IRS $1,338 Stimulus Check: Who Qualifies and How to Claim Your Payment

Recent reports have been circulating online about a new $1,338 stimulus check being issued by the U.S. government in 2025. While many Americans are hopeful for additional financial relief, there is currently no official confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding such a payment.

However, there is an ongoing IRS initiative providing stimulus-related payments to eligible taxpayers. In December 2024, the IRS announced that it had identified nearly one million taxpayers who had failed to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) from the 2021 tax year. These individuals were scheduled to receive payments automatically in early 2025. (Source: IRS.gov)

Who is Eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Payment?

The IRS has provided clear guidelines on eligibility for these payments:

• U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Income Requirements:
  • Single Filers: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $75,000 (phasing out at $80,000).
  • Married Filing Jointly: AGI below $150,000 (phasing out at $160,000).
  • Head of Household: AGI below $112,500 (phasing out at $120,000).
• Filing Status: Must have filed a 2021 tax return.
• Valid Social Security Number (SSN).

If you believe you qualify but have not received the payment, it is recommended to check your tax filing status and claim the credit by filing a 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025, deadline.

Debunking the $1,338 Stimulus Check Rumor

The $1,338 stimulus check appears to be a misleading claim that has spread through online sources. Neither the U.S. Congress nor the IRS has announced a new stimulus program in 2025.

The government has previously provided three rounds of Economic Impact Payments, with the last one being issued under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any new stimulus legislation would require congressional approval before payments could be issued.

To stay updated on official relief programs, visit trusted sources such as:

• IRS Website (irs.gov)
• U.S. Department of the Treasury (home.treasury.gov)
• USA.gov – Government Benefits (usa.gov/benefits)

Beware of Scams & Misinformation

Given the popularity of stimulus-related news, scammers often exploit misinformation to target unsuspecting individuals. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Unsolicited Emails or Text Messages: The IRS does not contact taxpayers through text messages or social media.
• Fake Websites: Always verify that you are on an official government website before entering personal information.
• Requests for Bank Details: The IRS never asks for direct deposit information via phone or email.
• Urgent or Threatening Messages: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency.

For more information on identifying fraud, visit the IRS’s official fraud prevention page (IRS Tax Scams).

What to Expect in 2025: Economic Relief and Tax Benefits

While a new stimulus check is unlikely, there are still financial relief options available for low and middle-income Americans:

1. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A tax break for low-to-moderate-income workers, which can reduce tax liability and result in refunds.
2. Child Tax Credit (CTC): Families with children may be eligible for tax credits up to $2,000 per child.
3. Housing & Food Assistance Programs: Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Section 8 housing assistance continue to provide aid.

For more details, visit Benefits.gov, which provides an extensive database of available financial aid programs.

Final Verdict: No New Stimulus Check—But Aid is Available

As of now, there is no confirmed $1,338 stimulus check from the federal government. However, eligible taxpayers can still claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit if they missed it in 2021. Americans looking for economic relief should rely on official sources and government programs for financial assistance.

To avoid misinformation, always check with verified websites such as the IRS, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and official government portals before believing claims about new stimulus checks.

For ongoing updates, follow the IRS official newsroom (IRS Newsroom) and Treasury Department announcements (Treasury.gov).

Stay Informed & Protect Yourself

The best way to stay informed about financial aid and government relief is to follow trusted sources. If you believe you qualify for relief programs, take action before the deadlines. Do not fall for misinformation or scams—always verify news with official government sources.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.