If you’ve been waiting and wondering whether another stimulus check is coming in 2025, you’re not alone — and the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. While the federal government isn’t rolling out a new nationwide stimulus like it did in 2020 or 2021, there are still real ways some Americans are getting paid this year — including checks of up to $1,400. But it depends on your tax situation, where you live, and whether you took action by a key deadline. Here’s what’s really going on and how you can find out if you’re eligible for a payment.
Federal Stimulus: No New Round, But Some Payments Are Still Going Out
Let’s get the big question out of the way: No, the federal government hasn’t approved a new, universal stimulus check for 2025.
But that doesn’t mean money isn’t being sent out.
In late 2024, the IRS quietly began issuing automatic payments of up to $1,400 to about one million taxpayers who were eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit but never claimed it. These payments, sent out in January 2025, were based on past tax returns. If you didn’t file your 2021 return by the April 15, 2025 deadline, you missed your shot — the window to claim those missed benefits has officially closed.
If you did file in time and haven’t received a payment yet, you may want to double-check with the IRS or your tax preparer to see if you qualify.
What About New Stimulus Programs in 2025?
While there’s no new stimulus at the federal level, some states are stepping up and offering their own relief payments to help residents cope with rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Here are some state-level programs currently active:
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New York is offering one-time payments of $150 to $400 to eligible taxpayers based on 2024 income.
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Colorado is issuing TABOR refunds to residents who filed taxes on time.
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Idaho, South Carolina, and Georgia continue to roll out periodic rebates due to state budget surpluses.
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California had its Middle Class Tax Refund in 2024, but hasn’t announced a follow-up for 2025 — yet.
Each program varies in who qualifies, how much is offered, and when payments are distributed. Most require that you filed a 2024 state income tax return, so if you haven’t, act fast.
What Happened to That $5,000 Stimulus Plan?
If you’ve heard about a $5,000 stimulus check proposal backed by Donald Trump and dubbed the “DOGE Dividend,” here’s the deal: it hasn’t become law and isn’t happening — at least not yet.
The idea was tied to savings from a proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a portion of the savings being redistributed to taxpayers. While catchy, the proposal is still just that — a proposal — and has no legislative backing in Congress. In other words, don’t count on that check hitting your mailbox anytime soon.
Warning: Watch Out for Stimulus Scams
Unfortunately, with the buzz around possible payments, scammers are flooding inboxes and social media feeds with false promises of new stimulus checks. The IRS has issued warnings about:
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Fake emails and texts asking you to “verify your eligibility”
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Links claiming you qualify for a “fourth stimulus check”
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Anyone asking you to pay a fee to claim your money
Important: The IRS will never contact you via email or text about stimulus payments. Always use official IRS or state websites to check your eligibility.
What You Should Do Next
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Filed your 2021 taxes and think you missed a payment? Call the IRS or check your transcripts.
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Live in a state with relief programs? Visit your state’s revenue or tax agency website to see what’s available.
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Getting messages about stimulus payments via text or email? Don’t click — it’s likely a scam.
If there is any federal or state stimulus news in the future, you’ll see it on official government sites or through trusted financial news sources — not viral TikTok videos or unsolicited DMs.
