How US expats can claim stimulus checks in 2025

The pandemic may feel like a distant memory, but many US expats are still wondering if they can claim their stimulus checks – or recover them if missed.

Whether you're a seasoned expat or new to navigating US tax laws from abroad, here's your ultimate guide to understanding and claiming your stimulus checks in 2025.

What are stimulus checks, and why do they matter for US expats?

Stimulus checks, officially known as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), were issued by the US government during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial relief.

While these payments were distributed between 2020 and 2021, many US expats missed out due to confusion about eligibility, tax filing requirements, or outdated addresses.

But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to claim your stimulus checks, even in 2025.

Who is eligible to claim a stimulus check as a US expat?

To qualify for stimulus payments, you must meet specific criteria:

1. US citizenship or residency status

Eligibility basics: US citizens, including those living abroad, qualify for stimulus payments regardless of their country of residence. Resident aliens (those who pass the Substantial Presence Test or hold a Green Card) are also eligible.

Non-resident aliens: Those who don’t meet the substantial presence criteria or aren’t Green Card holders are classified as non-resident aliens and therefore do not qualify for stimulus payments.

Dual-status filers: If you were a dual-status alien (both resident and non-resident in the same year), you might qualify for a partial payment depending on your residency status on the last day of the year.

2. Valid Social Security Number (SSN)

What counts as a valid SSN: To qualify, your SSN must be valid for employment. SSNs marked with “not valid for employment” or issued for non-work purposes do not meet eligibility criteria.

Dependents’ SSNs: If claiming payments for qualifying dependents (e.g., children under 17 for the first two rounds of payments), each dependent must also have a valid SSN issued before the payment eligibility cutoff date.

Spousal SSNs: If filing jointly with a non-US citizen spouse, at least one spouse must have a valid SSN to qualify for the payment.

3. Income thresholds

Eligibility was based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI):

For joint filers, the thresholds were doubled, and the amount was adjusted per qualifying child.

4. Non-dependency status

Dependency basics: If another taxpayer (e.g., a parent) claimed you as a dependent on their return for the relevant tax year, you were ineligible for a stimulus check – even if you were otherwise financially independent.

Special cases: Some adults in college or those providing for elderly parents were inadvertently excluded due to being classified as dependents. This exclusion applied even if they earned income and filed their own returns.

What changed for the third round: Unlike earlier rounds, the third stimulus payment allowed for payments to be claimed for older dependents (e.g., college students or elderly parents) by the taxpayer claiming them.

However, the dependent themselves would not receive a payment directly.

How to claim missed stimulus payments in 2025

If you didn’t receive your stimulus checks—or didn’t receive the full amount—you can still claim them as a Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) when filing your taxes.

Step 1: Determine which payments you missed

• Review your 2020 and 2021 IRS accounts online.
• Look for IRS Notices 1444, 1444-B, or 1444-C, which confirmed issued payments.

Step 2: File or amend your tax return

You must file a federal tax return to claim the RRC. If you missed filing for 2020 or 2021, here’s what to do:

• Claim first and second stimulus payments: File or amend your 2020 tax return to include Form 1040 (or 1040-SR) with the RRC worksheet.
• Claim third stimulus payment: File or amend your 2021 tax return similarly.

✔️ Pro Tip. The IRS accepts late returns for up to three years after the original due date. That means you have until April 15, 2025, to file or amend for 2021.

Step 3: Check for tax treaty benefits

While US citizens must report worldwide income, some foreign-earned income may be excluded using the ForeignEarned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or a tax treaty.

Claiming these benefits can help reduce your AGI and potentially qualify you for the payments retroactively.

Common hurdles for US expats claiming stimulus checks

Filing from abroad comes with unique challenges. Here are the most common issues and how to overcome them:

1. Outdated information with the IRS

If you moved abroad or changed banks, the IRS might not have been able to process your payment.

Ensure your current address and direct deposit information are up to date.

2. Filing status confusion

Expats filing jointly with a non-resident alien spouse may need to file Form 1040 to elect for their spouse to be treated as a resident for tax purposes. This election can increase your chances of receiving payments.

3. Double taxation concerns

Some expats avoid filing because of concerns about double taxation. However, credits like the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can mitigate this.

4. Missing ITINs for dependents

If your dependent doesn’t have an SSN or ITIN, apply for one using Form W-7 before filing.

Why act now?

As the April 2025 deadline approaches, the clock is ticking for expats to claim their Recovery Rebate Credit for missed stimulus payments.

Failing to file on time means forfeiting any unclaimed funds.

Bottom line

Claiming missed stimulus payments is still possible, but you must act before the April 2025 deadline.

Review your eligibility, update IRS information, and file or amend your tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Don’t risk losing these funds – take action now to secure what you’re entitled to.