Will You Get a Stimulus Check in May? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you’re trying to figure out whether you’ll be getting any kind of stimulus check or government payment this May, you’re definitely not alone. With prices still up, budgets tight, and a whole lot of chatter online, it’s easy to feel confused about what’s real and what’s not.

So, let’s clear it all up—what’s actually happening with stimulus payments this month, who’s getting paid, and what programs are just talk (for now).

1. Live in New York? You Might Be Getting a Relief Check

New York is stepping in to help residents deal with inflation. If you live in the state and your income falls within certain limits, you could be getting a one-time payment this month—no strings attached.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• If you’re single and make under $75,000, you could get $200.

• Make between $75,000 and $150,000? That drops to $150.

• Married couples under $150,000 could get $400.

• Couples making up to $300,000 might see $300.

The best part? You don’t need to apply. If you’re eligible, the money should come automatically based on your most recent tax return.

2. SSI Recipients Will See Two Payments in May—But Don’t Get Too Excited

If you’re on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll notice something strange this month: two payments. But before you get your hopes up, it’s not a bonus. It’s just a timing thing.

Here’s what’s going on:

• The regular May payment comes on May 1.

• Your June payment comes early—on May 30—because June 1 falls on a weekend.

So yes, you’ll see two deposits this month, but there won’t be one in June. It’s the same money, just arriving early.

The maximum monthly SSI payment is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples in 2025—but keep in mind that many people get less depending on their situation.

3. Didn’t Get That $1,400 Stimulus Back in 2021? You Can Still Claim It

If you missed out on the third federal stimulus check during the pandemic—yes, the one from 2021—you still have a shot at getting it. But you’ll need to act fast.

You can claim it as the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing (or amending) your 2021 tax return.

Deadline? May 17, 2025. After that, it’s too late.

Not sure if you ever got it? You can check your IRS records online. If you didn’t, and you were eligible, that’s $1,400 you don’t want to leave sitting on the table.

What’s Just Rumor (For Now)?

There’s a lot of buzz going around about big new stimulus payments—some real, some not. Here’s what’s being talked about, but hasn’t actually happened yet:

Talk of $5,000 “DOGE” Checks

No, this isn’t about cryptocurrency. There’s a proposal for $5,000 stimulus checks tied to reducing government waste—through a new agency called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Sounds great, but so far, it’s just a pitch. Nothing’s been approved or funded.

Monthly $725 Payments for Low-Income Families

There’s another plan floating around that would give low-income households $725 a month for up to a year. The proposed start date is May 15, but as of early May, the official details haven’t been released. It’s still in the works.

Beware the Viral Rumors

You’ve probably seen headlines or social posts claiming that new $1,800 or $1,702 checks are coming. At this point, there’s no official word from the IRS or any state agency confirming those amounts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is—at least for now.

Quick Snapshot: What’s Actually Real in May?

If you’re eligible for any of the confirmed payments, the money should come without you having to do much. But if you never got that 2021 stimulus and still qualify, now’s the time to file. Don’t wait—it’s a deadline you don’t want to miss.

And for the proposals still being discussed? Keep your eyes on the news, but don’t count on it until the details are official.