Do You Qualify for a 2025 Stimulus Check?

Are You Eligible for a 2025 Stimulus Check?

While much of the recent discussion has centered on the proposed DOGE dividend checks, there are several stimulus check programs for which Americans may be eligible (in contrast to the DOGE dividend checks, which remain purely theoretical for now). This article will provide key insights into the options available for federal and state stimulus checks.

The Federal 2025 Stimulus Check Opportunity

Though many still remember the economic impact payments distributed during the pandemic, there is a special opportunity for those who have yet to claim their 2021 payments to file a 2021 tax return and claim the relief owed to them—until April 15, 2025. If you were eligible but did not claim that payment—perhaps due to confusion or not filing your return—you can still receive that stimulus in 2025 by submitting a retroactive claim. The Internal Revenue Service has extended the claim period through April 15, 2025, so now is the time to review your filing history, gather your documentation, and submit your 2021 return.

While most eligible Americans have received their stimulus checks, many who qualify may not have submitted their 2021 tax returns and thus have not received payments. In January, the IRS issued approximately $2.4 billion in automatic payments to those who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns, according to agency announcements. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit designed for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), often referred to as stimulus checks.

The IRS analyzed internal data and identified that many eligible taxpayers failed to claim this credit. “The IRS is dedicated to improving services and assisting taxpayers,” stated then-IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a related announcement. “These payments exemplify our commitment to supporting taxpayers. Our data indicated that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complicated credit when they were entitled to it. To ease the process and ensure these funds reach eligible taxpayers, we are automating these payments so that recipients won’t need to file an amended return to receive it.”

However, since the IRS cannot assess returns for individuals who did not file a 2021 tax return, those taxpayers missed out on automatic payments. These individuals may still be eligible to claim the credit and receive a sum equivalent to a stimulus check in 2025 by filing their 2021 tax return. More information can be found on the IRS Economic Impact Payment website.

In addition to the federal stimulus check opportunity, several states are preparing to distribute 2025 stimulus checks. Let’s examine existing programs in Alaska, Colorado, and California, as well as a proposed program in New York.

Alaska’s 2025 Stimulus Check: $1,702

Alaska recently confirmed the amount for its 2025 stimulus check through its Permanent Fund Dividend, which allocates residents a share of the state’s oil revenue annually. For 2025, eligible residents will receive $1,702. This figure is notably higher than last year’s payment of $1,312, as lawmakers have allocated surplus oil revenue to enhance this year’s payment, according to the Alaska Beacon.

Over 600,000 Alaskans qualify for this annual payment. However, specific eligibility criteria apply, including residency in Alaska for the entire preceding calendar year, a commitment to reside in Alaska indefinitely, and not having been incarcerated for a felony in the past 12 months.

Colorado 2025 ‘Stimulus Check’ Amount Varies By Income

Colorado’s 2025 ‘stimulus check,’ which is technically a tax refund, arises from TABOR—the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights—a constitutional regulation that has long imposed strict limitations on state revenue growth. Implemented in 1992, TABOR “generally constrains the amount of revenue that state governments can retain and spend. In the absence of voter approval, it mandates that excess revenue must be refunded to taxpayers,” according to the state’s Department of Revenue.

With a $1.5 billion fiscal surplus, Colorado will distribute 2025 stimulus checks to qualifying residents. Single taxpayers may receive payments of up to $565, while married couples filing jointly can obtain payments of up to $1,130. The amounts for 2025 will vary based on adjusted gross income, with individuals reporting higher AGIs receiving larger payments.

New York’s Proposed 2025 Stimulus Check: $300 – $500

Governor Kathy Hochul has included a proposal for a 2025 stimulus check, called the Inflation Refund, in her fiscal year 2026 budget. If approved, this measure would allocate approximately $3 billion in direct payments to about 8.6 million New York taxpayers across the state in 2025. The refund would provide $300 to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 for joint filers earning up to $300,000 annually. “Due to inflation, New York has collected substantial revenues through sales tax—now, we’re returning that money to middle-class families,” Governor Hochul stated in a press release. “My focus this coming year will be to ensure money is returned to your pockets, starting with proposing Inflation Refund checks of up to $500 to assist millions of hardworking New Yorkers.” The New York State Constitution requires state budget approval by April 1, which means residents should soon know if the Inflation Refund will be enacted.

California’s 2025 Stimulus Check Payments Via Sacramento’s Guaranteed Income Pilot

California is launching a small guaranteed income pilot program in Sacramento to deliver stimulus checks to vulnerable residents. The initiative aims to address the disproportionate representation of Black and American Indian/Alaska Native children in foster care. Parents or legal guardians of children aged 0 to 5 who meet income eligibility criteria (below 200% of the federal poverty line) can receive monthly payments of $725. This initiative is funded by the California Department of Social Services and targets residents in specific zip codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95828, 95825, and 95838.

However, the program has encountered criticism. Opponents argue that the racial eligibility criteria are overtly discriminatory and exclude many low-income families who may also be struggling. While proponents assert that the initiative is essential for addressing systemic inequalities, critics express concerns that it could set a precedent for divisive policies. “Many other states and counties have introduced similar programs, but few impose specific application rules based on applicants’ race or their children,” reported Newsweek.