It is well known that aid and stimulus to those in need drive and boost the US economy as well. Throughout the country and in all states, there are a large number of payments and checks to which the population can access after application and eligibility, in order to expand the bases of the programs and receive a secure resource that allows them to move forward.
The outlook provided by inflation and the cost of living necessitates that certain dynamics in the states be addressed through relief checks, stimulus checks, benefit and/or dividend payments, as well as pilot programs, rebates, and credits that citizens can access to help support their families.
In April 2025, there are several of these options that can be considered in various parts of the country, and they are listed here for your consideration, keeping in mind that some are permanent and have been distributing aid on a monthly basis for some time, while others are undergoing approval or consolidation. Of course, all of them must be applied for and approved.
New York and California, spearheads
The state of New York has two programs. The School Tax Relief (STAR) program, which provides benefits ranging from $290 (Basic) to $650 (Enhanced), reduces the amount taxed on IRS returns through exemption or tax credit. And the Inflation Relief Checks program, proposed by Governor Katy Hochul, which promises between $300 and $500 to all citizens to help them cope with the effects of inflation, is still awaiting budget approval.
Meanwhile, in California, the Sacramento Family First program stands out, providing $725 per month to 200 low-income families as part of a larger child welfare strategy. This is a pilot program that runs until November 2025.
Rest of the states across the country
In Colorado, taxpayers who filed a 2023 return or applied for a PTC refund can receive the TABOR Refund, which is a cash payment ranging from $177 to $1,130. Meanwhile, Florida is about to approve the Property Tax Rebate, which would provide homeowners with $1,000 in applicable school taxes.
Georgia plans to refund taxes of $250 (to singles), $375 (to heads of households), and $500 (to married couples) for tax returns filed between 2021 and 2024. It is not a certainty, but it could happen in 2025 following the signing and decree of the state government.
In Massachusetts, all eligible taxpayers can receive 62F rebates for 14% of their 2021 tax liability, but this has already been completed and there will be no further rounds.
For those who meet the federal EITC and file both federal and state returns, Michigan offers a Working Families Tax Credit of up to $550 per family on average. In New Jersey, the ANCHOR Program, which combines Senior Freeze and StayNJ, accepts applications beginning in March 2025 and pays out in July.
Finally, Virginia offers a tax rebate of up to $400 (joint return) or $200 (single) to taxpayers who are eligible for a tax surplus refund, which may currently include car credits.
