A stimulus check is a direct payment from the government designed to provide households with extra support during challenging times. In recent years, millions of Americans received these payments to help cover everyday costs as living expenses steadily rose.
For someone on a fixed income watching the price of groceries and utilities climb, those checks often made the difference, helping to bridge the gap between limited income and growing needs.
Now, as we move through 2025, the question looms: could another round of payments be on the horizon to offer that same kind of relief once again? Here’s all you need to know about how stimulus checks work.
Do You Apply For A Stimulus Check?
No, there isn’t a traditional “application” for a federal stimulus check. You don’t fill out a separate form or request it through an agency. Instead, eligibility is determined automatically by the IRS using information from your federal tax return.
Here’s how people received their checks in earlier rounds:
- Filed a Tax Return: Even those with low or no income needed to file to be counted. This gave the IRS updated income, address, and bank details.
- Automatic Distribution: If you qualified, the IRS either sent the money directly to your bank account (via direct deposit) or mailed a check or debit card.
- Recovery Rebate Credit: If you didn’t get your payment but were eligible, you could claim it later on your tax return as a credit.
- IRS Tools: During prior rounds, the IRS offered online tools like Get My Payment to track status or enter bank details.
Are Stimulus Checks Yearly?
Eligible Americans don’t receive stimulus checks on a regular yearly basis. These payments are not recurring benefits like Social Security or unemployment insurance. Instead, they are one-time relief payments that only happen if Congress passes specific legislation authorizing them.
What Happened In The Past
- First stimulus check: Authorized in March 2020 under the CARES Act.
- Second stimulus check: Authorized in December 2020 under the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act.
- Third stimulus check: Authorized in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan.
That’s three separate payments across two years, but not an annual pattern. Some states later issued their own relief or rebate checks, which varied by state; however, these were one-time payments, not yearly guarantees.
No Confirmation From Washington
According to Congress, the IRS, and the White House, there is no official confirmation of a new federal stimulus check. The most recent federal spending bill, passed before July 4, did not include such a provision. Claims suggesting otherwise often come from unreliable websites or viral social posts, and in some cases, are linked to scams.
The $1,390 Figure Explained
That $1,390 number you’ve seen floating around isn’t tied to an active bill. Instead, it reflects an average used in discussions of past stimulus payments, not a guaranteed amount.
In short, the figure is recycled speculation, not fact.
The DOGE Dividend Rumor
Earlier in 2025, the President mentioned a so-called “DOGE check” of $5,000. The idea was linked to a concept of the Department of Government Efficiency, associated with Elon Musk.
But here’s the truth: it has no details, no funding plan, and no congressional approval. Without those, the proposal cannot become law or put money into your bank account.
Past Payments Are Closed Off
Missed out on earlier rounds?
Unfortunately, it’s too late to claim them. The IRS set April 15, 2025, as the final date to file for the third stimulus payment, also known as the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021. After that deadline, unclaimed funds revert to the U.S. Treasury. No extensions apply to this deadline.
State-Level Relief Programs
Not all checks come from Washington. Several states—including New York, Georgia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania—have been rolling out their own relief or rebate payments. These programs vary widely, with eligibility based on income thresholds, tax filings, or residency.
How To Stay Informed And Avoid Scams
Online chatter spreads quickly, and scams often hide behind big promises. According to the IRS, you should avoid posts or messages asking for personal details in exchange for a “stimulus.”
Be cautious of unofficial phone numbers, websites, social media posts, or influencers pushing payment claims. For accurate updates, stick with irs.gov, whitehouse.gov, and congress.gov.
A Quick Checklist To Stay Safe
- Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool for federal refunds
- Call 800-829-1954 for current-year returns
- Call 866-464-2050 for amended returns
- Check your state’s official tax site for local relief updates
The Bottom Line
For now, no fourth federal stimulus check exists. While talk of a $1,390 payment may sound hopeful, it remains speculation without support from lawmakers. Staying alert, verifying sources, and ignoring viral claims is the best way to protect your finances. As history shows, only confirmed bills and signed legislation turn relief talk into real money in your account.
