You may not be expecting a government payment in July, but thousands of Americans are still seeing stimulus-style deposits hit their bank accounts — even as the federal government has paused new rounds of national relief. From leftover IRS refunds to state-led rebate programs, July 2025 is shaping up to be a busy month for unexpected money, especially if you live in states like California, New York, Colorado, or Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know and whether you might still be eligible.
No New Federal Stimulus in July — But Some Money Is Still Coming
There are no new federal stimulus checks being approved or issued in July 2025. The U.S. government ended its pandemic-related stimulus rounds after 2021, and no fourth check has been passed by Congress. That said, there’s still federal money going out to certain people through:
The IRS Recovery Rebate Credit (up to $1,400)
Roughly 1 million Americans who didn’t claim their 2021 stimulus payments correctly are still being issued refunds by the IRS. If you were eligible back then but missed your payment, you could still receive it — as long as you file or amend your 2021 return.
This is not a new stimulus, but it can feel like one if you’ve never received it. Some of these late checks were mailed in early 2025, but stragglers could still see them this summer.
State Stimulus Programs and Rebates Still Rolling Out
While Washington D.C. is quiet, many states are continuing to issue their own stimulus-style payments. These range from inflation relief to property tax refunds and even monthly basic income programs.
Here’s a breakdown of some key state programs still active in July 2025:
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California: Energy rebate payments and leftover Golden State Stimulus funds, typically ranging from $200 to $725.
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New York: Automatic inflation refunds of $150 to $400, sent to qualifying residents based on 2023 tax returns.
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Colorado: TABOR refunds from state surpluses, between $177 and $1,130 depending on your income and filing status.
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Pennsylvania: Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program sending up to $1,000 to low-income seniors and disabled individuals.
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Arizona: Family Rebate of $250 per child under 17 and $100 per other dependent, aimed at middle- and lower-income households.
These payments don’t come all at once. Some are mailed, others are direct deposits, and many are staggered over weeks. Depending on your state’s system, you may already have money on the way — or need to apply before a summer deadline.
Local Guaranteed Income Programs Add to the Mix
In places like Sacramento, California, innovative local programs are providing monthly payments of $725 to select low-income families. These are part of guaranteed income pilot efforts and are not technically “stimulus,” but they offer similar relief. To qualify, residents must live in certain ZIP codes and meet age, income, and family criteria.
If you’re approved, you could receive $8,700 over 12 months— money that’s already started arriving for some families this July.
Beware of Rumors: The $5,000 “DOGE Dividend” Isn’t Real… Yet
There’s a lot of talk online about a so-called $5,000 “DOGE Dividend” backed by a proposal linked to Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. While the idea sounds flashy, it’s not real — at least not yet. There is no active legislation or real-world mechanism for this payment, and it should be treated as speculation for now.
What You Should Do If You’re Waiting on a Payment
If you think you might be eligible for one of these programs, here’s how to act now:
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Check your IRS account to track Recovery Rebate status.
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Visit your state tax or revenue department’s website for info on local stimulus or rebates.
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Watch for scam alerts — government agencies will never ask for fees, gift cards, or banking info via email or text.
