1. Rumors Spark Hope—and Confusion
Talk of a fourth federal stimulus check in 2025 has gained traction online. Fourth Stimulus Check in 2025 Some social posts even mention payments of $2,000 or $5,000—often dubbed the “Trump stimulus” or “DOGE dividend.” But there’s no official action by Congress or the IRS backing these claims. Fourth Stimulus Check in 2025
Take the idea of a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” tied to government savings under Elon Musk’s short‑lived Department of Government Efficiency. It sounds bold, but without Congressional approval or a signed law, it’s just talk. Fourth Stimulus Check in 2025
2. The Official Word: No Fourth Check—Yet
As of late June 2025, the federal government has not approved a fourth stimulus check. The IRS confirms that all three COVID‑era rounds have ended, and deadlines for filing for any unclaimed payments expired in April 2025, with leftover funds returning to the Treasury.
Despite wide circulation online, there’s no legislative proposal moving forward that would authorize a fourth check—period.
3. What About State‑Level Relief?
Although federal checks are off the table, many states are still distributing inflation relief or rebate payments:
| State | Program | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Inflation Refund | $150–$400 |
| California | Golden State Stimulus | $200–$725 |
| Colorado | TABOR Refund | $800 (single), $1,600 (joint) |
| Pennsylvania | Property/Rent Rebate | Up to $1,000 |
| Arizona | Family Rebate Program | $250 per child, $100 per dependent |
| Texas | Utility Relief (seniors) | $150 utility credit |
Even if you don’t get a federal check, your state might offer something—so check your state’s Department of Revenue site.
4. Did You Miss a Past Payment? Here’s Help
The IRS is automatically sending out up to $1,400 to around 1 million eligible people who didn’t claim their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. If you qualify and filed by April 15, 2025, it should arrive via direct deposit or check—no action needed now.
If you still haven’t filed a 2021 return but think you’re eligible, you have until April 15, 2025 to get it done.
5. How to Protect Yourself from Scams
Rumors of new stimulus checks often lead to phishing scams—fake websites or texts telling you to “apply” or pay fees. The IRS will never ask for payment info over text or email.
Tips to stay safe:
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Only trust IRS.gov or official state
.govsites. -
Don’t click links from social media claiming “guaranteed” stimulus.
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Confirm IRS payments using the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
Bottom Line
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No fourth federal stimulus check is approved or scheduled for 2025.
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Past checks: all deadlines have passed, and unclaimed amounts reverted to the U.S. Treasury.
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State rebates may still be available—check your state’s programs.
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Up to $1,400 may still be coming if you missed the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
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Beware of scams! Always verify info through IRS.gov or official sources.
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