With the inflation rate at 3.2% in 2024, many Americans are finding it difficult to make ends meet. For those individuals, a Texas stimulus check can prove to be a much-needed source of assistance.

Despite frequent social media posts about the fourth stimulus checks, there are no official stimulus updates from the federal or state governments for 2024. Texas also doesn’t have any tax rebates or credits like child tax credits that reduce your tax liability.

The best alternatives for stimulus checks in Texas if you’re facing financial hardship are government assistance programs, such as unemployment insurance and food benefits like SNAP.

Is There a Texas Stimulus Check in 2024?

There will be no Texas stimulus checks in 2024. However, you can still get IRS stimulus checks if you were eligible but didn’t receive them during the coronavirus pandemic.

The deadline for filing your 2020 income tax returns and claiming the benefit payments is May 17, 2024.

Texas Stimulus Check 2023

There were no Texas stimulus checks in 2023 in Texas other than the Economic Impact Payments that some eligible residents were able to claim by filing their 2020 and 2021 income tax returns.

These were three one-time payments issued by the federal government, and there are no plans for a fourth payment.

How Do Texas Stimulus Checks Work?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, three rounds of stimulus payments were issued to eligible Texas residents. Eligibility was based on your income and filing status, and payments were automatically issued based on the information in your income tax return.

Qualifying Texans received the payments either through direct deposit or paper checks. Most people who were eligible have already received their benefits.

Who Is Eligible for Texas Stimulus Checks? 

Here are the Internal Revenue Service’s eligibility criteria for the Economic Impact Payments:

  • Individual tax filers: Adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less
  • Married couples filing jointly: AGI of $150,000 or less
  • Reduction of $5 for every $100 in benefits for those above the income thresholds
  • Social Security beneficiaries and railroad retirees were eligible

If you’re a single filer with an income of more than $99,000 or a joint filer without dependents with an income of more than $198,000, you’re not eligible for the stimulus checks.

How Much Do You Receive and When?

The first round of federal stimulus checks was $1,200 (single filers with income of $75,000 or less) and $2,400 (married couples with income of $150,000 or less).

The second round of payments issued in December 2020 was $600 (individuals), $1,200 (married couples), and $600 (dependents under the age of 17).

The third round of relief payments issued in March 2021 through the American Rescue Plan and CARES Act was $1,400 (individuals) and $2,800 (married couples).

“The most positive impact I saw about receiving a stimulus check was for people on fixed incomes,” says Teresa Dodson, debt expert and founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “This is typically the elderly and stimulus checks provided them some relief,” adds Dodson.

How To Track the Status of Your Stimulus Check

Log in to your IRS online account to find information about the stimulus checks issued to you under the Tax Records page.

You can find information about the full benefit amount you are eligible for. Use this information to determine whether you received the full amount or if you’re missing a payment.

How To Apply for Texas Stimulus Check

Most Texas residents eligible for the Economic Impact Payment have already received their payments. The IRS issues payment automatically based on the information on your 2020 and 2021 income tax returns.

If you opt to receive your tax refund through direct deposit, the payment will be deposited in your bank account. If not, you’ll receive a paper check at the address specified on your tax return.

What To Do if You Did Not Receive Your Stimulus Check?

If you haven’t yet filed your 2020 income tax return, you can file it before May 17, 204, to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

If the IRS issued you a payment but you haven’t received it or lost the paper check, you can start a payment trace by calling 800-919-9835. You can also fill out the Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund (Form 3911) and mail or fax it to the IRS.

Get Your Texas Stimulus Check

Other than the Economic Impact Payment for eligible individuals who haven’t yet claimed it, there are no other Texas stimulus checks planned for 2024.

However, if you’re facing hardship, there are several assistance programs you can apply for. Create an account on Your Texas Benefits to learn more about state benefits programs.

Your Texas Benefits log-in will allow you to apply for new benefits like:

  • SNAP benefits
  • Healthcare assistance
  • TANF benefits
  • WICF food benefits
  • Support services