As of June 2025, the US federal government has not announced any new stimulus checks. While there are discussions on social media about a fourth stimulus check or a proposal similar to the “DOGE dividend” proposed by former President Donald Trump, these talks are limited to talks only. No formal bill has been introduced in Congress, nor has the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirmed any such plan.
Why are people expecting a new stimulus check?
Many Americans are hoping that perhaps a $2,000 stimulus check or a similar relief package may be announced in 2025. There may be a few reasons behind this hope. First, the economic condition of many people has worsened in the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Trump had floated the possibility of giving out $5,000 checks in February, dubbed the “DOGE Dividend.” The plan was said to be connected to Elon Musk’s plan to increase government efficiency. However, the plan has so far only been limited to speculation and has not been introduced as a bill or financial aid initiative.
What’s the status of the stimulus checks so far?
If you haven’t claimed the previous stimulus checks yet, the IRS has closed the claiming period for the third stimulus check ($1,400 per individual). The deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 tax returns was April 15, 2025. No extension was given for any unclaimed credits after this date. Any unclaimed stimulus funds from previous rounds have now returned to the U.S. Treasury.
What are the options for U.S. citizens in 2025?
As of now, there is no fourth stimulus check scheduled for June or the remainder of 2025. Federal tax refunds are the only direct payment option for US citizens. Those who filed 2024 tax returns by the April deadline may still be waiting for their refund. According to the IRS, direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days after e-filing, while paper check refunds can take 6–8 weeks. For those who want to track their IRS tax refund, the IRS provides an online tool called “Where’s My Refund.” This tool allows taxpayers to check the status of their refund by entering their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. Refund updates are posted daily, and once approved, most payments are processed within a few days.
What does the future hold for the fourth stimulus check?
It is important to note that no official fourth stimulus check has been included in the 2025 federal budget proposals, and bipartisan support for such a payment in Congress is still low. Discussions of financial relief are still ongoing in some state legislatures, but no initiative has yet moved forward at the federal level. Until there is any confirmation from the US Treasury Department or the White House, US citizens should be wary of viral posts that promise stimulus checks. Any updates will be communicated through official IRS channels. For now, the best solution is to make sure you have filed all the required tax returns and monitor IRS updates for any future credit or relief opportunities.
What is the situation right now, and what can the general public do?
In the first 6 months of 2025, there have been no signs of any new stimulus checks. One possible reason for this could be that when the previous stimulus checks were given, the economy needed to recover from a particular situation. Now that the economy has stabilized to some extent, and various measures have been adopted, the government is diverting resources to other areas. It may also be that discussions are going on at the federal level, but it is taking time to make any concrete decision. In such cases, people can keep an eye on their state governments, as some states have released their own relief packages according to their local needs and conditions. For example, the state of California has given special tax relief packages to its residents.
How can the public get relief if there is no stimulus check?
- Make an action plan: Make a list of your expenses and see where cuts can be made. When you know what resources you have available, you can plan better.
- Local relief resources: Many charities, non-profit organizations, and local governments have launched various programs to provide help to communities during COVID-19 and other emergencies.
- Savings schemes for control: If your financial situation has improved a little, do not forget to invest in a savings scheme. This will also give you an opportunity to prepare for unexpected expenses in the future.
- Skill development: Your job situation can also be improved if you learn a new skill. Many platforms provide online courses for free or at low rates.
It is important to stay positive in such a situation and wait for official information from the government. With best efforts, it is possible to achieve a better financial situation in the future.