Stimulus Checks: What They Are and Where To Get One
6 MIN READ
Published March 25, 2024 | Updated September 05, 2024
Expert Verified
Written by Priyanka Trivedi
Edited by Wes Silver
Reviewed by Teresa Dodson
Between social media posts talking about the 4th stimulus checks and a $6,400 subsidy, it's easy for many vulnerable Americans to fall prey to scams and rumors. While most of these are just rumors, there are legitimate financial assistance programs, rebates, and benefits you may qualify for.
In this article, we’ll provide in-depth details about how stimulus checks work, how to qualify and apply, and legitimate new stimulus checks for 2023 you may qualify for.
Stimulus Checks In 2024
The government hasn’t announced any new inflation checks or relief checks for 2023 or 2024. However, some states are offering tax rebates, which you may qualify for. In this guide, we’ve provided a list of all the states currently offering tax rebates.
If you’re facing financial hardship, there are also several government benefits you may qualify for, such as emergency rent aid, unemployment insurance, and food stamps (SNAP).
$2600 Stimulus Check
There have been talks about another stimulus check of $2,600 for Minnesota residents, but it remains under debate and hasn’t been approved yet. Minnesota lawmakers recently announced a large budget surplus, and Governor Tim Waltz announced a plan that included a large package of tax cuts.
The plan also included the issue of a one-time stimulus check of $2,600 for qualifying households. However, it’s important to note that this proposal has not yet passed the legislature.
Fourth Stimulus Checks
There are no plans for fourth stimulus checks in 2023 or 2024. While there have been many claims on social media posts with 4th stimulus check release dates, this is either a scam or incorrect news. The government hasn’t approved any new stimulus checks.
What Is the Purpose of a Stimulus Check?
A stimulus check is a direct payment made by the U.S. government to qualifying Americans during times of distress to support the economy. Stimulus payments are made through direct deposit or paper checks.
When the economy is lagging, the government makes these payments to encourage spending and increase consumer confidence. When Americans spend this money, it supports manufacturers and retailers.
How Do Stimulus Checks Work
Once the government announces a stimulus package, qualifying Americans receive direct payments. You can opt to receive the payment through direct deposit in your bank account or by paper check.
However, not everyone qualifies for stimulus checks since there are eligibility requirements to get one. For example, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen or qualifying resident and must have filed your tax returns. Most stimulus payments also have a specific income threshold to qualify. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is too high, you may not qualify.
Examples of Stimulus Checks
One of the most well-known examples of stimulus checks is the Economic Impact Payment (EIP). In 2020, the government sent stimulus payments to Americans for hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment was $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each qualifying child.
The second stimulus check was sent out in December 2020, and the third was sent in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan.
Stimulus Checks and Social Security
Stimulus checks sent to eligible individuals on Social Security benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) do not impact benefits. For example, the Economic Impact Payments that were authorized by the CARES Act were not taxable because they weren’t considered income.
How To Qualify for a Stimulus Check
You’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a stimulus check. While the specific eligibility criteria will depend on the act or the program, generally, you’ll need to meet these qualification requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or recipient
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone’s tax return
- File tax returns
- Meet the adjusted gross income requirements of the program
The payment amount you qualify for will depend on your tax filing status as well as your income, whether you are filing as an individual, head of household, or married filing jointly or separately.
How To Apply for Stimulus Checks
In most cases, you won’t have to take any action to receive your stimulus check if you qualify. For example, the Economic Impact Payments were automatically processed based on your income.
If you filed your federal tax returns, the IRS automatically processed stimulus payments based on the income you reported. The payment was sent to qualified tax filers as a direct deposit or through a paper check.
While there are no new plans for stimulus checks in 2023 or 2024, it's worth looking into if you never received one in 2020 or 2021,” says Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “You may still be able to benefit,” Dodson adds.
How To Track Your Stimulus Check
Depending on the program, you may be able to track the status of your stimulus check through the government agency's online portal.
For example, the Economic Impact Payments were issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can check which payments were issued to you and their status by logging into the Your Online Account portal on the IRS website. You’ll need to verify your identity by providing information, such as your Social Security number (SSN).
