5 States Are Sending Stimulus Checks in 2025 (Up to $1,702) — Check Your Eligibility

A digital graphic shows a U.S. map with five states glowing green, a stack of money labeled "Stimulus," and bold text reading “2025 Stimulus Alert! Up to \$1,702 – Are You Eligible?” in blue and green tones.

State-by-state eligibility, payment amounts, and key dates you need to know.

Are you expecting another stimulus check in 2025? While there won't be a new, nationwide "fourth federal stimulus" for all Americans, many will still receive financial relief.

This year, payments are coming from a variety of state-led programs, with amounts ranging from $300 to over $1,700. Additionally, there's a final opportunity to claim a federal payment you may have missed from 2021.

This guide will walk you through which states are sending money, who is eligible, and what you need to do to ensure your payment arrives without a hitch.

1. 2025 State-by-State Payments at a Glance

State / Program (Type) Payment Amount Who is Eligible? (Based on 2024 tax year unless noted) 2025 Payment Window
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend + Energy Rebate $1,702 Full-year 2024 resident who plans to remain in Alaska. Wave 1: Starting July 17. Wave 2: Starting August 21 for later applications.
Colorado TABOR Sales-Tax Refund $177 – $565 (Single) $354 – $1,130 (Joint) Full-year 2024 resident, 18+, who files a state tax return or PTC application by Oct 15. April for early filers; within 60 days of processing for others.
New York Inflation Refund $150 – $400 Filed a 2023 NY tax return with income within set limits. Checks will be mailed starting in mid-October over several weeks.
California Sacramento Family First Pilot (Guaranteed Income) $725 per month for 12 months Low-income parent in specific Sacramento ZIP codes with a child under 6. (Lottery-based) The 15th of every month, from June 2025 to July 2026.
Virginia One-Time Tax Rebate Up to $200 (Single) Up to $400 (Joint) File a 2024 VA tax return by Nov 3, 2025, and have a state tax liability. Rolling basis from July 1 to Oct 15 (4–6 weeks after your return is processed).

Federal Catch-Up Payment: Don't forget! The IRS estimates that one million taxpayers are still owed a $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021. To receive this money, you must file a 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025.

2. Why Payments Vary by State

The reason these payments aren't uniform is that they are funded by individual states, not the federal government. Here’s why the programs are so different:

  • State Wealth: Alaska's generous $1,702 payment comes from its massive Permanent Fund, which is fueled by state oil revenue.
  • Tax Refund Mandates: Colorado has a unique law (the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR) that requires the state to return surplus tax revenue to its residents.
  • Targeted Rebates: New York and Virginia are sending out one-time rebates to help middle-class residents cope with inflation, funded by higher-than-expected tax collections.
  • Guaranteed Income Pilots: California's program is different. It’s a research-focused guaranteed income pilot program, designed to study the effects of providing stable, monthly support to low-income families with young children.

Because each program is different, you must qualify based on that specific state's rules. There is no single federal application.

3. Are You Eligible? A Detailed State-by-State Breakdown

Check the specific requirements below to see if you qualify for a payment.

3.1 Alaska – 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)

  • You lived in Alaska for the entire 2024 calendar year and plan to stay.
  • You were not incarcerated or convicted of certain felonies in 2024.
  • You filed a complete PFD application by the March 31, 2025 deadline.

3.2 Colorado – 2024 TABOR Refund

  • You were a full-year Colorado resident in 2024 and at least 18 years old.
  • You file a 2024 Colorado state tax return (Form 104) or a Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) rebate application by October 15, 2025.
  • Your income determines the amount you receive, but not your basic eligibility.

3.3 New York – Inflation Refund

  • You filed a 2023 New York resident tax return (Form IT-201).
  • To get the full amount, your 2023 adjusted gross income (AGI) must have been $150,000 or less (if single) or $300,000 or less (if married filing jointly).
  • No application is needed; checks are sent automatically to eligible taxpayers.

3.4 California – Sacramento Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP)

  • You must live in one of six specific Sacramento ZIP codes and be the parent or guardian of a child aged 0-5.
  • Your household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty line.
  • This program is limited to 200 families who were selected by lottery in the spring of 2025.

3.5 Virginia – One-Time Rebate

  • You must file a 2024 Virginia tax return by November 3, 2025.
  • You must have a Virginia tax liability (meaning you owed state taxes). The rebate cannot be more than the tax you owed.
  • Any money you owe to state agencies may be deducted from your rebate.

4. How and When to Expect Your Payment

A split-screen illustration showing two payment methods: on the left, a hand holding a phone confirming "\$1,400 Payment Received" via direct deposit; on the right, a paper check from the U.S. Treasury emerging from an envelope.
  • Direct Deposit is Fastest: All states will send money via direct deposit if they have your bank information from your most recent tax return or application. This is the quickest way to get paid.
  • Paper Checks Come Later: If the state doesn't have your bank details, expect a paper check in the mail. New York has already warned that mailing eight million checks will take several weeks.
  • Filing Early Pays Off: In states like Colorado and Virginia, the sooner you file your tax return, the sooner your refund will be processed and sent.
  • Guaranteed Income is Monthly: The California pilot program is unique, sending payments on the 15th of every month.

5. Your Action Plan: How to Get Your Money

Follow these steps to ensure you receive any payment you are owed.

  1. File Your Taxes Early and Choose Direct Deposit. This is the most important step. For Colorado and Virginia, filing before the traditional April tax deadline can get you paid months earlier.
  2. Double-Check Your Mailing Address. If you are due a paper check, it will be sent to the address on your latest tax return. An old address could mean long delays.
  3. Track Your Payment Status Online. Once payments begin, most states offer an online tool to check your status. Look for Alaska’s “myPFD” portal, Colorado Revenue Online, or Virginia’s rebate lookup tool.
  4. Claim Your Old Federal Stimulus. If you missed the third federal stimulus payment in 2021, you have until April 15, 2025, to file a 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit.
  5. Watch Out for Scams. Government agencies like the IRS will never text, email, or call you to ask for a "processing fee" or your personal bank information. Only use official .gov websites to check your status.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this a new federal fourth stimulus check? No. These payments are from individual state programs, not the U.S. Congress.

I moved last year. Does that affect my eligibility? For Alaska and Colorado, yes. Both require you to have been a resident for the entire year of 2024. For New York, eligibility is based on your 2023 residency status.

Can I receive more than one of these payments? It's possible. State payments don't affect each other. For example, if you qualify for a state payment, you can still claim the federal $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit if you are eligible for that as well.

Are these payments taxable? Generally, no. The IRS has stated that most state tax refunds and relief payments are not considered taxable federal income. However, Alaska's PFD is a notable exception and is taxable on your federal return.

What if my check is lost or stolen? Contact your state's department of revenue directly. They have procedures to stop payment on a lost check and reissue it after a waiting period.

7. Key Takeaways

  • The largest 2025 payment is $1,702 for qualifying Alaska residents.
  • Residents in Colorado, New York, Virginia, and parts of California may receive payments ranging from $300 to $1,130.
  • Your 2024 state tax return is your key to qualifying in most states. Be sure to file early, use direct deposit, and keep your address updated.
  • Don't forget the final federal opportunity: file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim a missed $1,400 payment.

By staying informed and taking a few simple steps, you can make sure any relief money you're entitled to in 2025 makes it into your bank account.