Is There a Connecticut Stimulus Check Coming in 2024?

For those who are struggling to pay for basic expenses due to financial hardship, a Connecticut stimulus check may seem like a lifesaver. However, there are no new stimulus programs currently under consideration for state residents. If you’re in need of assistance, we recommend you check your eligibility for federal assistance programs like unemployment benefits, rental assistance, and food programs like SNAP.

Taxpayers may also be able to get some relief through the state’s tax credits. Read on to learn more about which tax credits you can claim, how they work, and how to qualify.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Connecticut?

There are no new Connecticut stimulus checks coming in 2024. President Biden and Congress haven’t shared any new stimulus updates about additional coronavirus pandemic-related Economic Impact Payments through the American Rescue Plan or the CARES Act. Any posts you may have read online about fourth stimulus checks are false.

However, you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2021 tax returns before April 15, 2021.

Connecticut Stimulus Check 2024

While there are no new stimulus checks for Connecticut residents in 2024, you can still claim the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Connecticut doesn’t have a state-level Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Bill HB5506 established a refundable, one-time Child Tax Rebate of up to $750 ($250 per child) in 2022. The application deadline for that has since ended, and the state currently doesn’t have a permanent CTC.

How do Connecticut Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits are not low-income or senior stimulus programs in the traditional sense. Instead, they can help provide relief for low and sometimes moderate-income families, depending on the help that state and federal governments perceive is needed for the economy. These credits can lower your net tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, as one dollar of tax credit can fully offset one dollar of income tax payable

You may also be able to get a larger tax refund, depending on whether the credit is refundable or non-refundable. With a non-refundable credit, your taxes due can be reduced, but you won’t get a check for any amount left over. With a refundable tax credit, you’ll get a check for any surplus once your taxes due are reduced to zero.

Who Is Eligible for Connecticut’s Stimulus Checks?

Connecticut’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is fully refundable. You may be able to claim the credit if you have earned income from self-employment, employment, or another source. You must also meet these eligibility requirements:

• You must be a full-year resident of Connecticut.
• You can’t be the qualifying child of another taxpayer.
• You, your spouse (for joint filers), and qualifying children must have a Social Security number.
• Your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must not exceed the income limits.
• Your investment income should not be over $11,000.

“To be eligible for the EITC, one of the most important requirements is to have Earned Income,” shares Brad Reichert, the founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management.  

“Earned income includes all the taxable income and wages you get from working or from certain disability payments,” Reichert says. “It’s important to note that there are special EITC rules for members of the military, ministers and members of the clergy, those receiving disability benefits, and those impacted by disasters. Information about special rules is available from the Internal Revenue Service.”

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) and earned income must be below these limits to qualify for the federal and state EITC:

• No qualifying children: $17,640 ($24,210 for married filing jointly)
• 1 qualifying child: $46,560 ($53,120 for married filing jointly)
• 2 qualifying children: $52,918 ($59,478 for married filing jointly)
• 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 ($63,698 for married filing jointly)

How Much Do You Receive and When

Gov. Ned Lamont expanded the state Earned Income Tax Credit from 30.5% to 40% of the federal EITC in 2023 as part of the FY2024-25 budget. Here’s the maximum state EITC for the tax year 2023:

• No qualifying children: $240
• 1 qualifying child: $1,598
• 2 qualifying children: $2,642
• 3 or more qualifying children: $2,972

How To Track the Status of Your Connecticut Stimulus Checks

You won’t receive a Connecticut stimulus check even if you qualify for the state EITC. The credit will be applied to your tax bill, and you may be able to get a larger tax refund. Once you file your state income tax return, you’ll get a paper check in the mail or a direct deposit in your bank account.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services usually takes 10 to 12 weeks to process paper tax returns and a shorter time for e-filed returns. Use the “Where’s my Refund?” tool to check the status of your refund check online.

How To Apply for Connecticut’s Stimulus Checks

You can claim the tax credits you qualify for when you file your state individual income tax return. You don’t need to take any other action.

We recommend working with a tax professional to explore which federal and state tax credits you qualify for to maximize your refund. You may also qualify for free tax filing programs offered by the IRS if you’re a low-income or moderate-income filer. The IRS offers free filing options like Free File, TCE, and VITA.

Apply for Financial Assistance in Connecticut

While there are no Connecticut stimulus checks coming in 2024, there are many resources available for those facing financial difficulties. Tax credits can provide you some relief, but we recommend exploring financial assistance programs offered by the federal government. Local nonprofit organizations may also have some social service and benefit programs.

If you’re facing financial difficulties due to debt, consider enrolling in Connecticut debt relief programs like debt settlement, credit counseling, or debt management programs to pay off unsecured debt.

Visit our Massachusetts stimulus checks, Rhode Island stimulus checks, and NY stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.