Millions of Americans continue to ask if new stimulus checks are coming in 2025. The direct answer is no, there are no new federal stimulus checks approved by Congress. However, the story doesn’t end there. Several states are issuing their own rebate and relief payments to residents this year.
Amid persistent inflation and endless rumors on social media, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. While the era of broad-based Economic Impact Payments from the IRS has ended, financial relief is still reaching many households through targeted state-level programs. Here’s a complete breakdown of the situation in June 2025.
The Status of Federal Stimulus Checks
To be clear, there has been no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS of a fourth round of federal stimulus checks. The deadline to claim any missed payments from the third and final round of federal stimulus (the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021) has also passed as of April 15, 2025.
Treat any articles or social media posts claiming a new, universal $2,000 (or other amount) federal check for all Americans exists as misinformation, since they have no factual basis.
The Real Story: State-Level Relief Payments in 2025
The most significant financial relief this year is coming directly from state governments. Responding to inflation and budget surpluses, several states have launched their own programs, often in the form of tax rebates or direct payments.
Here are some of the states that have been sending payments in 2025:
- New York: As part of its budget, New York is sending “Inflation Refund” checks to millions of residents. Depending on income and filing status, payments range from $150 to $400. These are being sent automatically to eligible taxpayers who filed a recent state tax return.
- California: The Golden State has been providing relief through multiple avenues, including the final phases of its Golden State Stimulus program and energy bill credits of up to $725 for eligible households, depending on income and family size.
- Colorado: Thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), Colorado is returning its fiscal surplus to taxpayers. Single filers are receiving up to $800, while joint filers can get up to $1,600.
- Pennsylvania: The state has expanded its Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, offering up to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities. The income limit was increased to $45,000 to allow more residents to qualify.
- Arizona: Families are receiving targeted relief in the form of tax rebates worth $250 per child under 17 and $100 per dependent aged 17 or older, with a cap of three dependents.
It’s critical to check your specific state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility and payment schedules.
What About the “DOGE Dividend” Proposal?
You may have seen headlines about a potential “DOGE Dividend,” a proposal mentioned by President Donald Trump. The idea involved taking savings found by a proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) and returning a portion to taxpayers. While this concept generated significant online buzz, it remains a proposal without any formal approval or legislative action. There is currently no plan to send out checks based on this idea.
How to Protect Yourself from Stimulus Scams
Where there is hope for money, scams are sure to follow. To protect yourself and your information, remember these key points:
- The IRS will not contact you by text, email, or social media to ask for your personal or financial information.
- There is no fee to get a stimulus payment. Anyone asking you to pay a fee to receive a payment is a scammer.
- Rely on official government websites. For federal information, use IRS.gov. For state payments, use your state’s official “.gov” website.
By staying informed with credible sources, you can avoid scams and get the correct information about any financial relief you may be entitled to.
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