If you’ve seen headlines or viral posts claiming a $1,600 stimulus check is hitting bank accounts this July — don’t fall for it. Despite growing rumors online, there is no new federal stimulus check coming this month. The IRS has not approved any $1,600 payments, and Congress hasn’t passed any legislation that would authorize such a check. Here’s what’s actually going on — and why you might still be seeing extra money this summer if you’re eligible for past credits or state rebates.
The Truth About the $1,600 Stimulus Claim
There is no federal stimulus program delivering $1,600 to Americans in July 2025. The U.S. government ended its last round of pandemic-related stimulus checks in 2021. While some taxpayers may still be receiving money from unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits related to those past stimulus checks, those payments are not new, and they’re certainly not universal.
What sparked the confusion? A mix of social media misinformation and news about the IRS sending out payments to a select group of people who missed out on previous stimulus rounds — particularly the third Economic Impact Payment worth $1,400 per person. If you’re seeing an unexpected payment, it’s probably that — not a new $1,600 check.
What Payments Are Going Out?
The IRS recently confirmed that about one million Americans are getting up to $1,400 in retroactive payments after filing their 2023 tax returns. These payments are meant to correct missed 2021 stimulus money, especially for those who didn’t receive the full amount due to income changes, family size updates, or missed filings.
These checks are automated refunds issued as part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, and no action is needed if you already filed correctly. However, the deadline to file for the 2021 credit expired on April 15, 2025, so if you missed that window, you may no longer be eligible.
State-Level “Stimulus” Rebates Still Active
While the federal government is not sending out new stimulus payments, several states are issuing their own rebates and tax refunds. These payments vary widely:
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Colorado residents are receiving TABOR refunds up to $1,130.
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New York is offering inflation relief rebates between $150 and $400.
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Alaska continues distributing its Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), with checks ranging from $1,000 to over $3,000 depending on oil revenues.
Other states such as California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey also have ongoing rebate programs for qualifying residents. But again, these are state-managed, not federal stimulus checks.
Watch Out for Scams and Fake Stimulus Promises
With election season heating up, you’ll likely see more talk about potential stimulus payments — including proposals like Trump’s rumored “DOGE Dividend” or suggestions for a $5,000 payout if he returns to office. As of now, none of these proposals are real or active. They are campaign ideas or internet speculation — not approved programs.
Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of this confusion. If you receive a message, email, or social media post promising a $1,600 stimulus payment — especially if it asks for personal information — it’s almost certainly a scam. Always verify information through IRS.gov or your state’s official revenue website.
Bottom Line
There is no $1,600 federal stimulus check coming in July 2025. However, some people are receiving IRS catch-up payments worth up to $1,400, while others are benefiting from state-level rebates. Be cautious about viral posts and always check the source of the information before getting your hopes up — or worse, falling into a scam.
