The burning question on millions of Americans’ minds as we progress through 2025 is whether another round of stimulus checks is coming. With inflation still impacting household budgets and economic uncertainty lingering, many are hoping for direct financial relief from the government. Here’s everything you need to know about the current state of stimulus payments in 2025.
The Current Reality: No Federal Stimulus Checks Confirmed for 2025
The IRS says there are no new stimulus checks on the way, despite viral claims circulating on social media. Despite numerous rumors and misleading headlines flooding social media platforms, federal authorities have made it clear that no new nationwide stimulus payments are currently approved or in development.
This marks the end of pandemic-era direct relief, with no new federal stimulus checks on the horizon. The last major federal stimulus payments were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the final round of $1,400 Economic Impact Payments sent out in 2021.
Debunking the Viral Misinformation
Social media has been flooded with claims about various stimulus amounts, including alleged $1,390 and $2,000 payments. However, these claims are largely false or misleading. So far, there has been no word from Congress or the IRS on the possibility of a fourth $2,000 stimulus check.
The confusion stems from several sources:
- Misleading headlines from questionable news sources
- Social media posts mixing legitimate proposals with confirmed payments
- Misunderstanding between state rebates and federal stimulus checks
What About the American Worker Rebate Act?
There is one legitimate federal proposal worth discussing. The American Worker Rebate Act, introduced in 2025 by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and seemingly backed by Trump, proposes sending rebate checks funded through tariff revenue.
The current version of the bill promises “at least” $600 for every adult and dependent child. For example, if you’re a family of four, you’d get $2,400. The amounts would phase out for married couples making over $150,000 a year.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this is still just a proposal. President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda could be used to provide stimulus checks to Americans, one Republican lawmaker has proposed—though the idea has failed to inspire some of his fellow Republicans.
State-Level Relief Programs Continue
While federal stimulus checks aren’t materializing, some states continue offering their own relief programs. Various states have implemented or are considering:
- State tax rebates
- Inflation relief payments
- Targeted assistance for specific groups
- Energy cost assistance programs
These state programs vary significantly in eligibility requirements, amounts, and timing. It’s important to check with your state’s tax authority or government website for specific information about programs in your area.
Recovery Rebate Credits Still Available
One legitimate payment opportunity exists for eligible taxpayers who missed previous stimulus rounds. The IRS also reminded taxpayers who haven’t filed 2021 tax returns they might be eligible as well, but they face an April 15, 2025, deadline to file their returns to claim the credit and any other refund they might be owed.
If you didn’t receive all the Economic Impact Payments you were entitled to during 2020-2021, you can still claim them through the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing your tax return.
What This Means for Your Financial Planning
Given the current situation, here’s what you should know:
Don’t rely on unconfirmed stimulus payments for your financial planning. The viral claims about guaranteed payments are not based on official government announcements.
Stay informed through official sources like the IRS website, your state’s official government website, and verified news outlets. Avoid making financial decisions based on social media posts or unverified claims.
Focus on available resources such as existing government assistance programs, tax credits you may be eligible for, and legitimate state-level relief programs.
How to Stay Updated on Real Stimulus News
To avoid falling for misinformation, stick to these reliable sources:
- IRS.gov for federal tax information and official announcements
- Your state government’s official website for state-specific programs
- Congressional websites for information about proposed legislation
- Established financial news sources with fact-checking standards
The Bottom Line
While the desire for additional stimulus relief is understandable given ongoing economic pressures, the reality is that no federal stimulus checks are confirmed for 2025. The American Worker Rebate Act represents the only serious federal proposal, but it remains just that—a proposal without guaranteed passage.
Instead of waiting for uncertain stimulus payments, focus on taking advantage of existing tax credits, exploring state-level programs you may qualify for, and making informed financial decisions based on confirmed information rather than viral rumors.
Stay vigilant against misinformation, and remember that if a major stimulus program were actually approved, you’d hear about it through official government channels and major news outlets—not just social media posts with sensational headlines.
Tags: stimulus check 2025, IRS payments, economic relief, federal stimulus, American Worker Rebate Act, tax rebates, government assistance, financial news, stimulus updates, economic impact payments, inflation relief, Josh Hawley, Trump stimulus, state rebates, recovery rebate credit