What to Know About a Potential Fourth Stimulus and the DOGE Dividend Proposal
Update on Unclaimed Stimulus Payments
The IRS urges individuals to be vigilant about fraud while trying to claim any past stimulus payments. It's important to communicate directly with the IRS or a trusted tax professional about missing payments, as scammers are known to impersonate officials.
Previously, deadlines to claim the first stimulus payment from March/April 2020 and the second by January 15, 2021, have lapsed, with no opportunity to claim these funds anymore.
Third Stimulus Check Deadline
The deadline to claim the third stimulus check, which provided a $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021, was on April 15, 2025.
Since the IRS does not allow extensions past this date, no further claims can be made, and unclaimed funds have now been returned to the U.S. Treasury.
Rumors of a Fourth Stimulus Check
There is ongoing speculation about a fourth stimulus check of $2,000, mainly circulating through social media and some unverified sources.
As of June 2025, neither Congress nor the IRS has confirmed these rumors, so caution is advised due to the risk of misinformation or fraud.
Trump's DOGE Dividend Proposal
In a statement at a Miami summit earlier in February, former President Trump mentioned a plan under consideration to deliver $5,000 stimulus checks as a "DOGE dividend."
This idea would use about 20% of savings uncovered by what he termed Musk’s Government Efficiency Department. However, no detailed plans or feasibility reports have been released following that announcement.
IRS and Refund Processing
Taxpayers who have filed their federal tax returns electronically and provided banking details can expect a direct deposit refund within 21 days. Those who did not provide bank information may face a longer wait time of 6-8 weeks for a paper check by mail.
Upon filing, an immediate IRS acceptance of your return isn’t guaranteed. Confirmation through the "Refund Sent" status in the IRS's "Where’s My Refund?" online tool is needed. This tool, which updates overnight, can be checked 24 hours after e-filing and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and exact expected refund amount.
The IRS also offers phone support at 800-829-1954, providing the same information as the online tool. Once refunds are approved and sent, direct deposits typically arrive within a few days.
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Read more: Study Reveals That Adults Earning Below $80,000 Can’t Afford a Comfortable Life Anywhere in the U.S.
