Which States Are Still Distributing Stimulus Checks in 2025: A Resident's Guide

When federal stimulus payments ended, the story didn’t stop for American households. Several states recognized ongoing economic pressures from persistent inflation and decided to provide their own financial relief programs in 2025. If you live in Colorado stimulus checks territory or other key states, understanding these programs could put real money back in your pocket.

Why States Are Acting Now

Unlike the federal government, which concluded its pandemic relief efforts, some states accumulated budget surpluses and saw an opportunity to help residents cope with rising living costs. Three states in particular—New York, California, and Colorado—have implemented or are actively distributing relief funds to eligible taxpayers this year.

New York’s Inflation Refund Program

Governor Kathy Hochul championed New York’s inaugural Inflation Refund initiative, emphasizing that state revenues from sales taxes had reached unprecedented levels. The state is channeling these proceeds directly back to residents through direct payments.

Payment Amounts:

• Single filers earning up to $150,000 annually: $300
• Joint filers earning up to $300,000 annually: $500

More than 8 million New Yorkers qualified for this assistance. Hochul highlighted that “the cost of living is still too damn high,” positioning these checks as temporary relief to improve household financial flexibility. The mailing rollout began in late April 2025 and extended through May, with distributions handled automatically based on tax records.

California’s Expanded Stimulus Initiative

California launched a fresh compensation program offering up to $725 per household, tailored to income levels and family composition. Designed to address inflation-related financial stress, this program built on lessons learned from earlier Golden State Stimulus phases.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Maintain income within program-specified thresholds
• Maintain legal California residency and have filed recent state tax returns
• Not have received assistance in previous stimulus program rounds

Distribution Methods: Payments arrive through direct deposit whenever possible. For those without bank account information on file with the state, physical checks are mailed to registered addresses.

Colorado’s Tax Surplus Refund Program

Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) provision triggered automatic refunds when the state achieved a $1.5 billion fiscal surplus. This mechanism ensures residents benefit directly when government revenues exceed constitutional spending caps.

Payment Ranges:

• Single taxpayers: up to $800
• Married couples filing jointly: up to $1,600

Qualification Criteria: To receive Colorado stimulus checks, residents must satisfy several conditions:

• Have filed a 2023 Colorado DR 0104 tax return by April 15, 2024
• Have maintained Colorado residency for more than one year
• Be at least 18 years old with at least 183 days of Colorado residence during the fiscal year
• Have no outstanding tax obligations or disqualifying criminal convictions (180+ days imprisonment)

Payment delivery options include direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit card, allowing recipients to choose their preferred method.

Claiming Your Payment

For residents in these three states, the process typically requires no additional action if your tax information is current with state authorities. However, verifying your eligibility status through your state’s tax agency website ensures you receive your full entitlement.

The continued distribution of relief funds in 2025 demonstrates how states are using budget surpluses and inflation-fighting measures to support household financial stability during a period of elevated costs.