$850 Monthly Checks in 2025? See Who’s Secretly Getting Paid Right Now

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about new $850 stimulus checks in 2025. If you’ve come across headlines claiming “big checks are back,” you’re probably wondering—is this real, and can I get one?

The short answer is: yes, the checks are real, but they’re not for everyone, and they’re definitely not coming from the federal government. So let’s unpack what’s actually going on.

What’s This $850 Check Everyone’s Talking About?

The $850 payment isn’t part of a nationwide relief plan like the ones during the COVID pandemic. This one is very specific. It’s tied to a local program in Sacramento, California, called the Creative Economy Workforce Pilot.

The city is giving $850 per month for one year—that’s a total of $10,200—to 100 people working in creative fields like music, dance, theater, painting, and other arts. It’s meant to support artists and cultural workers who’ve struggled since COVID hit.

In other words, the money is real, but it’s limited—and it’s meant for a very specific group of people.

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify for this monthly payment, you need to:

• Live in Sacramento, California

• Work in the arts or cultural sector

• Have been financially impacted by COVID-19

• Meet certain income limits (at or below the area’s median income)

If you meet those conditions, you can still apply—but the application deadline is approaching fast. This is one of those programs where knowing early makes all the difference.

Are There Other Stimulus Checks Coming in 2025?

There’s no federal stimulus check planned this year, but some states and cities are still offering help on their own. Here’s what’s happening elsewhere:

In California:
The state already issued inflation relief checks between $600 and $1,050 to eligible residents, and some payments are still trickling out. There’s talk of a new round for low-income families, but nothing official yet.

In Colorado:
Eligible residents could receive checks worth $800 to $1,600, thanks to a state refund law (known as TABOR).

In New York:
Some households are getting one-time checks of $300 to $500 as part of an inflation refund program.

And then there’s the DOGE Dividend Proposal:
This one’s still just an idea—lawmakers and a few economists are pushing for a one-time $5,000 check funded by federal savings cuts. Nothing has been passed, but it’s generating a lot of interest. If approved, it could be one of the largest relief packages since the pandemic.

What You Should Know

If you’ve seen headlines shouting about $850 checks, now you know the full story. The checks are real—but they’re part of local programs, not some big federal payout.

So here’s what you can do:

• Don’t believe every viral headline. Many of them are clickbait.

• Look into your own state’s programs. A lot of help is being offered quietly.

• If you’re a creative worker in Sacramento, apply now—you still have a chance.

• And if you’re unsure where to start, I can help you check your state’s relief options or even walk you through an application.

Just let me know where you live or what your situation is, and I’ll help you sort through what’s available.