In 2025, several U.S. states are continuing to offer financial help to their residents through programs commonly known as stimulus checks. These programs are not the same everywhere—they change depending on the state. Some give out monthly payments, while others offer tax refunds, rent assistance, or one-time cash benefits.
If you’re living in the U.S. or planning to move to a state offering aid, it’s important to know what kind of financial help is available, who can get it, and when to apply.
What Are Stimulus Checks and Why Are They Given?
Stimulus checks are payments made by the government to support people facing financial stress. These could be due to inflation, high living costs, or job loss. States use different types of programs such as tax rebates, guaranteed income pilots, or property tax rebates to ease the burden.
Some programs are already finished, while others are still running or awaiting approval. Here’s a breakdown of what different states are offering in 2025.
Current Stimulus and Aid Programs in 2025 (State by State)
California
Sacramento Family First
Amount: $725 per month
Who qualifies: 200 low-income families
Status: Ongoing until November 2025
Middle Class Tax Refunds (MCTR)
Amount: $200–$1,050
Who qualified: 32 million taxpayers and dependents
Status: Completed (October 2022 to January 2023)
Colorado
TABOR Refunds (“Cash Back”)
Amount: $177 to $1,130
Who qualifies: 2023 tax filers or PTC refund applicants
Status: Next round in 2026, projected lower refund ($41–$137)
Florida
Property Tax Rebate (Proposed)
Amount: $1,000 in school levies
Who may qualify: 5.1 million homeowners
Status: In legislative process, not approved yet
Georgia
Tax Rebates
Amount: $250 (single), $375 (head of family), $500 (married)
Who qualifies: Filed taxes between 2021–2024
Status: Awaiting governor’s signature, possible issue in 2025
Massachusetts
62F Refunds
Amount: 14% of 2021 tax obligation
Who qualified: Eligible 2021 taxpayers
Status: Completed, no new round yet
Michigan
Working Families Tax Credit
Amount: Avg. $836; up to $550 per family
Who qualifies: Filed federal and state taxes, eligible for EITC
Status: Active since February 2024, simplified by 2025
New Jersey
ANCHOR Program + Senior Freeze + StayNJ
Amount: Up to $6,500 combined
Who qualifies: Eligible state residents
Status: Applications from March 2025; payments from July 2025
New York
School Tax Relief (STAR)
Amount: $290 (Basic), $650 (Enhanced)
Who qualifies: Homeowners with eligibility
Status: Ongoing through tax credit or exemption
Inflation Relief Checks (Proposed)
Amount: $300–$500
Who may qualify: Incomes under $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (family)
Status: Waiting for budget approval (April 2025)
Pennsylvania
Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Amount: Up to $1,000
Who qualifies: Seniors 65+, widows/widowers 50+, disabled 18+, income ≤ $45,000
Status: Applications open for 2023 until December 31, 2024
Virginia
Tax Rebate (2023)
Amount: $400 (joint return), $200 (single)
Who qualified: Eligible taxpayers during surplus
Status: Program finished, new aid being debated
How to Apply and Use These Benefits
If you’re eligible, make sure to apply as soon as possible—deadlines differ by state. The money can be used to pay your rent, utility bills, food, school expenses, or other essentials. Always check with your state’s official website or local office to confirm details.
Some payments, like in Sacramento, are monthly, while others are one-time. Also, certain states like Florida or New York are still finalizing their aid programs, so keeping an eye on the news can help you apply right when they open.