New York has rolled out one-time “inflation refund” checks to help residents handle the rising cost of living. If you’re a single filer making up to $75,000, you could receive $200. Married couples filing jointly with a combined income of up to $150,000 may get $400. These checks are issued automatically using 2023 tax data and funded through a state surplus generated from higher-than-expected sales tax revenue.
California – Guaranteed Income + Utility Help
California is one of the most aggressive states in offering alternative relief:
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Abundant Birth Project: A monthly $616 to $1,000 payment for pregnant women in select counties. It’s meant to reduce premature births and improve maternal health.
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Climate Credit Program: All eligible utility customers get a credit of $39 to $59 on their electric bills to ease high energy costs.
California also continues testing guaranteed income pilots that deliver no-strings-attached monthly payments to low-income families and youth aging out of foster care.
Georgia – Surplus Tax Refunds
If you filed both a 2023 and 2024 Georgia tax return, you may be in line for a state surplus refund of up to $250 (individual) or $500 (joint filers). This is part of a $1.2 billion budget return initiative aimed at sharing the state’s revenue windfall with its taxpayers. Payments began rolling out earlier this year and continue in waves.
Colorado – TABOR Refunds & More
Colorado residents can expect hefty rebates thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which caps how much the state can retain in revenue:
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$800 for individuals
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$1,600 for joint filers
In addition, the Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate Program is sending up to $1,154 to seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income households. These programs are funded by a $1.5 billion budget surplus.
Arizona – Dependent Tax Rebates
Arizona launched targeted tax rebates for families, offering:
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$250 per child under 17
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$100 per dependent 17 or older
Each household can claim up to three dependents. Payments are automatically sent to those who filed 2021 and 2022 tax returns and included eligible dependents.
Mississippi – Magnolia Mother’s Trust
In Jackson, Mississippi, Black mothers in low-income households can qualify for $1,000 per month for 12 months under the Magnolia Mother’s Trust. It’s one of the longest-running guaranteed income programs in the country, and participants report significant improvements in housing, education, and health outcomes.
Minnesota & Sacramento – Direct Aid for Artists
States and cities are even investing in their creative communities:
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Minnesota is giving eligible artists $500 per month under its Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot.
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Sacramento, CA is offering $850 per month for up to a year to qualifying local artists. Applications are open through June 20, and payments begin August 1.
These programs are funded through local ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants and private donations.
Federal Assistance Still Available
Though there’s no new federal stimulus check in 2025, key federal programs remain active:
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SNAP and WIC help cover grocery and nutrition costs.
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LIHEAP helps with energy bills.
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Emergency Rental Assistance offers aid to tenants behind on rent.
All of these are means-tested and require application through your state’s department of health or human services.
How to Find Out What’s Available in Your State
Each state runs its own programs, so eligibility, deadlines, and payout amounts vary. The best way to find out what you qualify for is to:
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Visit your state’s Department of Revenue or Human Services website.
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Use for a searchable list of state and federal aid programs.
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Stay alert to new proposals, especially during election season when governors often announce new rounds of relief.
Bottom Line
There may not be a federal check coming in the mail, but your state might be offering more help than you think. Whether it’s a tax rebate, monthly income, or utility credit, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where local governments fill the gap left by federal stimulus. The key is knowing where to look — and acting before deadlines pass.
