6 weeks since the payment was mailed, and you have a forwarding address on file with the local post office
• 9 weeks since the payment was mailed, and you have a foreign address

To request a payment trace, mail or fax a completed Form 3911 to the address listed for your location here.

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