Over the past year, Congress has approved the delivery of three coronavirus stimulus cash payments to most Americans—a $1,200 check in April 2020, $600 in December, and the current $1,400 payments under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Simple math will show that’s already $3,200 in the pockets of most eligible citizens. The disbursement of these important funds may look great on paper, but also keep in mind that there are some Americans out there who have yet to receive any of the three stimulus checks sent out to date.

For those folks out there who must go on with their daily lives without the stimulus that they are entitled to, they can take some comfort in knowing that there are, in fact, options that can help them in their quest to eventually get their hands on the money.

First, take note that one should file a tax return to expedite the process. It already has been well-documented that many of the recent batches of stimulus payments have been heading out to recent tax filers who previously did not have the necessary information on file at the agency.

The Internal Revenue Service has suggested that non-filers should apply for an extension and file by the October 15 tax deadline.

“Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to urge people who don’t normally file a tax return and haven’t received Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the benefits they’re entitled to under the law,” the agency writes.

For those individuals who are still trying to collect stimulus money from the first two rounds, know that the IRS has continued to remind taxpayers to take advantage of the handy Recovery Rebate Credit that has been added to all returns this year. “If you didn’t get any payments or got less than the full amounts, you may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return to claim the credit even if you don’t normally file,” the IRS says.

Also, be aware that many Americans have reportedly received one particular confirmation letter, also known as Notice 1444, from the IRS stating that their check was sent out even though they have yet to receive it. In such a scenario, they should immediately request an IRS payment trace. This same action can also be initiated if the IRS “Get My Payment” tool at shows that the funds have been disbursed but there is no sign of the money in the recipient’s bank account.

The last-resort option is to actually speak to a live human regarding the missing checks. The IRS Economic Impact Payment phone number is 800-919-9835—but be warned that “IRS live phone assistance is extremely limited at this time,” the agency’s website says.

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Minneapolis-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek, and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.

Image: Reuters