Rumors about a new round of stimulus checks have been circulating online this fall, causing a wave of excitement among Americans. Many have hoped for another $1,400 direct deposit from the federal government, reminiscent of the previous Economic Impact Payments (EIP) issued during the pandemic.
However, while the idea of receiving fresh stimulus payments seems appealing, the truth is more complex. The IRS has not announced any new federal payments for the remainder of 2025.
Yet, while federal stimulus checks may be off the table for now, State Relief Programs are still in action, offering financial assistance to those in need. Let’s break down the situation and explore the state-level relief options available this fall.
The $1,400 Stimulus Check Rumor: What’s Behind the Confusion?
The recent rumors regarding the $1,400 stimulus checks may have originated from the lingering memory of the payments issued during the pandemic. In particular, many have pointed to reports suggesting that “the government is still trying to ‘expedite cash into the hands of the hurting.” This statement, which was a part of various misleading reports, fueled expectations for another round of payments to struggling Americans.
Additionally, some reports mentioned a $1,390 relief check that was allegedly intended to give Americans “a bit of breathing room.” However, no such check has been confirmed by the IRS. In fact, the last time Americans saw payments of this nature was in 2021, when the IRS issued a Recovery Rebate Credit, which allowed individuals to claim up to $1,400 per person, depending on their eligibility.
According to The US Sun, eligibility for $5,500 stimulus checks was also rumored, but these reports proved to be inaccurate. These claims were likely a misunderstanding or a result of the ongoing confusion surrounding federal stimulus payments. As of now, the IRS has made no announcement about any new federal stimulus checks for the remainder of 2025, meaning these speculations are simply rumors.
IRS’s Last Payment: The Recovery Rebate Credit
While it might be disappointing for many who were hoping for new payments, it’s important to remember that the IRS last issued a $1,400 payment in the form of the Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit was tied to the 2021 tax year and was intended to help individuals who missed out on previous rounds of Economic Impact Payments.
The credit was available to eligible taxpayers who either didn’t receive the full amount of the stimulus or didn’t claim it when filing their taxes.
The final day to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025, and some distributions were issued automatically to those who hadn’t received one or more of the previous Economic Impact Payments (EIP). The IRS estimated that at least one million taxpayers overlooked this credit, missing out on a potential $1,400 check.
It’s crucial to note that this was the last IRS-issued $1,400 check, and it’s not tied to any new stimulus package being discussed in Washington, D.C. For many, the hopes of seeing fresh checks through the IRS are misplaced, as no new payments are planned for 2025.
State Relief Programs: Financial Help on the Horizon
Although federal stimulus checks may not be coming, several State Relief Programs are offering financial assistance to residents. These programs vary by state and are aimed at providing support during times of financial strain. Here are a few examples:
- Pennsylvania is offering a property tax and rent rebate program, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, depending on income. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
- Colorado is providing one-time tax refunds, with residents eligible for up to $1,130 depending on their tax bracket. The lower-income individuals will receive $177 or more.
- Virginia taxpayers will soon receive rebates of up to $400. Single filers will get $200, while joint filers will receive $400. These funds will be directly deposited for those who previously received a state tax refund this way, while others will get paper checks.
- Tennessee is offering Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) support starting November 1, with one-time payments ranging from $174 to $750 to assist with heating bills.
In Washington, D.C., residents received $1,800 from the LIHEAP program to assist with energy bills in September. Similarly, North Dakota is sending out up to $1,100 to help with energy expenses for low-income residents.
These state-level relief programs are helping Americans deal with rising costs of living, particularly as inflation and utility bills continue to place pressure on households.
