Since the DOGE dividend never took off, here are local initiatives across some U.S. states that might help you out. As of June 2025, the federal government isn’t issuing new stimulus checks. The deadline for unclaimed 2021 funds passed in May, and Trump’s proposed crypto payout stalled.
No nationwide stimulus programs revival exists right now. But states and cities launched their own financial aid schemes. These include inflation rebates, energy credits, and guaranteed income pilots. They’re tackling local economic pressures head-on.
Stimulus checks you can still claim today in several states
New York implemented inflation relief checks in its 2025-2026 budget. Automatic one-time payments mailed between October-November 2025 require no application. Amounts vary by income and filing status: $200 (singles under $75k), $150 ($75k-$150k), $400 (joint filers under $150k), and $300 ($150k-$300k).
This initiative taps surplus sales tax revenue. It’s part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget package targeting household relief. An estimated 8.2 million homes will receive these automatic payments.
California isn’t reviving expired Golden State Stimulus programs. No new statewide payments are approved for 2025. However, local pilots like Sacramento Family First provide $725 monthly to 200 low-income families through November 2025.
This universal basic income trial focuses on economic stability impacts. Eligibility requires recent state tax filings and California residency. Participants must meet income thresholds and legal status requirements.
Colorado and Pennsylvania stimulus programs
Colorado delivers relief through its Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) program. 2025 saw automatic excess tax refunds: $800 for single filers and $1,600 for married couples filing jointly. Refunds applied via tax return checkboxes or direct issuance.
Taxpayers needed 2024 returns filed by April 15, 2025 (extended to October 15). Most payments distributed April-May 2025, with delayed checks arriving through July. No extra paperwork was required for timely filers.
Pennsylvania offers a property tax/rent rebate program. It pays up to $1,000 yearly to seniors, disabled residents, or low-income earners (under $45,000). The 2025 program launched January 16 with expanded multilingual support since May 8.
Applications run through December 31, 2025. Payments started July 1 via PA-1000 forms or myPATH platform. Required documents include income verification and rent/property tax receipts.
Arizona and Ohio stimulus initiatives
Arizona issues a dependent tax rebate: $250 per child under 17 and $100 per older dependent (including disabled adults). Maximum benefits cap at $750 for singles or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly.
No specific income thresholds apply. Dependents must be correctly claimed on 2021 tax returns. Late claims are permitted for those who missed earlier opportunities.
Columbus’ Ohio Mothers Trust pilot provides $500 monthly for 12 months to 32 single mothers. Participants must earn ≤80% of regional median income (~$71,730 in 2024). Funders include Motherful, RISE Together, and UpTogether.
First payments distributed in December 2024. The program aims to boost economic stability and reduce financial stress. Impact evaluations use regular beneficiary surveys.
Georgia’s billion-dollar tax surplus returns
Good news/bad news: The IRS has no more stimulus checks, but Georgia’s Department of Revenue is returning surplus taxes via HB 112 refunds. Over 4 million Americans could receive payments from this $1 billion program.
Checks are issued daily, while taxpayers can track status using Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refund Checker, a free website. Now, let’s break down eligibility and timelines.
Georgia’s law authorizes surplus tax refunds for residents meeting specific criteria. Eligibility hinges on timely filing and having a 2023 tax liability. Full-time residents filing 2023 and 2024 returns by May 1, 2025 qualify automatically.
Extension filers have until October 15, 2025. Part-time or non-residents get prorated refunds. All eligibility details and refund tracking live online.
HB 112 refund caps vary by filing status: $250 (single/separate filers), $375 (heads of household), $500 (joint filers). Payments match 2023 tax liability up to these limits. Example: A single filer who paid $300 gets $250.
Most refunds (>75%) issue via direct deposit. Timing depends on processing dates. Extension filers receiving checks by October 15 can verify status using the daily-updated tracker.
Several factors block HB 112 eligibility: Missing 2023/2024 filing deadlines, using an ITIN instead of SSN, or having $0 tax liability in 2023. Retirees over 62 may be excluded if tax exemptions erased their 2023 obligation.
Being claimed as a dependent without personal income also disqualifies. Refunds under $1 aren’t issued. Prorated amounts apply to part-year residents.
