Michigan Stimulus Check: What To Know in 2024

A Michigan stimulus check may seem like a temporary lifeline if you're struggling to make ends meet. However, with no new stimulus updates for 2024, we recommend that you explore other ways to ease the burden.

You can take advantage of the state’s tax credits to lower your tax obligation and get a bigger refund. In addition, the federal government has numerous resources and financial assistance programs through which you can get housing, healthcare, and food benefits.   

Is There a Michigan Stimulus Check in 2024?

There are no new stimulus packages in the state issuing Michigan stimulus checks. However, lawmakers increased the state Earned Income Tax Credit to 30% from 6% of the federal EITC, effective 2023, for Michigan families.  

While there have been plenty of social media posts about the fourth IRS stimulus check, this information is false, or at best, misleading. The federal government has not issued any new Economic Impact Payments since the three original checks were sent out during the coronavirus pandemic.

Michigan Stimulus Check 2024

Although there are no Michigan stimulus checks coming in 2024, you can take advantage of tax credits to lower your tax bill and receive a larger tax refund.

Michigan doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC) or a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). However, tax filers may qualify for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, also known as the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families.

How do Michigan Stimulus Checks Work?

Michigan EITC is a tax benefit available to working individuals with low to moderate income. It works similarly to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

Michigan’s Public Act 4 of 2023 expanded the state’s EITC to 30% of the federal EITC, up from 6%, effective tax year 2023. A tax credit, whether it’s refundable or non-refundable, usually puts more money into your pocket because it directly reduces the taxes you owe.

Even if you don’t owe any taxes, claiming the federal and Michigan state EITC may allow you to get a tax refund. This is extra money that can help taxpayers meet their living expenses or save for the future.

Who Is Eligible for Michigan’s Stimulus Checks?

You can claim the Michigan EITC for Working Families if you’re eligible for the federal EITC and have “earned income,” which means that you have taxable earnings by owning a business or working for someone else.

In addition, you must meet these eligibility criteria:

• You must be a Michigan resident or at least a part-year resident. You can also qualify if you’re a non-resident but have a taxable Michigan income.
• You must file your federal income tax and claim the federal EITC.
• You must file your state income tax return, even if you don’t owe taxes.

Use the IRS's EITC Assistant to check if you qualify for the federal EITC. You can’t qualify for the state EITC if you don’t qualify for and claim the federal EITC.  

How Much Do You Receive and When

Your credit amount will depend on a number of factors, such as your income, whether you’re disabled, the number of qualifying children you have, and your filing status. Michigan EITC is 30% of the federal EITC, which is adjusted for inflation each year.

The maximum amount you can claim for 2024 is $2,349. You won’t receive a direct stimulus check from the Michigan state government if you qualify for the state’s EITC. Instead, it will be reflected in your tax returns, which means you’ll receive any credit amount you’re due through your tax refund.

How To Track the Status of Michigan’s Stimulus Checks

When you qualify for tax credits, you won’t get a direct tax credit check from the government. Instead, your state income tax return will reflect the tax credit, and it will be paid the same way you elect to have your state tax refund sent to you.

The Michigan EITC for Working Families is a refundable tax credit, meaning you may receive a tax refund even if the credit lowers your tax obligations to less than zero.  In other words, if it lowers the amount of MI state income taxes you owe to zero and there is still some credit left after that, you will get a tax refund for that amount.  

You’ll receive your refund as a paper check or as a direct deposit into your bank account. You can use the online “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of your refund on the Michigan Department of Treasury’s website.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to wait 3-4 weeks for e-filed returns and 6-8 weeks for paper-filed returns to check your refund status.

How To Apply for Michigan’s Stimulus Checks

You’ll need to file your Michigan state income tax returns to claim tax credits. You’ll also need to file your federal income tax return and be able to claim the federal EITC before you can claim the state EITC.

“To qualify for the Michigan state EITC, you must have earned income for the tax year, but it must be below a certain level to qualify. It’s important to note income that does not qualify as earned income includes the following: Interest and/or dividends, income from retirement accounts like IRAs or 401K’s, Social Security payments, unemployment benefits, spousal support, or child support,” explains Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC. 

“You can still qualify for Michigan’s EITC if you have these kinds of income, but you must have some sort of earned income other than that, as long as the total amount of income from all sources is below the required levels to qualify for the credit,” adds Reichert.

Keep in mind that you’re responsible for filing your tax returns and the information on it, even if you have a tax professional file on your behalf. You can also visit the IRS’s TCE or VITA sites for tax filing or use free online filing options like Free File.

Apply for Benefit Programs in Michigan

While a Michigan stimulus check may provide you some financial relief, it’s only a temporary solution. Consider other solutions if you’re a low-income American facing financial hardship due to job loss, illness, or other reasons.

If you’re looking for low-income or senior assistance programs, start by filling out the questionnaire on the USAGov benefit finder tool. Based on the information you provide, the website will provide you with recommendations for benefits for which you qualify.

Additionally, debt relief programs in Michigan can provide several relief options, like credit counseling or debt settlement plans, that can help you tackle large amounts of unsecured debt.

Visit our Indiana stimulus checks, Ohio stimulus checks, and Illinois stimulus checks pages for information on what’s available in those states.