Prices keep climbing, and it’s hitting working Americans the hardest. For folks with low to moderate incomes, every trip to the grocery store, gas station or pharmacy feels like a squeeze.
A February poll conducted by CBS News [1] and YouGov found 77% of Americans said their income isn’t keeping up with inflation. And in a May 2025 MarketWatch [2] survey, 57% admitted they’re living paycheck to paycheck.
Part of the problem is that many households saw their finances take a hit during the pandemic. Federal stimulus aid offered some relief then, but it’s been years since those payments were sent out. The last round came through the American Rescue Plan [3] in March 2021. Between that and two earlier rounds, Americans received roughly $814 billion in stimulus funds.
As of now, the federal government isn’t planning to send out new stimulus checks. But that doesn’t mean some states aren’t stepping up to help.
While Washington hasn’t approved a new round of stimulus checks, state governments can add stimulus or inflation relief payments to their budgets. That’s what New York did earlier this year. About 8 million households are expected to receive one-time inflation relief checks this fall, worth $150 to $400.
But there are income limits. New Yorkers [4] who are single tax-filers earning $75,000 or less are eligible for up to $200. Joint filers earning $150,000 or less can receive up to $400. Eligibility is based on 2023 tax returns.
New York isn’t the only state providing relief. California’s Climate Credit [5] program will give certain utility customers bill credits this October, ranging from about $35 to $259. In New Mexico [6], eligible single filers received $500 rebates in June, while joint filers got $1,000. Pennsylvania [7] rolled out rebates of up to $1,000 for homeowners and renters with incomes of $46,520 or less.
Arizona [8] also provided relief in late 2023. Residents could claim $250 per child under 17 or $100 per child or dependent 17 or older.
Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead
Although several states are stepping up, there are no federal stimulus checks in the works. A proposal called the American Worker Rebate Act [9] would provide eligible households with a $600 tariff rebate check, but it hasn’t passed.
Americans could see relief through larger tax refunds starting in 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made key changes, including boosting the Child Tax Credit and eliminating taxes on eligible gratuity and overtime pay.
JPMorgan [10] estimates 110 million tax filers could be eligible for an average refund of $3,743 in 2026. That might sound like a good thing, but a wave of big refunds could act like another stimulus round, boosting consumer spending and possibly driving inflation higher — just as earlier stimulus payments did.
If you qualify for an inflation relief check or rebate, spend it carefully. Start with essentials like food, medicine or household supplies.
Next, look at your emergency fund. If you don’t have at least three months’ worth of expenses saved, consider setting money aside. If your savings are solid, use the funds to pay down high-interest debt, such as credit card balances.
And if you’re not eligible for government relief, you still have options. Picking up gig work can help you create your own stimulus. It may also be worth consulting a tax professional this filing season to make sure you’re getting the full refund you’re entitled to.
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[1]. CBS News. “Americans say incomes not keeping up with inflation — CBS News poll”
[2]. [Marketwatch](https://www.marketwatch.com/financial-guides/banking/paycheck-to-paycheck-statistics/]. “57% of Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck in 2025”
[3]. Pandemic Oversight. “Update: Three rounds of stimulus checks. See how many went out and for how much.”
[4]. New York State. “Inflation refund checks”
[5]. California Climate Credit. “California Climate Credit”
[6]. [Office of the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham] ](https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2023/04/14/governor-announces-500-rebates-to-go-out-in-mid-june/). “Governor announces $500 rebates to go out in mid-June”
[7]. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program”
[8]. 211 Arizona. “Arizona Families Tax Rebate”
[9]. Josh Hawley US Senator for Missouri. “Hawley Introduces Legislation to Send Rebate Checks to Working Americans”
[10.]. JP Morgan.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
