There is good news and bad news: the distribution of federal stimulus check distribution in the United States has definitively concluded. There are no active disbursements of this type managed by the national government in September 2025. All initiatives related to the COVID-19 pandemic have concluded, and the IRS has confirmed that there are no plans for a fourth round of payments.
Now, here is the good news: several states are distributing billions of dollars in stimulus checks to their residents. We’ll tell you about numerous that are currently active. Keep reading and know if you can claim your slice of the cake.
Stimulus check program available in several states
Various state administrations have implemented or continue to implement local initiatives of various kinds. These programs, often colloquially referred to as “stimulus checks,” differ in their nature, origin, and objectives. They are primarily tax refunds, resource dividends, or state social benefits, designed to provide economic relief to their residents.
The design of these payments is not necessarily linked to a national health emergency (such as the COVID pandemic), but rather to factors such as budget surpluses, higher-than-projected tax collections, the distribution of natural resource revenues, or specific local social policies.
The Alaska PFD stimulus check
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a unique mechanism in the country. It was established in 1976 as a constitutional requirement to distribute to residents a portion of the wealth generated by the state’s nonrenewable natural resources, primarily oil.
The annual payment amount is determined based on Alaska Permanent Fund returns over several years and is subject to adjustment. By 2025, the distribution amount is $1,702 per eligible person.
The PFD is distributed to most state residents, serving as a universal base income within its borders. It is not conditioned on the applicant’s income level, employment status, or age. Entire families, including children registered by their parents or guardians, receive the payment.
To qualify for the 2025 payment, an individual must have been an Alaska resident for the entire 2024 calendar year, intending to remain in the state indefinitely. Claiming residency in another state or country during that period is not permitted. Additionally, there are exclusions for individuals with recent felony convictions or who have been incarcerated for certain crimes.
Applicants must create an account in the myPFD system and complete the online application within the designated period, which for the 2025 payment cycle was extended from January 1 to March 31. Those who face barriers to digital access can apply by mail or at designated physical locations. Payments for approved applicants are distributed automatically on a specific date; for the current cycle, the primary distribution date was September 11.
Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) en California
The Sacramento Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, officially known as the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), represents a localized initiative. It is funded by the State of California through its Department of Social Services (CDSS) and administered in collaboration with state non-governmental entities.
It is intended for parents or legal guardians of at least one child between the ages of 0 and 5 who reside in certain designated Sacramento ZIP codes. The stated objective is to evaluate the impact of a guaranteed income on reducing child poverty and improving family economic stability. Funds can be used for discretionary expenses such as childcare costs, supplemental food, or utility services.
The eligibility requirements are precise. In addition to residing in the target ZIP codes (95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838) and having an eligible child, the household’s annual income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line.
By 2025, this translates, for example, to a maximum income of approximately $62,400 for a family of four. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, but documentation verifying identity and residency must be provided.
Interested families were required to register through partner websites, such as ffesp.org or unitedway.org. Final beneficiaries were selected through a random lottery system from among all completed and eligible applications received. Those selected were then required to complete a document verification process before receiving payments, which continue through 2025.
Other active stimulus payment programs
To conclude this article, we quickly review the STAR (School Tax Relief) program in New York, which offers school tax relief to homeowners. There are two types of credit: the Basic STAR credit and the Enhanced STAR credit for lower-income adults over 65. The corresponding credit checks are distributed in September, with amounts ranging from $350 to $600 for the Basic STAR credit and up to $1,500 for the Enhanced STAR credit.
In addition, it is distributing inflation-adjusted refunds by the end of September 2025. It is estimated that more than 8 million checks will be sent to taxpayers who filed their 2024 tax returns.
Additionally, New Jersey is spreading out payments from ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters). This program provides property tax relief to both homeowners and renters. Payments for the 2025 tax year began on September 15, 2025. Amounts can be up to $1,500 for homeowners and up to $450 for renters who meet income and residency requirements.
The state of Virginia approved a one-time tax refund for 2025. Taxpayers who had a tax liability on their 2024 tax return are eligible to receive a refund of up to $200 for individual filers and up to $400 for couples filing jointly. Distribution of these funds is scheduled for fall 2025, with an automatic distribution process for those who have already filed their returns.
