Between social media posts talking about the 4th stimulus checks and a $6,400 subsidy, it's easy for many vulnerable Americans to fall prey to scams and rumors. While most of these are just rumors, there are legitimate financial assistance programs, rebates, and benefits you may qualify for.

In this article, we’ll provide in-depth details about how stimulus checks work, how to qualify and apply, and legitimate new stimulus checks for 2023 you may qualify for.  

Stimulus Checks In 2024

The government hasn’t announced any new inflation checks or relief checks for 2023 or 2024. However, some states are offering tax rebates, which you may qualify for. In this guide, we’ve provided a list of all the states currently offering tax rebates.

If you’re facing financial hardship, there are also several government benefits you may qualify for, such as emergency rent aid, unemployment insurance, and food stamps (SNAP).

$2,600 Stimulus Check

There have been talks about another stimulus check of $2,600 for Minnesota residents, but it remains under debate and hasn’t been approved yet. Minnesota lawmakers recently announced a large budget surplus, and Governor Tim Waltz announced a plan that included a large package of tax cuts.

The plan also included the issue of a one-time stimulus check of $2,600 for qualifying households. However, it’s important to note that this proposal has not yet passed the legislature.

Fourth Stimulus Checks

There are no plans for fourth stimulus checks in 2023 or 2024. While there have been many claims on social media posts with 4th stimulus check release dates, this is either a scam or incorrect news. The government hasn’t approved any new stimulus checks.

What Is the Purpose of a Stimulus Check?

A stimulus check is a direct payment made by the U.S. government to qualifying Americans during times of distress to support the economy. Stimulus payments are made through direct deposit or paper checks.

When the economy is lagging, the government makes these payments to encourage spending and increase consumer confidence. When Americans spend this money, it supports manufacturers and retailers.

How Do Stimulus Checks Work?

Once the government announces a stimulus package, qualifying Americans receive direct payments. You can opt to receive the payment through direct deposit in your bank account or by paper check.

However, not everyone qualifies for stimulus checks since there are eligibility requirements to get one. For example, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen or qualifying resident and must have filed your tax returns. Most stimulus payments also have a specific income threshold to qualify. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is too high, you may not qualify.

Examples of Stimulus Checks

One of the most well-known examples of stimulus checks is the Economic Impact Payment (EIP). In 2020, the government sent stimulus payments to Americans for hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment was $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each qualifying child.

The second stimulus check was sent out in December 2020, and the third was sent in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan.

Stimulus Checks and Social Security

Stimulus checks sent to eligible individuals on Social Security or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) do not impact benefits. For example, the Economic Impact Payments that were authorized by the CARES Act were not taxable because they weren’t considered income.

How To Qualify for a Stimulus Check

You’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for a stimulus check. While the specific eligibility criteria will depend on the act or the program, generally, you’ll need to meet these qualification requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or recipient
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on someone’s tax return
  • File tax returns
  • Meet the adjusted gross income requirements of the program

The payment amount you qualify for will depend on your tax filing status as well as your income, whether you are filing as an individual, head of household, or married filing jointly or separately.  

How To Apply for Stimulus Checks

In most cases, you won’t have to take any action to receive your stimulus check if you qualify. For example, the Economic Impact Payments were automatically processed based on your income.

If you filed your federal tax returns, the IRS automatically processed stimulus payments based on the income you reported. The payment was sent to qualified tax filers as a direct deposit or through a paper check.

While there are no new plans for stimulus checks in 2023 or 2024, it's worth looking into if you never received one in 2020 or 2021,” says Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “You may still be able to benefit,” Dodson adds. 

How To Track Your Stimulus Check

Depending on the program, you may be able to track the status of your stimulus check through the government agency's online portal.

For example, the Economic Impact Payments were issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can check which payments were issued to you and their status by logging into the Your Online Account portal on the IRS website. You’ll need to verify your identity by providing information, such as your Social Security number (SSN).

Stimulus Checks in Your State

Some states are issuing stimulus checks in the form of tax rebates and child tax credit payments to qualifying taxpayers. We’ve provided a list of all available benefits throughout the country. Check the latest stimulus updates in your state to see if you qualify.

Alabama Stimulus CheckOne-time tax rebates of $150 (individuals) and $300 (married couples).
Arizona Stimulus CheckFamilies tax rebate in Arizona for families with dependents.
Stimulus Check CaliforniaMiddle-Class Tax Refund of $200 to $1,050
Stimulus Check ColoradoColorado TABOR refunds of $800 to $1,600.
Georgia Stimulus CheckTax rebates of up to $500 under House Bill 162.
Idaho Stimulus CheckNon-refundable child tax credit of up to $205.
Maine Stimulus CheckEnergy relief payments of $450.
Maryland Stimulus CheckRefundable child tax credit of $500.
Massachusetts Stimulus Check62F tax refunds.
Michigan Stimulus CheckEarned Income Tax Credit of $550.
Minnesota Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of around $1,200.
New Jersey Stimulus CheckRefundable child tax credit of $500.
New Mexico Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of up to $600.
NY Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of $100. 
Ohio Stimulus CheckChild and Dependent Care Tax Credit up to $3,000
Oklahoma Stimulus Check5% of the federal child tax credit.
Oregon Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of up to $1,000.
Texas Stimulus CheckWIF and SNAP food benefits
Utah Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of up to $1,000.
Vermont Stimulus CheckChild tax credit of up to $1,000.
Virginia Stimulus CheckOne-time tax rebate of up to $400.

Get Your Stimulus Check 

Stimulus checks can go a long way in helping Americans cover bills during challenging times. However, it’s also important to know that not everything you read on social media is true. For example, news of the $5,200 stimulus check in 2023 is untrue.

Always check updates about stimulus checks on official government websites, such as IRS.gov. Know that there are many ways to receive financial assistance if you’re facing hardship, such as by applying for food benefits, unemployment insurance, or rent assistance if you’re at risk of homelessness.