Gas Stimulus Check 2024: Where, When, and How Much?

With the inflation rate at 3.4% in 2023, Americans are feeling the pinch of rising prices of goods. Other than groceries, paying for gas may account for a lot of your costs each month.

The average gas price in the U.S. is currently hovering around $3.45/gallon, and if you’re using your car to commute to work each day, you may be waiting for an update on a potential gas stimulus check and its release date. In this guide, we’ll provide you with the latest details on the gas stimulus check, how much you can expect, when you may get the payment, and which states are offering it.   

What Is the Gas Stimulus Check?

A gas stimulus check is a rebate to help drivers manage the high costs of gas. The Gas Rebate Act of 2022 was proposed by Democratic Representatives John Larson, Mike Thompson, and Lauren Underwood.

The act proposed to give eligible American drivers a stimulus check of $100 a month, in any month following a month when average gas prices exceeded $4.00/gallon nationally. However, the act hasn’t been passed yet.  

The Act was first introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 9th, 2022, near the peak of the inflation-fueled rise in gasoline and diesel fuel prices.  The highest-recorded average price of regular unleaded gasoline was $5.016/gallon on 6/14/22 and $5.816/gallon on 6/19/22 for diesel fuel.  

As of March 17th, 2022, the bill had been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration and debate, but nothing has moved with the bill since.

Top Questions About Gas Stimulus Checks

Is There a New Gas Stimulus Check Coming in 2024?

There’s no new stimulus payment coming in 2024 for the federal government, and there hasn’t been any recent update on a gas stimulus check disbursement. Congress hasn’t yet passed the proposal, so it’s unlikely that American drivers will get a check in 2024.

When Will We Get the 2024 Gas Stimulus Check?

If you’re wondering, “When will I get my gas stimulus check?” the answer is not anytime soon. Stimulus payments can only be sent once the proposed act is voted on and passed by Congress, then signed into law by the President, which hasn’t happened yet. Continue to check the latest stimulus updates to learn more about the release date once the act is passed.

How Much Will the Gas Stimulus Check Be?

The Gas Rebate Act of 2022 proposed a monthly rebate of $100 per person for the months when the average gas prices exceeded $4/gallon.

Under this proposed bill, qualifying single and joint tax filers could receive $100 for the household, plus $100 for any dependents listed on the filers’ tax returns. For example, under this proposed program, married couples with two children could get up to $300/month in stimulus payments.

Are You Eligible for a Gas Stimulus Check?

Gas stimulus check amounts depend on income thresholds and filing status in America. The proposed bill states that single filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $75,000 for the previous tax year will receive the full payment amount of $100/month. The benefit amount reduces quickly the more you earn (referred to as an “income phaseout”), so those earning over $80,000 will not be eligible.

Joint filers (married filing jointly) with an income of $150,000 or less on their income tax return will receive the full rebate amount of $100/month, but those earning over $160,000 will not be eligible.

“Stimulus programs such as these are directed primarily to those with lower income where they can be of the most help to recipients,” explains Brad Reichert, a debt expert and the founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC. “As a result, most of these programs require you to file federal and/or state income tax returns to verify that your income is low enough to qualify for the program’s benefits,” he says.  

“Therefore, if you do not want to miss out on potentially receiving stimulus payments like these whenever they are offered, it is always a good idea to file a tax return each year, no matter how much or little you may make,” Reichert adds.

How To Apply for Gas Stimulus Checks

Since the bill hasn’t passed yet, there’s no information available on how to apply for the gas stimulus check.

Will Any States Be Sending Gas Stimulus Checks in 2024?

While the federal government hasn’t yet passed the Gas Rebate Act of 2022, a few states have been considering giving out gas stimulus checks to help residents with the continuously high cost of gasoline and diesel fuel. Here are the updates on the states’ gas stimulus checks:

• California Stimulus Checks: While Governor Gavin Newsom had plans to send a $400 gas rebate debit card for each household, the plan fell through. Instead, the state sent out one-time payments of up to $1,050 to those taxpayer households with middle to low income under the Middle-Class Tax Refund last year.
• Illinois Stimulus Checks: The Chicago Moves assistance program offered prepaid gas cards of $150 and transit cards of $50 to residents. Those who applied in 2022 were enrolled in a lottery to determine who would get these prepaid cards.
• North Carolina Stimulus Checks: North Carolina had proposed a bill to give a one-time gas tax rebate of $200 to eligible taxpayers in the state. However, the bill hasn’t been passed yet.

Get Your Gas Stimulus Check 

While there hasn’t been any new gas stimulus check update recently if you’re feeling the pinch of gas prices, there are several things you can do to ease the burden on your bank account.

Consider shopping around for gas prices and budget for higher prices. You can also join cash-back apps and gas rewards programs. If you’re facing financial hardship, we recommend making a budget, finding ways to increase your income, and applying for any government assistance programs you qualify for.