Stimulus Checks in Your State
Some states are issuing stimulus checks in the form of tax rebates and child tax credit payments to qualifying taxpayers. We’ve provided a list of all available benefits throughout the country. Check the latest stimulus updates in your state to see if you qualify.
| Alabama Stimulus Check | One-time tax rebates of $150 (individuals) and $300 (married couples) |
| Alaska Stimulus Check | Permanent fund dividend of up to $1,312 |
| Arizona Stimulus Check | Families tax rebate in Arizona for families with dependents. |
| Arkansas Stimulus Check | Child and dependent care tax credit of 20% of federal CDCTC |
| Stimulus Check California | Middle-Class Tax Refund of $200 to $1,050 |
| Stimulus Check Colorado | Colorado TABOR refunds of $800 to $1,600 |
| Connecticut Stimulus Check | Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $2,972 |
| Delaware Stimulus Check | Non-refundable EITC (20% of federal EITC), refundable EITC of 4.5%, CDCTC (50% of federal CDCTC) |
| Stimulus Check Florida | Recovery rebate credit |
| Georgia Stimulus Check | Tax rebates of up to $500 under House Bill 162 |
| Hawaii Stimulus Check | EITC of up to $2,972, CDCTC of up to 25% of qualifying expenses |
| Idaho Stimulus Check | Non-refundable child tax credit of up to $205 |
| Illinois Stimulus Check | Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $1,468 |
| Indiana Stimulus Check | EITC of 10% of the federal credit |
| Iowa Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (15% of federal credit), refundable CDCTC of up to 75% of federal credit |
| Kansas Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (17% of federal credit), non-refundable CDCTC (25% of federal credit) |
| Kentucky Stimulus Check | CDCTC of 20% of the federal credit |
| Louisiana Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (5% of the federal credit), CDCTC of up to 50% of the federal credit |
| Maine Stimulus Check | Energy relief payments of $450 |
| Maryland Stimulus Check | Refundable child tax credit of $500 |
| Massachusetts Stimulus Check | 62F tax refunds |
| Michigan Stimulus Check | Earned Income Tax Credit of $550 |
| Minnesota Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of around $1,200 |
| Mississippi Stimulus Check | Recovery rebate credit |
| Missouri Stimulus Check | Non-refundable EITC (10% of federal credit) |
| Montana Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (10% of federal credit), non-refundable CDCTC of up to $192 |
| Nebraska Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (10% of federal credit), CDCTC of up to 90% of the federal credit |
| Nevada Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit |
| New Hampshire Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit |
| New Jersey Stimulus Check | Refundable child tax credit of $500 |
| New Mexico Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of up to $600 |
| NY Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of $100 |
| North Carolina Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of up to $125 |
| North Dakota Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Ohio Stimulus Check | Non-refundable EITC (30% of the federal credit), CDCTC (100% of the federal credit) |
| Oklahoma Stimulus Check | 5% of the federal child tax credit |
| Oregon Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of up to $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania Stimulus Check | CDCTC of up to $2,500 |
| Rhode Island Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC (15% of the federal credit), CDCTC (Up to $525 or 25% of federal credit) |
| South Carolina Stimulus Check | Non-refundable EITC (125% of the federal credit), CDCTC of up to $420 |
| South Dakota Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit, property tax relief programs |
| Tennessee Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit, property tax relief program |
| Texas Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Utah Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of up to $1,000 |
| Vermont Stimulus Check | Child tax credit of up to $1,000. |
| Virginia Stimulus Check | One-time tax rebate of up to $400 |
| Washington Stimulus Check | Working Families Tax Rebate of up to $1,255 |
| West Virginia Stimulus Check | Homestead Excess Property Tax Credit of up to $1,000 |
| Wisconsin Stimulus Check | Refundable EITC of up to 34% of the federal credit, non-refundable CDTC of 100% of the federal credit |
| Wyoming Stimulus Check | Recovery Rebate Credit and property tax refund programs |
Get Your Stimulus Check
Stimulus checks can go a long way in helping Americans cover bills during challenging times. However, it’s also important to know that not everything you read on social media is true. For example, news of the $5,200 stimulus check in 2023 is untrue.
Always check updates about stimulus checks on official government websites, such as IRS.gov. Know that there are many ways to receive financial assistance if you’re facing hardship, such as by applying for food benefits, unemployment insurance, or rent assistance if you’re at risk of homelessness.
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