The state government is not sending out any new Minnesota stimulus checks in 2024. If you’re waiting for stimulus updates, you should know that there are many other ways of receiving help. You can take advantage of the federal government’s benefit programs or claim tax credits.

Federal and state tax credits can lower the amount of taxes you owe, and you may receive a larger tax refund. Read on to learn more about how tax credits work, which ones are available in Minnesota, and how much you can get.

Is There a Minnesota Stimulus Check in 2024?

There are no new Minnesota stimulus checks coming in 2024. The coronavirus pandemic measures that were introduced through the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan have since expired.

While the federal or state governments have not introduced any new stimulus programs, you can still qualify for existing benefit programs like Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps, and housing assistance.

Minnesota Stimulus Check 2024

Minnesota has a number of tax credits that you can take advantage of when you file your state income tax returns. While you won’t get a Minnesota stimulus check through tax credits, you can get a larger tax refund as a benefit.

The three main tax credits in Minnesota for taxpayers are the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and the Working Family Credit (WFC).

“With no new stimulus checks coming, always check with a tax professional about state deductions in Minnesota that you might qualify for,” says Teresa Dodson, founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “Most people aren't aware of all deductions available,” she adds. 

How Do Minnesota Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits help filers reduce their tax bill. This translates to a larger refund check. These credits are not stimulus programs but a means of putting money back in the pockets of those with low or moderate income.

Who Is Eligible for Minnesota’s Stimulus Checks?

To qualify for the Working Family Credit (WFC), you must first qualify for and claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). You’ll then have to meet income guidelines to qualify for the credit.

You’ll need to meet these eligibility criteria to qualify for the Minnesota Child and Dependent Care Credit:

  • You must have earned income.
  • Your filing status should not be married filing separately.
  • The qualifying person must have lived with you for more than half of the tax year.
  • Your adjusted gross income for 2023 must be less than $71,210 for one qualifying person and $83,210 for two qualifying persons.
  • Qualifying children must be less than 18 years old.

You’ll generally qualify for the Minnesota Child Tax Credit if your income is below the levels specified for the number of qualifying children you have:

  • 1 qualifying child: $52,495 (married couples filing jointly) and $46,995 (non-married filers)
  • 2 qualifying children: $67,079 (married couples filing jointly) and $61,579 (non-married filers)
  • 3 qualifying children: $81,662 (married couples filing jointly) and $76,162 (non-married filers)
  • 4 qualifying children: $96,245 (married couples filing jointly) and $90,745 (non-married filers)
  • 5 qualifying children: $110,829 (married couples filing jointly) and $105,329 (non-married filers)
  • 6 qualifying children: $125,412 (married couples filing jointly) and $119,912 (non-married filers)
  • 7 qualifying children: $139,995 (married couples filing jointly) and $134,495 (non-married filers)
  • 8 qualifying children: $154,579 (married couples filing jointly) and $149,079 (non-married filers)
  • 9+ qualifying children: Add $14,583 for every additional child (married filing jointly). Add $14,583 for each additional child (non-married filers)

How Much Do You Receive and When?

Minnesota’s Working Family Credit is structured as a percentage of income. Unlike EITC in other states, the credit amount is not a percentage of the federal credit.

The Child Tax Credit amount is $1,750 for each qualifying child beginning tax year 2023. There’s no limit on the number of children Minnesota residents can claim.

The Child and Dependent Care credit begins to phase out if your adjusted gross income is more than $59,210. Here’s how much you can receive based on your AGI and number of dependents:

  • 1 qualifying dependent: Maximum credit of $600 if your AGI is less than $59,210
  • 1 qualifying dependent: Maximum credit of $600 reduced by 5% of AGI over $59,210 for AGI between $59,210 and $71,210
  • 2 qualifying dependents: Maximum credit of $2,100 if your AGI is less than $59,210
  • 1 qualifying dependent: Maximum credit of $1,200 reduced by 5% of AGI over $59,210 for AGI between $59,210 and $83,210

How To Track the Status of Minnesota’s Stimulus Checks

Since the government doesn’t issue any direct Minnesota stimulus checks for tax credits, you can’t track the status.

You’ll see the tax credit reflected on your individual income tax returns. If you qualify for the credit, you may receive your tax refund through a paper check or as a direct deposit in your bank account. You can use the “Where’s my Refund?” tool on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website to check the status of your refund.

How To Apply for Minnesota’s Stimulus Checks

You’ll need to file your Minnesota income tax return to claim tax credits. If you need help filing taxes, look for tax preparation professionals in your area.

You can also file state and federal taxes on your own through tax preparation software or see if you qualify for the IRS’s free tax filing options like Free File, TCE, and VITA.

Apply for Government Benefits in Minnesota

While there are no Minnesota stimulus checks in 2024, you can still apply for government assistance programs. These federal programs are designed to help ease the burden of hardship for low-income Americans.

Some of the programs you may qualify for include unemployment benefits, housing vouchers, subsidized housing, SNAP benefits, and programs offered by nonprofit organizations.