More Stimulus Checks Could Be Coming to These 7 States
While the federal government has sent out three rounds of stimulus checks to most Americans since the start of the pandemic, some states have decided to provide additional relief to their residents. Here are seven states that are considering or have already approved more stimulus payments for eligible individuals and families.
California
California was the first state to announce its own stimulus program, called the Golden State Stimulus. The program provides $600 or $1,200 payments to low-income Californians who qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) or file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The state also expanded the eligibility for the CalEITC to include households with incomes up to $30,000.
In addition, California recently passed a budget that includes a second round of payments, called the Golden State Stimulus II. This round will provide another $600 or $1,200 payment to eligible CalEITC and ITIN filers, as well as $500 payments to families with dependents. The payments are expected to go out starting in September.
Colorado
Colorado passed a stimulus package in February that included $375 payments to about 435,000 residents who received at least one unemployment benefit payment between March 15 and October 24, 2020. The payments were distributed automatically by the state’s Department of Labor and Employment in December 2020 and January 2021.
The state also approved another stimulus package in May that included $1,000 payments to about 33,000 workers in the food service, hospitality, and entertainment industries who lost their jobs or had their hours reduced due to the pandemic. The payments are expected to be sent out by the end of July.
Florida
Florida has not yet passed a statewide stimulus program, but some local governments have taken matters into their own hands. For example, Orange County, which includes Orlando, launched a $40 million program that provides $1,000 payments to households that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. The program is open to residents who make less than 80% of the area median income and have not received any other local or federal assistance. The county began accepting applications on June 8 and will distribute the payments on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maryland
Maryland enacted a stimulus package in February that included $300 payments for individuals and $500 payments for families who claimed the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2019. The payments were sent out automatically by the state’s Comptroller’s Office in February and March.
The state also expanded the eligibility for the EITC for tax year 2020, which means more residents could qualify for future stimulus payments if the state decides to issue them again.
New Mexico
New Mexico passed a stimulus bill in March that included $600 payments for low-income workers who earned less than $31,200 in 2020 and received or will receive the federal stimulus check. The payments are being distributed by the state’s Taxation and Revenue Department through direct deposit or paper check.
The state also allocated $5 million for one-time $750 payments for certain immigrants who were excluded from the federal stimulus checks because they do not have a Social Security number. The payments are being administered by local nonprofit organizations that serve immigrant communities.
New York
New York approved a budget in April that included a $2.1 billion fund for workers who were left out of federal relief programs because of their immigration status or other reasons. The fund provides payments of up to $15,600 for workers who can prove they lost income due to the pandemic and were ineligible for unemployment benefits or other assistance. The fund also provides payments of up to $3,200 for workers who can prove their identity and residency but do not have sufficient documentation of their work history or income loss.
The payments are being processed by the state’s Department of Labor through an online application system that opened on August 2. Applicants must apply through one of several community-based organizations that are partnering with the state to provide outreach and assistance.
Texas
Texas has not yet passed a statewide stimulus program, but some local governments have created their own initiatives. For example, Austin launched a $10 million program that provides $2,000 payments to households that have been affected by the pandemic and have not received any other federal or local assistance. The program is open to residents who make less than 200% of the federal poverty level and have experienced a COVID-19-related hardship. The city began accepting applications on June 28 and will distribute the payments on a first-come, first-served basis.
