If you’ve been waiting for a big federal stimulus payout from the highly publicized $5,000 “DOGE Dividend,” don’t hold your breath — it’s stuck in political limbo. But here’s the good news: several U.S. states are stepping in with real money, and in some places, payments are already being deposited into residents’ bank accounts.
That’s right — while the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) struggles to get its federal payout plan off the ground, states like New Mexico, Georgia, and Michigan are taking action, issuing direct cash payments, rebates, and tax credits to help residents weather economic pressures like high inflation and rising utility costs.
What Happened to the $5,000 DOGE Checks?
The “DOGE Dividend,” a federal proposal to return 20% of government cost savings to taxpayers, originally promised a $5,000 check per household. The idea gained popularity after being promoted by public figures like Elon Musk and backed by certain political leaders. But as of May 2025, it remains just that — a proposal.
To fund the $5,000 checks, DOGE would need to save $2 trillion, but so far it has only reported $160 billion in savings. That’s only enough to potentially fund a much smaller payment — around $993 — and Congress hasn’t approved any payout. Plus, political disagreements about how to use those savings have stalled momentum, with some leaders wanting to apply them to the national debt instead of cutting checks to the public.
So while the DOGE Dividend made headlines, no money is coming from the federal government any time soon.
But Some States Are Sending Stimulus Payments
Even as Washington stalls, states are quietly rolling out their own stimulus-style payments — and if you live in one of these states, you could be getting money soon:
New Mexico
Residents can receive up to $1,000 through the state’s rebate program, funded by a $500 million state surplus. You must have filed a 2024 New Mexico tax return, lived in the state for the entire year, and not be claimed as someone else’s dependent.
Georgia
The Peach State is offering rebates of up to $500 for residents who filed income taxes for both 2021 and 2022. The amount varies based on your filing status.
New York
Eligible New Yorkers could receive a one-time relief payment of up to $400 to help with inflation-related expenses. Full payments go to joint filers making up to $150,000.
Colorado
Thanks to its Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), Colorado is sending refunds to residents who filed a 2024 tax return. The refund amount depends on your filing status and how much surplus revenue the state collected.
Michigan
The state expanded its Working Families Tax Credit, sending out checks averaging $550 to over 700,000 eligible households. To qualify, you must meet federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) requirements.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re disappointed about the lack of a federal check, you’re not alone — but don’t overlook the real relief happening at the state level. Here’s how to make sure you’re not missing out:
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Check your state’s Department of Revenue website for active rebate or credit programs.
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Make sure you filed your 2024 state tax return, which is required to receive most of these payments.
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Confirm your eligibility — especially if your household income changed in the past year or you have dependents.
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Apply quickly if your state requires an application. Some programs are first-come, first-served.
Bottom Line
The federal DOGE check may never arrive, but your state could already be sending you money. Whether it’s $400, $1,000, or more, these payments can make a meaningful difference — especially when federal aid is stalled. Don’t wait for Washington. Look to your state now for real relief.
