If you worked as a delivery driver, freelancer, or ride-share driver during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be owed money — and not even know it. A new tax credit review in 2025 is looking into a possible $1,050 stimulus recheck for gig workers. Many people who worked outside of normal jobs (like Uber, DoorDash, or freelancing) didn’t receive full stimulus payments before. Now, the IRS and other agencies are rechecking those missed payments. Let’s break it down in simple words.
Who Are Gig Workers?
Gig workers are people who don’t have a regular 9-to-5 job but earn money doing small jobs or gigs. This includes:
- Delivery drivers (like Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Freelancers (writing, design, etc.)
- Ride-share drivers (like Uber, Lyft)
- Part-time app-based workers
During the pandemic, many gig workers earned less money or even lost their gigs. But because they often didn’t file taxes or weren’t regular employees, they may have missed out on stimulus checks.
Why the $1,050 Recheck Is Happening
In 2025, the IRS and tax policy experts are reviewing past stimulus distributions. Their goal? To make sure gig workers received the right amount of money. Many gig workers were either underpaid or skipped completely.
This $1,050 recheck is not a new stimulus but a possible correction or credit from past payments, especially related to:
- The 2021 American Rescue Plan
- Recovery Rebate Credit
- Pandemic tax relief programs
The recheck could be applied automatically or claimed manually when filing your taxes — if you’re eligible.
Are You Eligible for the $1,050 Stimulus Recheck?
You might be eligible if:
- You worked as a gig worker in 2020 or 2021
- Your income was below $75,000
- You didn’t get the full $1,400 stimulus check earlier
- You missed filing taxes or made an error in your tax return
Even if you filed taxes, there’s a chance your income was reported incorrectly or your gig income wasn’t fully counted. That’s why the recheck is important.
How Can You Claim It in 2025?
Here’s what you need to do to get your potential $1,050 payment:
- File or amend your 2021 tax return if needed.
- Talk to a tax expert about the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Check for any IRS letters or emails regarding rechecks.
- Use IRS Free File if you earn under $73,000.
You can also visit local Volunteer Tax Assistance Centers (VITA) for free help.
Important: IRS Notices and Timing
The IRS may send notices by mail or email if they think you’re eligible. Make sure your address and email are up to date. The timeline for payment depends on IRS processing speed — but some rechecks could go out in mid or late 2025.
The $1,050 stimulus recheck is a second chance for gig workers who may have missed out on full stimulus payments during the pandemic. If you worked independently, didn’t get the right amount, or never filed your taxes, now is the time to check again. The IRS is currently reviewing these payments, and if you qualify, you could receive this amount as a refund or credit in 2025. Don’t miss this hidden opportunity — a few steps could bring back the money you rightfully deserve.
