It's been over a year since the American Rescue Plan was signed into law, sending a third federal stimulus check to millions of Americans, and while a lot of time has passed, there are still many people who are struggling financially in the wake of the pandemic. With prices surging, plenty of households could use a little help, and they might be getting - more direct payments will be sent out in the coming months. This time around though, it isn't from the federal government rather it's coming from the state level. Six states are sending out checks to residents in need - even ones who no longer live there. You can learn more about the checks below:
California
California plans to send out $1,050 to millions of residents in the form of a tax refund. They are calling it the "Middle Class Tax Refund" and it will benefit anyone who lived in California for at least six months in the 2020 tax year or anyone living in the state when the check is issued - which should be between October and January. To get it, Californians must have submitted their 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021, can't have been a dependent in 2020, and must meet these income requirements. If you fit the bill, you'll get paid via direct deposit or debit cards in the amount of $200 to $1,050, depending on what you qualify for. Find out exactly what that might be with this estimator.
Colorado
Colorado is sending out a tax rebate as part of their "Colorado Cash Back" program. Qualified individual filers will get $750, while married couples will see $1,500 if they filed jointly. The requirements are that residents must have been at least 18 on or before December 31, 2021, they must have been a resident of Colorado for all of the 2021 income tax year, and they must have filed a state income tax return for 2021 or applied for a Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit Rebate by June 30, 2022. Payments are expected to be sent out on September 30.
Illinois
Illinois has a few benefits to help its residents, all part of their Family Relief Plan. Among the assistance are income and property tax rebates and a temporary cut in some sales taxes including the suspension of the 1% tax on groceries. That goes until June 30, 2023. As for a stimulus check, individual filers who made under $200,000 in 2021 will get $50, and joint filers making under $400,000 together will see $100. Those with dependents listed in their taxes last year will also see $100 per child up to three kids. Over six million taxpayers qualify for the checks, which will ship next month but could take up to eight weeks to get out.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts considered sending out $250 one-time payments to eligible residents, but the bill didn't pass. They still might choose to though, and they'll have to decide if they will by September 20th. If they opt for the payments, the checks will be out before October. Either way though, Massachusettsans are still getting a benefit, but it's thanks to an obscure law from the 1980s. Since the state had excess tax revenue, the law states that the extra money has to be returned to taxpayers. Because of that, $2.5 billion will be split among residents, who'll see a 7% refund of their 2021 state income tax payment.
South Carolina
Eligible residents of South Carolina have up to $800 in the form of a tax rebate coming their way. To get the one-time payment, their individual income tax return had to have been filed by October 17. The amount they'll get is based on their income. Checks should go out in November and December.
Virginia
Virginia residents who owed the state in taxes and filed their returns by July 1 could get $250 if they filed individually or $500 if they filed jointly. Those payments will be in the form of a tax rebate sent out by October 31. Eligibility requirements haven't fully been revealed yet.
Other states might also choose to send out checks. Keep an eye on your state's treasury site for more info.