Rumors of a $2,000 stimulus check continue to spread across social media in April 2025—but no official payment has been approved by Congress or the IRS.
No new stimulus check approved by Congress
As of now, the federal government has not passed legislation to issue a fourth round of economic impact payments. Despite claims online, neither the U.S. Congress nor the IRS has confirmed any new aid package that includes direct payments to Americans.
Proposals for new stimulus programs occasionally surface, especially during times of economic pressure, but no bill guaranteeing a $2,000 payment has passed into law this year.
Social media rumors and scams on the rise
Many false reports about fourth stimulus checks originate from unofficial blogs and viral posts. Some claim the payments are already being distributed, while others promote links to fraudulent application sites. These scams often aim to steal personal information.
The IRS has warned the public not to share Social Security numbers or banking details with unknown sources. The official IRS website—irs.gov—remains the only reliable place to check your payment status or eligibility.
Who would qualify if another round is approved?
If Congress were to approve another round of stimulus payments, eligibility would likely mirror previous criteria:
- Individuals earning under $75,000
- Married couples earning under $150,000
- Reduced payments for those earning slightly above those thresholds
- Exclusion for individuals earning over $99,000 or couples over $198,000 with no dependents
Automatic payments in past rounds included Social Security, SSI, SSDI, and VA beneficiaries.
When could payments go out?
There is no timeline for potential payments because no package has been authorized. If a new round were approved later in 2025, disbursements would likely begin months after legislation is signed—potentially in late 2025 or early 2026. Payments would be delivered by direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit card.
How to stay safe and informed
To avoid fraud, follow these guidelines:
- Only trust official government sources like irs.gov or ssa.gov.
- Do not respond to unsolicited messages promising stimulus payments.
- Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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