There is not just one type of employment in Germany, but many variants. The easiest way to deal with the EPP is as an employee. If you are not sure, check your payslip from September 2022 to see whether you have received the lump sum.
In principle, however, the EPP did not necessarily have to be paid out in September. A later payment is also possible. However, the Federal Ministry of Finance states that the latest point in time is the transmission of the wage tax certificate for the employee.
A clarifying conversation with the employer can also be useful in special cases: Mini-jobbers, for example, had to become active and confirm in writing to the employer that this was their first employment. Only then was the employer allowed to pay out the EPP.