Since the DOGE dividend never took off, here are some local initiatives in various U.S. states that may assist you. As of June 2025, the federal government is not releasing fresh stimulus cheques. The deadline for unclaimed 2021 funds passed in May, and Trump’s intended cryptocurrency payout has stalled.
There is currently no nationwide stimulus program revival. However, states and localities established their own financial help programs. These include trial programs for guaranteed income, energy credits, and inflation rebates. They are addressing local economic concerns head on.
Stimulus payouts can still be claimed in certain states
New York included inflation relief checks in its 2025-2026 budget. Automatic one-time payments mailed between October and November 2025 do not require an application. The amounts vary according on income and filing status: $200 (singles under $75k), $150 ($75k-$150k), $400 (joint filers under $150k), and $300 ($150k-$300k).
This effort collects excess sales tax income. It is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget package for household relief. These automatic payments will be sent to an estimated 8.2 million residences.
California is not renewing expired Golden State Stimulus programs. No new statewide payments have been approved for 2025. However, local pilot programs such as Sacramento Family First provide $725 per month to 200 low-income families until November 2025.
This universal basic income trial focuses on the economic stability implications. Eligibility needs recent state tax returns and California residency. Participants must fulfill certain financial and legal status restrictions.
The Colorado and Pennsylvania stimulus initiatives
Colorado provides relief through the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) program. Automatic excess tax refunds were implemented in 2025, with single taxpayers receiving $800 and married couples filing jointly receiving $1,600 each. Refunds are applied via tax return checkboxes or direct issuance.
Taxpayers have to file their 2024 returns by April 15, 2025 (extended to October 15). The majority of payments will be distributed between April and May of 2025, with delayed checks arriving until July. No additional paperwork was necessary for timely filers.
Pennsylvania provides a property tax/rent rebate program. It offers up to $1,000 per year to seniors, disabled persons, and low-income individuals (under $45,000). The 2025 initiative began on January 16 and has increased language support since May 8.
Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2025. Payments began July 1 via PA-1000 forms or the myPATH platform. Rent/property tax receipts and income verification are required papers.
Arizona and Ohio’s stimulus initiatives
Arizona provides a dependant tax reimbursement of $250 each child under 17 and $100 for elder dependent (including disabled individuals). The maximum benefits cap is $750 for singles and $1,500 for married couples filing jointly.
There are no set income thresholds. Dependents must be accurately reported on 2021 tax returns. Late claims are allowed for people who missed previous opportunities.
Columbus’ Ohio Mothers Trust trial gives $500 per month for 12 months to 32 single mothers. Participants must earn ≤80% of the regional median income (about $71,730 in 2024). Motherful, RISE Together, and UpTogether have all contributed funds.
The first payments will be distributed in December 2024. The initiative aims to improve economic stability and alleviate financial hardship. Beneficiary surveys are used on a regular basis during impact evaluations.
Georgia’s billion-dollar tax surplus returns
Good news or negative news? The IRS no longer offers stimulus checks, but Georgia’s Department of Revenue is repaying surplus taxes through HB 112 refunds. Over 4 million Americans could benefit from this $1 billion scheme.
Checks are distributed daily, and taxpayers can check their status using Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refund Checker, a free service. Now let’s look at eligibility and timing.
Georgia law enables surplus tax refunds for residents who meet certain qualifications. Eligibility is contingent on timely filing and having a 2023 tax liability. Full-time residents who file their 2023 and 2024 tax returns by May 1, 2025, are automatically eligible.
Extension filers have until October 15, 2025. Part-time or non-residents receive prorated refunds. All eligibility details and refund monitoring are available online.
HB 112 reimbursement caps differ by filing status: $250 (single/separate filers), $375 (heads of household), and $500 (joint filers). Payments will match 2023 tax liability up to these limits. Example: A single filer who paid $300 receives $250.
Most reimbursements (>75%) are issued via direct transfer. Timing is determined by the processing date. Extension filers who receive checks by October 15 can monitor their status using the daily update tracker.
Several conditions preclude HB 112 eligibility: missing the 2023/2024 filing deadlines, utilizing an ITIN instead of an SSN, or having no tax liability in 2023. Retirees over the age of 62 may be excluded if tax breaks cancel out their 2023 due.
Being claimed as a dependent while lacking personal income also disqualifies. Refunds under $1 are not granted. Part-year residents pay prorated amounts.
