Cash Rain in June — 3 Stimulus Checks you Could Collect

As the economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple through household budgets, stimulus checks remain a key tool for government relief efforts—though their form and availability have shifted significantly in recent years. While federal stimulus payments have officially ended, some state governments are still issuing direct payments to residents who meet specific income or eligibility requirements.

Here’s what to know about the final federal stimulus opportunity, ongoing state-level relief programs in June, and debunked claims about additional federal checks.

Final Opportunity to Claim the Last Federal Stimulus

The third and final round of federal COVID-19 stimulus payments—officially called the Economic Impact Payment (EIP)—was issued in March 2021. Eligible Americans received $1,400 per person as part of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan.

If you did not receive this payment or were eligible but didn’t claim it, the Recovery Rebate Credit allowed you to do so when filing taxes. This year’s 2024 tax season was the final opportunity to claim it.

Federal COVID Relief in Numbers:

• $4.6 trillion allocated in total pandemic relief
• $931 billion delivered through stimulus checks
• 22 million jobs lost during the pandemic
• 14.7% peak unemployment—the highest on record since 1948

Stimulus Payments Announced by States for June 2025

Though federal relief efforts have largely concluded, several U.S. states are still issuing their own targeted payments to support citizens amid ongoing financial pressure from inflation and housing costs.

Here’s a look at the current state stimulus programs:

State	Program Name	Payment Amount	Eligibility Highlights	Deadline/Timing
New York	Inflation Refund	$150–$400	Income below $150K (single) or $300K (married); over 8 million homes	Payments begin October 2025
Pennsylvania	Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program	Up to $1,000	Homeowners/renters; based on income	Apply by June 30, 2025
Arizona	Families Tax Rebate	$250 per child under 17 $100 per dependent age 17+	Must have claimed dependents on 2021 return and filed 2021 & 2022 state taxes	Automatic distribution

These payments are state-funded and designed to target specific economic needs such as housing costs, family support, and inflation relief.

Beware of False Claims: No Federal $5,000 or $2,000 Checks

Rumors have recently circulated about new federal stimulus checks of $5,000 and $2,000 being issued—but these claims are false.

Here’s the truth:

• The $5,000 rumor is linked to a nonexistent federal plan tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and an unconfirmed goal of saving $2 trillion in spending. In reality, DOGE has lowered its savings target to $150 billion, and no payment plan has been approved.
• The $2,000 stimulus claim also lacks official confirmation from the IRS or the federal government. It likely originated from confusion over delayed Recovery Rebate Credits or online misinformation.

Always verify information about stimulus payments through official government websites like IRS.gov or your state’s tax authority.

What You Should Do If You Think You Qualify

If you believe you’re eligible for any of the ongoing state-level programs, follow these steps:

1. Check State Tax Agency Websites: Look up your state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation for eligibility guidelines.
2. Apply Early: Deadlines (like Pennsylvania’s June 30 closing date) are firm.
3. Verify Your Tax Filings: For automatic rebates (like Arizona’s), ensure you’ve filed both 2021 and 2022 state returns.
4. Ignore Scams and Misinformation: Avoid clicking on unsolicited emails or social media links claiming new federal payments.

While the era of federal stimulus checks has largely ended, states continue to fill the gap, offering limited but valuable relief to families and individuals still feeling the pressure of inflation, high housing costs, and job market uncertainty. Be alert to real opportunities, avoid falling for fake news, and always stay informed via verified government sources.

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