Despite growing online rumors and speculation on social media, the IRS has confirmed that no fourth federal stimulus check has been approved for 2025. That means there’s no congressional bill, no signed law, and no direct payment program like the checks Americans received in 2020 and 2021 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IRS also confirmed that the “Get My Payment” tool, which helped track previous rounds of stimulus payments, has officially been retired. This is a strong signal that, for now, federal relief checks are off the table.
Trump’s $5,000 ‘DOGE Dividend’ Stimulus Proposal: Bold Idea or Political Stunt?
Former President Donald Trump, currently making a high-profile bid for re-election, floated an eyebrow-raising idea earlier this year: a $5,000 “DOGE Dividend” stimulus check, supposedly linked to cryptocurrency and digital assets. While it captured attention in conservative and tech-savvy circles, there’s no formal policy, legislation, or government plan to implement it.
Financial experts point out that such a proposal would need full Congressional approval — and with no bill introduced, it remains a campaign talking point, not a real-world relief effort. It’s important for Americans to distinguish between campaign rhetoric and confirmed federal programs.
But Wait — IRS Sends Surprise $1,400 Payments to Over 1 Million Americans
While there’s no new stimulus package on the horizon, the IRS quietly issued payments of up to $1,400 to more than 1 million Americans in early 2025. These payments are not new stimulus checks but rather unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits from the 2021 American Rescue Plan.
Here’s what happened: Many taxpayers who qualified for the third stimulus check in 2021 never received their payment — due to filing errors, income changes, or other bureaucratic hurdles. In January 2025, the IRS automatically issued these payments to eligible individuals without requiring them to take any further action.
Important note: The deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit manually was April 15, 2025. If you didn’t receive a surprise payment and think you may qualify, it may now be too late to file.
What About States? Local Relief Still Rolling Out in Some Areas
While federal support is frozen, some individual states are still issuing tax rebates and inflation relief checks to residents. These programs vary widely but can offer some modest relief:
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California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Idaho have issued one-time tax refunds.
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New York residents may qualify for benefits ranging from $150 to $400.
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Colorado continues distributing TABOR refund checks tied to surplus tax revenues.
Eligibility and distribution schedules depend on each state’s specific legislation, so it’s worth checking with your state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation.
IRS Warning: Watch Out for Stimulus Scams
Because of the confusion around stimulus programs, the IRS has issued strong warnings about scam artists claiming to offer new checks or sign-ups. The agency urges Americans to ignore unsolicited emails, texts, or calls promising fast money or “registration” for a nonexistent fourth stimulus payment.
Only trust IRS.gov or official state tax websites for accurate and safe information.
The Bottom Line
If you were hoping for a fourth federal stimulus check in 2025 — it’s not happening. The IRS has closed the book on new federal payments, though it’s still issuing long-overdue credits from 2021. Trump’s crypto-themed stimulus proposal may make headlines, but without congressional backing, it’s more campaign trail bait than real relief.
If you’re struggling financially, state-level programs may still offer limited support, so it’s worth checking your local options. But as far as Washington is concerned, don’t expect another check in the mail anytime soon.
