California Stimulus Check: What To Know in 2024

Many state residents are wondering if there are any California stimulus checks coming their way in 2024. If you need a little financial boost to help pay the bills, the government has stimulus packages that you may qualify for. Whether you’re looking for a little extra help with the bills or want to minimize your taxable income and get a bigger tax refund, there are many programs you may qualify for.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with the latest information about the Golden State Stimulus, as well as other programs in 2024.

Is There a California State Stimulus Check in 2024?

While there are no new stimulus programs in 2024, you may still be able to get the Golden State Stimulus (GSS) payments if you qualify but never received the payments. You may also qualify for two tax credits that can help you save money on taxes.

You can get up to $1,117 for the tax year 2023 under the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). Californian families with income of up to $30,931, qualifying children under the age of six, and those that qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit may qualify for this benefit.

Furthermore, you may also qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) of up to $3,529 if your individual or household income is under $30,950.

Additionally, the California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) was a one-time payment made to eligible residents through direct deposit or a preloaded debit card. If you haven't received your payment, it's a good idea to review the eligibility requirements to determine if you still qualify.

California Stimulus Check 2023: Golden State Stimulus

California had introduced the Golden State Stimulus for individuals and families that filed their 2020 income tax returns. The stimulus aimed to help those facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support middle and low-income families.

The program consists of two different stimulus checks, and you may qualify for either one or both. Payments were issued automatically to those who qualify. The first payments were issued starting in April 2021, and the second round of stimulus payments started in October 2021.

How Does the Golden State Stimulus Work

The Golden State Stimulus is a payment for individuals and families that file tax returns with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit.

Qualifying individuals and families automatically receive GSS I and GSS II payments after their 2020 tax returns are processed. You’ll receive the payment using the option you selected to receive your income tax refund. You can find the full information about the program on the official website, FTB.ca.gov.

“These stimulus payments did help those that qualified in lower income brackets during a time that consumers were really struggling,” adds Teresa Dodson, debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. 

Who Is Eligible for California’s Golden State Stimulus

To qualify for GSS I stimulus payment, you must:

• Be a resident of the state of California
• Live in the state for more than half of the tax year 2020
• Must not be claimed by another taxpayer as a dependent
• File your 2020 tax return before October 15, 2021
• Be either an ITIN filer who earned no more than $75,000 or a CalEITC recipient

To qualify for Golden State Stimulus II payment, you must:

• Be a resident of the state of California
• Live in the state for more than half of the tax year 2020
• Must not be claimed by another taxpayer as a dependent
• File your 2020 tax return before October 15, 2021
• Have had wages of up to $75,000 for the tax year 2020
• Have had a California Adjusted Gross Income of $1-$75,000 for the 2020 tax year 2020

How Much Do You Receive and When

Qualifying individuals and families received a payment amount of $600 or $1,200 per tax return for the first round of stimulus payments. Depending on eligibility, the second round consisted of one-time stimulus amounts of $500, $600, or $1,100.

Stimulus payments were issued after the 2020 tax returns were processed. The first stimulus payments were issued starting on April 15, 2021, while payments for the second round started on October 6, 2021.

How To Track the Status of Your Golden State Stimulus

Eligible California residents automatically received their Golden State Stimulus payments through direct deposit or paper checks, so it isn’t possible to track them online. Payments were issued using the refund option you selected on your tax return.

If you used tax filing preparation services and paid the fees using the refund or took an advance refund, the stimulus payment was issued by paper check to your last address on file.

How To Apply for California’s Golden State Stimulus

You don’t need to apply for the Golden State Stimulus. Eligibility was determined based on the information on your tax return, and payments were automatically issued.

What To Do if You Did Not Receive Your Stimulus Check?

The last round of stimulus payments were made in January 2022. If you haven’t yet received the direct payment in your bank account or a paper check, you may want to start by checking your eligibility for the program.

If you’re eligible but didn’t receive the payment, or if your address has changed, you can contact the FTB. Call 800-852-5711 (weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM). You can also create a MyFTB account to chat.

Alternatively, you can send a mail to the following address:

California Franchise Tax Board

PO Box 942840

Sacramento CA 94240-0040

Get Financial Assistance in California 

The last payments for the Golden State Stimulus were made in January 2022. However, if you were eligible and haven’t received the payment, you may still be able to make a claim. You may also be able to lower your taxable income or receive a refund through the Young Child Tax Credit and the California Earned Income Tax Credit.

Whether you need financial assistance or are at risk of eviction or homelessness, check to see if you’re eligible for cash aid programs, including rent assistance, food stamps, unemployment insurance, or other government benefits available to Americans.

Additionally, if you've relied on payday loans to get out of debt fast, you might benefit from California debt relief programs that offer a more sustainable plan to help manage and reduce your unsecured debts effectively.

Check our guides on stimulus checks in Nevada, Arizona stimulus checks, and Washington stimulus checks for more information about how much you can get in those states.