No Federal Stimulus in 2025? These States Are Sending Checks Anyway

As of mid-2025, there are no plans for new federal stimulus checks from Congress or the White House. While millions of Americans continue to grapple with high living costs and economic uncertainty, state governments are filling the gap, launching targeted relief programs to support low- and moderate-income households.

The federal government has shifted its focus to long-term economic stabilisation and inflation control, with no formal stimulus packages approved since early 2023. However, several individual states have stepped up, offering direct payments, tax rebates, and utility assistance instead of a nationwide relief effort.

States Currently Offering Relief in 2025

New Mexico

• Offering $400 stimulus payments to low-income residents.

• The application deadline closed May 12, with funds expected to go out in late May.

California

• Continues its Middle Class Tax Refund program, issuing payments of up to $600 depending on income and family size.

• Distributed via direct deposit and prepaid debit cards.

Illinois

• Residents may qualify for up to $500 in property tax rebates or $250 per child in family assistance through the Family Relief Plan.

Maine

• Offers one-time $450 energy relief checks to help offset winter heating costs.

• Eligibility is tied to 2023 income tax filings.

New Jersey

• Maintains its ANCHOR Property Tax Relief program, offering up to $1,500 in rebates to homeowners and renters.

Alaska

• The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) for 2025 is expected to be over $3,000 per resident, distributed this fall.

Minnesota

• Providing one-time tax rebate checks of $260 to $520, depending on income level and number of dependents.

Why No Federal Checks (So Far)?

Federal officials argue that the U.S. economy is showing signs of recovery, with inflation easing and unemployment remaining low. Opponents of new stimulus payments warn that additional federal spending could overheat the economy and reignite inflation. However, advocates say many families still haven’t fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic and rising costs.

President Biden and Congressional leaders have not ruled out future federal assistance entirely, but any new stimulus legislation would likely face strong partisan gridlock in the current divided Congress.