If you’re still refreshing your bank account, hoping for another federal stimulus check, it’s time for some tough love. The wait is over, not because payments are coming, but because they’re not.
The IRS has made it crystal clear. No new federal stimulus checks are happening in 2025. Period.
But before you close this tab in frustration, there’s more to this story. While Uncle Sam has closed the stimulus vault, several states have opened their own. Some are sending out hundreds of dollars monthly. Others are cutting checks for over $1,700.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening with stimulus money in 2025.
The Federal Door Is Officially Closed
The Economic Impact Payments program is done. Finished. The IRS isn’t even pretending otherwise anymore.
Their “Get My Payment” portal? It’s now labeled as “historical” with no updates since May 29, 2025. That’s government speak for “stop asking.”
All three rounds of federal stimulus checks have been distributed. The first went out in 2020, the second in early 2021, and the third later that year. If you missed any of those payments, you had until April 15, 2025, to claim them through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
That deadline passed two months ago.
State Programs Are Picking Up the Slack
While Washington has moved on from direct payments, state governments are stepping in. The approaches vary wildly, but the money is real.
California’s Monthly Payment Experiment
California is running the most ambitious program right now. The Families First Economic Stability Pilot started sending $725 monthly payments to 200 families in Sacramento County on June 15, 2025.
This isn’t a one-time deal. These families will get $725 every month for a full year. The last payment is scheduled for July 15, 2026.
The program targets low-income families who can use the money for essentials like rent, food, and childcare. It’s part of a growing trend of guaranteed income pilots across the country.
Alaska’s Reliable Annual Payment
Alaska continues its tradition of sharing oil wealth with residents. The Permanent Fund Dividend disbursement went out on June 18, 2025.
Eligible residents received $1,702 for 2024. That’s not stimulus money. It’s Alaska’s way of giving residents a cut of oil revenue profits.
If you applied for the 2024 dividend and are still eligible, you should have received this payment already. Residents can check their status through the official myPFD portal.
Oregon and Minnesota’s One-Time Rebates
Both states are wrapping up their rebate programs. Oregon and Minnesota are distributing payments through June 2025.
Oregon residents can get between $200 and $600, depending on their income level. Most payments should be completed by mid-June.
Minnesota is offering up to $1,000 in rebates. They’re prioritizing direct deposits to get money out faster.
Both programs use state budget surpluses to provide inflation relief to residents. It’s not federal stimulus money, but it spends the same way.
The Rumor Mill Is Working Overtime
Social media and sketchy websites are having a field day with stimulus rumors. The biggest one involves something called the “DOGE dividend.”
Here’s what actually happened. During a February 2025 speech in Miami, Trump mentioned considering $5,000 stimulus checks tied to his Department of Government Efficiency initiative with Elon Musk.
But mentioning an idea in a speech isn’t the same as announcing a policy. No official details followed. No congressional approval. No IRS guidance. Nothing.
Trump’s administration hasn’t confirmed any stimulus plans, despite the social media buzz. These rumors should be treated with extreme caution.
Other speculation includes claims about fourth stimulus checks worth $2,000. These rumors lack any official backing from Congress or the IRS.
Scam Alert: Protect Your Information
The rumor mill creates perfect conditions for scammers. They know people want stimulus money, so they create fake programs to steal personal information.
Remember this: The IRS never contacts you first via text or email about stimulus payments. If someone claiming to be from the government asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or other personal information through these channels, it’s a scam.
Always verify information through official government websites. For federal updates, check IRS.gov directly. For state programs, go to your state’s official revenue department website.
What Other States Might Do
Several states are sitting on budget surpluses that could fund their own relief programs. Florida, Indiana, Virginia, and Texas haven’t announced stimulus plans for 2025, but local budget conditions could change that.
The key is watching your state’s budget announcements and surplus reports. States with extra money and political will to distribute it directly to residents might follow California and Minnesota’s lead.
Your Next Steps
Stop waiting for federal action that isn’t coming. Instead, focus on what’s available now.
First, check if your state has any active relief programs. Visit your state government’s official website or revenue department page for accurate information.
Second, if you live in California, Alaska, Oregon, or Minnesota, make sure you’ve claimed any payments you’re eligible for. Don’t assume you’ll be automatically enrolled.
Third, update your contact information with relevant state agencies. Many programs require current addresses and direct deposit information to send payments quickly.
Finally, be selective about your information sources. Stick to official government websites and established news outlets. Social media posts and random websites often spread false hope or outright scams.
The Bottom Line
Federal stimulus checks are over. The IRS has moved on, and so should you.
But state-level programs offer real money to eligible residents right now. California families are getting $725 monthly. Alaska residents just received $1,702. Oregon and Minnesota are sending rebates up to $600 and $1,000 respectively.
The stimulus landscape has shifted from federal to state level. Instead of waiting for Washington to act, check what your state is already doing.
Your next stimulus check might not come from the federal government. But it might still come.
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