Are $850 Monthly Stimulus Checks Real? Here’s What’s Happening

If you’ve seen headlines about $850 monthly stimulus checks, you might be asking, “Where’s mine?” Let’s clear up the confusion: there’s no nationwide $850 monthly stimulus check program, but there are some state-level and local programs offering financial assistance. Here’s the breakdown of what’s real and what’s not.

No $850 Federal Stimulus—What’s Actually Happening?

Right now, the federal government has not announced any new monthly stimulus programs for 2025. So if you’ve heard about $850 payments for everyone, it’s likely misinformation or confusion stemming from state-specific programs. But don’t lose hope—several cities and states do have targeted programs helping low- and moderate-income families.

State Programs Offering Financial Assistance

1. Maine’s $850 Relief Payments (2022 Program Recap)
   Maine made waves when it sent one-time $850 checks to qualifying residents in 2022 as part of a relief program to help with rising costs. This program was not monthly and was limited to residents who met income thresholds (less than $100,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples).
   There are currently no announcements of a 2025 repeat of this program, but Maine residents should monitor state updates for any future relief.
2. Sacramento, California—$725 Monthly Payments
   Families in Sacramento could benefit from the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program, which provides $725 per month for one year to 200 low-income families. To qualify, applicants must:

• Have children under 5
• Reside in designated zip codes within Sacramento
  Applications for this program are already in progress, but those interested should check with the city for updates.

3. Harris County, Texas—$500 Monthly Payments
   In Texas, the Uplift Harris Program is providing $500 per month for 18 months to nearly 1,900 families in need. The program focuses on low-income households in certain high-poverty areas. Eligibility includes:

• Living in one of the program’s target zip codes
• Earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level

Could More States Follow?

Programs like these reflect a growing trend toward “guaranteed income” initiatives, which aim to provide consistent financial support to those who need it most. Cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and Chicago have also experimented with similar programs, although amounts and eligibility vary.

Stay Informed: What You Should Do Next

• Check Local Programs: Many local governments have relief programs, and you may qualify without even realizing it.
• Avoid Scams: Be cautious of any online claims that guarantee large monthly payments—always verify with official state or local government sources.
• Stay Updated: Programs evolve, so keeping an eye on local news and government updates can ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.

While $850 monthly checks aren’t happening on a national level, there’s plenty of financial relief available if you know where to look. Check with your local government to see what programs may be available in your area.