Are You Eligible For A 2025 Stimulus Check?

While most of the attention over the last week has been focused on the proposed DOGE dividend checks, there are several stimulus check or refund programs for which Americans may qualify (unlike the DOGE dividend checks, which are merely conceptual at this point). This article will explore what you need to know about federal and state stimulus checks options.

The Federal Economic Impact Payment

While many vividly remember the economic impact payments that flowed during the pandemic, there’s a unique opportunity for those who still didn’t claim their 2023 payments to still file a 2023 tax return and claim the relief they’re owed. If you were eligible but failed to claim that money—perhaps due to confusion or never filing your return—you can still receive that stimulus in 2025 by filing retroactively. The Internal Revenue Service has extended the claim period until April 15, 2025, meaning that now is the time to review your filing history, gather your documents, and submit your 2023 return.

Most eligible Americans have already received their stimulus checks; however, many who are eligible may not have filed their 2023 tax return and received payments. In January, the IRS issued approximately $2.4 billion in automatic payments to people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2023 tax returns, according to an agency news release. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more economic impact payments, also known as stimulus checks.

The IRS reviewed internal data and found that many eligible taxpayers did not claim the payment. “The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” said then IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in the same news release. “These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were eligible. To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”

Because the IRS cannot analyze returns for Americans who didn’t file a 2023 tax return, those taxpayers did not receive automatic payments. Those individuals may still be eligible to claim the credit and receive the equivalent amount if they file their 2023 tax return. People can visit the IRS Economic Impact Payment website for more information.

In addition to a federal level stimulus check opportunity, several states will be sending out checks. Let’s take a look at existing programs in Alaska, Colorado, and California as well as a proposed program in New York.

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend

Alaska recently confirmed via it’s state government website the amount for its 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend, which annually pays residents a share of the state’s oil revenue. For 2025, the state announced that eligible residents will receive a payment of $1,702. This amount is considerably higher than last year’s payment of $1,312 as lawmakers set aside surplus oil revenue to boost this year’s amount, according to the Alaska Beacon.

More than 600,000 Alaskans qualify for the yearly payment. Still, there are specific eligibility criteria, including having lived in Alaska for the entire calendar year preceding one’s application for the payment, a plan to continue living in Alaska indefinitely, and not having been in prison for a felony in the last 12 months.

Colorado’s TABOR Refund

Colorado’s 2025 payment, which is technically a tax refund, originates from TABOR—the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights—a constitutional mandate that has long imposed strict limits on state revenue growth. Enacted in 1992, TABOR “generally limits the amount of revenue governments in the state can retain and spend. Absent voter approval, it requires excess revenue to be refunded to taxpayers,” according to the state’s Department of Revenue.

Colorado’s $1.5 billion fiscal surplus will send a 2025 TABOR refund to those who qualify. Colorado residents who are single taxpayers can receive a payment of up to $565, while married couples filing jointly can receive a payment of up to $1,130. The amounts for 2025 are a function of adjusted gross income, with higher AGIs receiving a larger payment.

New York’s Proposed Inflation Refund

Governor Kathy Hochul included the Inflation Refund in her fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. If passed, it would deliver about $3 billion in direct payments to approximately 8.6 million New York taxpayers statewide in 2025. The refund would send $300 to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 for joint tax filers earning up to $300,000 annually. “Because of inflation, New York has generated unprecedented revenues through the sales tax — now, we’re returning that cash back to middle-class families,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “My agenda for the coming year will be laser-focused on putting money back in your pockets, and that starts with proposing Inflation Refund checks of up to $500 to help millions of hard-working New Yorkers.” The New York State Constitution mandates the approval of the state budget by April 1, which means New Yorkers should know shortly if the Inflation Refund will materialize or not.

Sacramento, California’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

California is rolling out a small, guaranteed income pilot program in Sacramento to provide checks to needy residents. The objective is to address the disproportionate number of Black and American Indian/Alaska Native children in foster care. Parents or legal guardians of children ages 0 to 5 who meet income requirements (less than 200% of the federal poverty line) are eligible for $725 monthly payments. This initiative, funded by the California Department of Social Services, is designed for residents in specific ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95828, 95825, and 95838.

However, the program has not been without controversy. Critics have slammed the racial eligibility criteria as overtly discriminatory, arguing that it excludes many low-income families who might also be struggling. While supporters say the measure is necessary to rectify systemic inequities, detractors worry it could set a precedent for divisive policies. “Many other states and counties have passed similar programs. However, few offer specific rules regarding applicants’ race or their children,” Newsweek reported.