Early access for kickstarter veteran

I was told by someone that kickstarters of the original game, which I am one, got free early access. I had a steam code in my account and have the game, but now when i click early access on my account info, it tells me I don't have a key and that I need to buy one. When I try to play it, it tells me I need an access key and to buy one.

I'm totally fine with buying an access key if I have to, but I wanted to make sure before I spent money as my finances are tight

the qualifier is that you have to have a "life time" spend of $480 on the game (don't think this included points purchases though)

If you qualified you would have a message saying such (no code needed, your account is flagged as having access)