In 2025, social media platforms and online forums are filled with claims of new stimulus checks, ranging from $1,390 inflation relief payments to $5,000 tariff-funded rebates. These stories are often traced back to AI-generated articles, viral posts, or misinformation campaigns, not official government announcements.
The IRS and Treasury Department have clarified that no new federal stimulus checks are authorized without Congressional approval. The last federal relief came from COVID-19-era programs, with the final deadline for claiming the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit closing on April 15, 2025.
Eligibility / Who Qualifies
At present, no federal stimulus checks are being distributed in 2025. Any claims about eligibility based on income thresholds (e.g., under $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for couples) are misleading.
However, state-level relief programs may apply:
- Alaska: Residents eligible for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) received $1,702 this summer.
- California: Inflation relief rebates of up to $1,050 are ongoing.
- New York: Average rebates of $270 are scheduled for fall 2025.
Eligibility varies by state and is determined by residency, income, and tax filings.
How to Apply / Claim
- Federal level: No new application process exists, as no new stimulus is approved. Taxpayers can only claim past benefits through the IRS, such as unclaimed refunds.
- State programs: Applications or automatic payments depend on the state. For example:
- Alaska residents must file for the PFD program.
- California rebates are based on filed 2023 tax returns.
- New York property tax rebates are processed automatically.
Always confirm application details through official state revenue websites.
Amount / Compensation Details
The most common 2025 stimulus rumors include:
- $1,390 payments for low- and middle-income families – False
- $2,000 fourth stimulus check in August – False
- $5,000 “DOGE dividends” or tariff rebates – False / exaggerated
Fact Check Summary:
- No new federal amounts approved.
- State relief ranges from $100–$1,702, depending on the program.
- Any viral promise of $5,000+ federal checks is misinformation.
Legal / Financial Implications
Only Congress can approve new stimulus payments at the federal level. As of September 1, 2025, no such legislation has passed. Claims about IRS insiders or secret rebate programs are unfounded.
Economists caution that large-scale payments could worsen inflation and national debt, making it unlikely in the current political climate. The IRS also warns that fraudulent claims and fake applications can expose taxpayers to identity theft or financial loss.
Official Sources / References
For accurate updates, use:
- IRS.gov – Official IRS announcements
- Treasury.gov – Treasury Department statements
- State-specific tax and revenue department websites
Do not rely on social media posts or unverified news outlets.
FAQs: Stimulus Check Rumors 2025
1. Is there a $1,390 stimulus check in 2025?
No. The IRS confirmed these posts are misinformation.
2. Will seniors or Social Security recipients get extra payments?
No federal stimulus is tied to Social Security. Only regular benefits and state rebates apply.
3. What about the $5,000 “DOGE” stimulus?
This is an exaggerated claim based on budget proposals. No such payments exist.
4. Can I still claim past COVID-19 stimulus checks?
No. The deadline to claim the third stimulus ($1,400) expired on April 15, 2025.
5. Where can I check if I’m owed money?
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or check your state’s revenue office for rebate details.
