Stimulus Check 2025: Latest IRS Payments, State Relief Programs & Eligibility Updates

As of May 2025, while there is no new federal stimulus check program, several state-level initiatives are providing financial relief to residents. Here’s an overview of the current programs and eligibility criteria:

🏛️ Federal Recovery Rebate Credit: Final Opportunity

The IRS has been issuing payments of up to $1,400 to approximately one million taxpayers who missed claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. These automatic payments, totaling around $2.4 billion, were distributed between December 2024 and January 2025.

Eligibility:

• Individuals who filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Action Required:

• No action is needed for those who already filed; the IRS issued payments automatically.
• Individuals who did not file a 2021 tax return have until April 15, 2025, to file and claim the credit.

🗽 New York: Inflation Refund Checks

New York State has approved a one-time “inflation refund” as part of its 2025 budget, allocating $2 billion to assist residents facing high living costs.

Eligibility:

• Residents who filed a 2023 New York State income tax return.
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) thresholds:
  • Individuals earning up to $150,000.
  • Joint filers earning up to $300,000.

Payment Amounts:

• Up to $400 for joint filers with AGI up to $150,000.
• $300 for joint filers with AGI between $150,001 and $300,000.
• $200 for individuals earning up to $75,000.
• $150 for individuals earning between $75,001 and $150,000.

Distribution:

• Payments are expected to be mailed in the fall of 2025.
• No application is necessary; payments will be issued automatically based on 2023 tax data.

🌉 California: Middle Class Refund 2.0

California has initiated the “Middle Class Refund 2.0,” providing payments between $400 and $1,050 to eligible residents.

Eligibility:

• Residents who filed a 2023 California tax return.
• Income thresholds apply; specific amounts vary based on income and filing status.

Distribution:

• Payments began on April 30, 2025, and will continue through May 20, 2025.
• Most payments are issued via direct deposit; paper checks are mailed to those without direct deposit information.

🌵 Arizona: Cost of Living Assistance Fund

Arizona’s “Cost of Living Assistance Fund” offers up to $750 to qualifying low-income households.

Eligibility:

• Residents meeting specific income criteria.
• Applicants must submit required forms by May 31, 2025.

Distribution:

• Payments will be issued after the application deadline.
• Methods of payment include direct deposit and mailed checks.

🔮 Proposed Federal Stimulus: DOGE Dividend

A proposal known as the “DOGE Dividend” suggests $5,000 stimulus payments funded by federal spending cuts. However, this proposal is in preliminary stages and has not been enacted.

✅ Key Takeaways

• The IRS’s final deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.
• New York, California, and Arizona have active state-level stimulus programs with varying eligibility criteria and distribution timelines.
• No new federal stimulus checks have been approved as of May 2025.

✅ FAQs: Stimulus Check 2025