Rumors have been flying around the internet claiming that Americans are set to receive an $800 stimulus check in 2025 — but is it true? The short answer: not quite. While there’s no new federal stimulus check being issued right now, some states are stepping up with refund programs and special payments that could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
In addition, there’s still one last chance to claim the $1,400 federal stimulus payment if you never received it. That window closes very soon — and millions of eligible people haven’t filed yet. So, what’s real, what’s fake, and how can you get your money? Let’s break it all down.
Federal Government: No $800 Stimulus — But You Might Still Be Owed $1,400
Let’s set the record straight first. The federal government has NOT approved a new $800 stimulus check for 2025. The last round of official stimulus payments — the third Economic Impact Payment for $1,400 — went out back in 2021.
However, many Americans never received that payment or didn’t get the full amount. If that’s you, you might still be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit worth up to $1,400. But here’s the catch — you must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. That’s the absolute deadline.
Who Qualifies?
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You’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
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Your income in 2021 was below these limits:
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$75,000 for single filers
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$150,000 for married couples
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$112,500 for heads of household
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You didn’t receive the full $1,400 stimulus in 2021.
If you meet those requirements, you could be in line for a refund check from the IRS — even if you don’t owe taxes or normally file a return.
State Stimulus & Refunds: Where $800 Is Actually Being Paid
Although there’s no nationwide stimulus, some states are offering their own financial help in the form of tax refunds and guaranteed income programs. Here are the ones making headlines:
Colorado: $800 and $1,600 TABOR Refunds
Colorado residents are in luck — under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), many are eligible for automatic tax refunds:
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$800 for individual filers
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$1,600 for joint filers
To get this, you must file your 2023 Colorado tax return by April 15, 2025. Payments are being processed and sent between March and June 2025.
Georgia: One-Time Tax Refunds
Georgia is also issuing one-time refund checks thanks to a state budget surplus. Here’s what’s being paid:
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$250 for single filers
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$375 for heads of household
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$500 for married couples filing jointly
To qualify, you need to:
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File both your 2023 and 2024 state taxes
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Have had tax liability in 2023
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Lived in Georgia for at least part of that year
The Georgia Department of Revenue says checks should start going out by early June 2025.
California: Guaranteed Income in Sacramento
California isn’t sending out a flat $800 check, but it is launching a guaranteed income pilot program in Sacramento County. Here’s what that looks like:
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$725 a month for 1 year to eligible families
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To qualify, you must:
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Live in select Sacramento zip codes
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Have a child under 5 who is Black, African American, American Indian, or Native American
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Earn below 200% of the federal poverty level
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Not be enrolled in any other guaranteed income program
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This is part of a broader effort to reduce racial and economic disparities among young families.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re seeing headlines or posts about an “$800 stimulus,” don’t assume it applies to everyone. Here’s what you should do instead:
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Check if you’re owed $1,400 from the IRS — and file your 2021 return before April 15, 2025.
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Look into state-specific programs if you live in Colorado, Georgia, or California.
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Avoid scams — there are many fake “stimulus check” links circulating on social media. Always use official government websites to check your eligibility.
Final Takeaway
There is no new $800 federal stimulus check, but there are still real opportunities to get money — if you act fast and know where to look. Whether it’s an overdue federal payment or a state-funded refund, millions of Americans can benefit — but only if they understand the eligibility rules and take action on time.
