3 States That Are Still Sending Out Stimulus Checks in 2025

While federal pandemic relief has long dried up, a handful of states are taking matters into their own hands by distributing financial assistance to residents still struggling with economic pressures. Five years after COVID lockdowns first rattled the economy, three states have decided their citizens need additional help in 2025.

During the height of the pandemic, Americans received unprecedented financial support - over 476 million payments totaling $814 billion between 2020-2021. Now, with inflation continuing to squeeze household budgets, these state governments are stepping in where federal aid has stopped.

New York

Governor Hochul isn’t mincing words about why New Yorkers need help: “The cost of living is still too damn high.” Her solution? New York’s first-ever Inflation Refund, which will deliver $300 to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 and $500 to joint filers making up to $300,000.

What’s interesting is how Hochul frames this assistance - not as charity but as returning excess sales tax revenue generated by inflation itself. Checks started hitting mailboxes in late April and will continue through May, reaching over 8 million residents.

I can’t help but wonder if this conveniently timed “refund” might have political motivations beyond pure economic relief.

California

California continues its tradition of stimulus programs with payments up to $725 for eligible households. The Golden State’s approach targets those who missed previous rounds of state assistance, suggesting an attempt to fill gaps rather than provide universal support.

To qualify, residents must:

• Meet specific income requirements
• Be legal California residents with filed state tax returns
• Have missed earlier stimulus rounds

The state will deposit funds directly when possible, otherwise defaulting to physical checks - a system that has previously left many waiting weeks or months for assistance.

Colorado

Unlike the discretionary programs in other states, Colorado’s payments stem from its Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which mandates returning surplus revenue to residents. With a $1.5 billion excess, single filers can receive up to $800 while joint filers may get $1,600.

The requirements are notably stricter than other states:

• Must have filed 2023 Colorado tax returns by April 15, 2024
• Must have lived in Colorado for over a year
• Must have resided there at least 183 days during the fiscal year
• Cannot have certain tax debts or criminal convictions

These restrictions reveal how even “refunds” can exclude the most vulnerable populations who might not file taxes or maintain stable housing.

While these payments provide welcome relief for recipients, they represent temporary band-aids rather than addressing the underlying economic conditions that make such assistance necessary in the first place.