For families trying to make ends meet in 2025, there’s a buzz going around — can you really get up to $12,000 in stimulus money this year? The short answer: yes, but it depends on where you live, how big your family is, and how much you earn.
Let’s break down what’s really going on, who qualifies, and how families might be able to claim these benefits.
So, What Is the $12,000 Stimulus Everyone’s Talking About?
Despite the name, there’s no new $12,000 federal stimulus check going out to everyone like we saw during the height of the pandemic. Instead, that $12,000 number is coming from a mix of state tax credits and benefits, especially for low- and moderate-income families with children.
For example, in California, families can combine several programs — like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) — to receive up to $12,000 if they qualify. Other states like New York, Illinois, and Oregon have similar tax credit programs designed to give families a financial boost this year.
So no, it’s not a blanket check for all — but if you’re eligible, it could make a serious difference in your budget.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
The exact eligibility depends on the state you live in, but here are some of the most common requirements:
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Your income level matters: Most of these programs are for lower- to middle-income families. For instance, in California, a family making under $30,000 may qualify for the maximum payout.
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The more kids, the bigger the check: These programs typically offer more support if you have children, especially if they’re under age 6.
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You need to file your taxes: This is key. Even if you didn’t make a lot of money last year, filing your 2023 tax return is the main way to claim these credits.
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Residency counts: These are state-run programs, so you must live in the state offering the credit.
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Valid ID numbers: Most states require a valid Social Security number or ITIN for you or your dependents.
How Do Families Actually Get the Money?
Good news — there’s not some separate form or agency to deal with. You usually claim these credits when you file your taxes. If you use a tax service or file online, you’ll be prompted to include this information.
Here’s what to do:
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File your 2023 taxes — Even if you had very little income last year.
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Check your state’s website — Look for local credits or programs that apply to you.
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Use the IRS or state tools to track your refund — That’s where the money will show up.
Some families may automatically get the credits if they filed last year, but it’s still a good idea to check your eligibility every year, especially if your income or family size changed.
What Does a $12,000 Check Look Like?
The full $12,000 is usually a combination of smaller credits added together. For example, a family of five in California might receive:
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Around $3,500 from the state Earned Income Tax Credit
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$1,000–$1,500 from the Young Child Tax Credit
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Several thousand more from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit
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And possibly the federal Child Tax Credit, too — which could add another $4,000 or more
Add it all up, and yes — some families really are getting up to $12,000 back.
What If You Don’t Live in a State With These Benefits?
Even if your state doesn’t offer these exact credits, you might still be eligible for federal benefits like:
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The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — up to $7,430 depending on your income and number of kids
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The Child Tax Credit (CTC) — up to $2,000 per child
And don’t forget other support programs like SNAP (food assistance), housing relief, or local family support programs.
Why It Matters
For many families, this money isn’t just a nice bonus — it’s a lifeline. With food and housing costs still high in many parts of the country, tax season has become one of the few chances some households have to catch up on bills, buy essentials, or simply breathe easier.
So if you’ve got kids and had any income last year, it’s definitely worth checking to see what you qualify for. Every dollar counts — and this year, those dollars could really add up.
