It seems that every time a stimulus test is triggered, there’s a five-second pause before someone starts asking, “so . . . will there be another stimulus?” (Reminder: The third stimulus check went out in March 2021.) If you’re one of those people who’s been wondering if a fourth stimulus will happen, we’ve got your answer: yes… sort of, it’s true, it’s happening. a fourth stimulus check, but only if you live in certain US states.
Right now, you might be thinking, wait. what? seriously?
yes, it’s real. Let’s dive into this topic layer by layer and coast to coast.
are the fourth stimulus checks really going out?
They are, but they don’t come from the federal government like the last three stimulus checks did. this time, it all depends on the state you live in. that’s right, these fourth stimulus checks are being given to some people at the state and municipal level now.
When the US bailout was implemented, the 50 states collectively received $195 billion (a minimum of $500 million for each state) to help finance their own economic recovery closer to home.1 That’s a lot of money. but here’s the problem: they don’t have forever to spend that money. states have to figure out what to spend the money on by the end of 2024, and then have until the end of 2026 to use all that cash.2 Those deadlines may seem like a long way off, but the clock is ticking here.
which states are giving a fourth stimulus check?
Here’s the thing: All 50 states have access to this money, but first they have to figure out how they want to spend it. So far, these are the states that have made a game plan to use the money as a fourth stimulus check.
fourth stimulus check delivered to specific groups
some states are taking advantage of that wad of cash that the government gave them and giving the fourth stimulus checks to specific groups of people. The requirements seem different for each state, but they all seem to have a few things in common, like falling into certain income levels or going through some kind of hardship.
- arizona
the grand canyon state has a different opinion when it comes to stimulus checks: they are giving them to people who are going back to work. Arizona’s Return-to-Work Program offers $2,000 to those who got a job after being unemployed.3 But you must keep your new job for at least eight weeks before receiving the benefit.
- california
The golden state is the only one on the list to hand out far-reaching stimulus checks that resemble those handed out by the federal government. Here’s how their numbers break down: Californians earning $75,000 or less were sent a one-time check for $600 or $1,200 as part of the Golden State I.4 stimulus, and with the Golden State II stimulus, they could be eligible for a second stimulus payment between $500 and $1,100.5 which is in addition to the additional money the state paid through the toddler tax credit to those with children 6 years of age or younger.6
- red
These guys decided to change their focus to giving their stimulus checks to the unemployed. sent $375 to people who had received at least one unemployment check between March 15, 2020 and October 24, 2020.7
- main
above, in the far northeastern corner of the country, maine is delivering “disaster relief” payments. these $285 checks are sent as a thank you to those who have worked during the pandemic.8
and in April 2022, maine announced it will send $850 relief checks to approximately 858,000 of its citizens to offset the effects of inflation.9 Funded by state budget surpluses, checks will be mailed starting June 2022.
- maryland
in maryland, anyone who claimed an earned income tax credit on their 2019 taxes can receive stimulus checks worth up to $500 (families) or $300 (individuals).10
- Missouri
If you live in Missouri and work in a mental health facility, nursing home, or correctional facility (also known as a jail or prison), pay attention. the state is giving an extra $250 per paycheck to these individuals to thank them for their work during the pandemic.11
- new mexico
In the land of enchantment, $5 million will be given to people who did not qualify for the federal stimulus. New Mexicans who fall into a low-income group will receive a one-time payment of $750.12
- new york
Through a program called the Excluded Workers Fund, New York State is providing $3,200-15,600 in one-time unemployment benefits to workers who lost jobs or income during the COVID-19 pandemic but who did not qualify for help such as paid unemployment or stimulus benefits.13
- vermont
vermont’s frontline employee hazard pay grant program awarded checks of $1,200-2,000 to frontline workers who served during the first few months of the pandemic. and health workers.
fourth stimulus check given to teachers
For other states, their fourth stimulus checks are getting a new look: as teacher bonuses! It’s no secret that teachers are the unsung heroes of our communities, and they’ve been put through the wringer during the pandemic. To show them the appreciation they more than deserve, some states are giving teachers a fourth boost.
- florida
in florida, teachers will receive a $1,000 bonus, although some of the details of who qualifies are up in the air. if you’re a teacher in the sunshine state, check with your district to see if you can participate in this.15
- georgia
georgia is extending the $1,000 bonus to both full-time teachers and administrators. part-time teachers will continue to receive a $500 bonus, and there is even a plan to give pre-K teachers a bonus.16
- michigan
In early 2021, Michigan used a grant to pay $500 bonuses to its teachers and $250 to school support staff. however, it is not yet known if they will give another bonus.17
- tennessee
Our very own Tennessee is giving full-time teachers $1,000 and part-time teachers $500 to thank them for their hard work.18
- texas
Now, nothing has happened statewide yet, but some districts in the Lone Star State are awarding their own bonds. districts are giving away things like 2% to 4% raises, a $500 bonus, and even a $2,000 incentive for some teachers to return to the classroom.19
which cities are giving out the fourth stimulus check?
That’s right, cities are now getting in on the stimulus check action too (it was just a matter of time, right?). see if your city is on the list:
- chicago
Low-income residents of the Windy City have received random stimulus checks. you read right. chicago will give $500 checks to 5,000 people each month through 2022. they will be randomly selected for this stimulus lottery.20
- the Angels
Like Chicago, Los Angeles provides payments to low-income residents for one year. his program, called big:leap, will give 3,200 randomly chosen people $1,000 each month.21
- pittsburgh
pittsburgh’s program is called the assured cash experiment, and it gives $500 each month to 200 low-income residents, for two years. the program will spend $2.5 million in low-income zip codes.22
- santa ana
The nearby residents of the are receiving a stimulus program of their own called revive santa ana resident stimulus program. will deliver $6 million to neighborhoods below the poverty level in santa ana. the $300 payments will be loaded onto prepaid debit cards and delivered door-to-door to some 20,000 residents.23
- seattle
seattle has one of the most generous payouts on the list. the seattle relief fund is a $16 million program that provides payments of $1,000-3,000 to low-income residents of the emerald city.24
will there be another stimulus check from the federal government?
Most people agree that getting another big stimulus check from the federal government is a long shot right now. Still, some lawmakers are still pushing for another stimulus check to help Americans struggling to rebuild from Covid-19 and its economic impact. and with the delta and omicron variants, would another stimulus check happen for everyone? you never know only time will tell, really. A lot of people didn’t think we’d see a third stimulus check either, but it happened.
With the economy and jobs on the rise, the need for a stimulus check is much less than it has been since the start of the pandemic. Not to mention that many people have been getting extra money each month from the child tax credit. Add all of that up and it’s easy to see there might not be another stimulus check. but if there is one, don’t worry, we’ll let you know.
how have americans spent their stimulus checks?
There have been three, count ’em, three far-reaching stimulus checks from the government since the pandemic hit. and now that a fair amount of time has passed since the first one was handed out, we’re starting to see how people spent that money. our study of the state of personal finances found that of those who received a stimulus check:
- 41% used it to pay for necessities like food and bills
- 38% saved the money
- 11% spent it on things that weren’t considered necessities
- 5% invested the money
And on top of that, here’s some good news: Census Bureau data shows that food shortages are down 40% and financial instability is down 45% after the last two paychecks. stimulus.25 that’s a big deal. but the question here is: if people are better off now, will they be more likely to manage their money to make sure things stay that way?
don’t wait for a fourth stimulus check to take control of your money
Getting some extra cash when you’re in a tight spot can feel like a breath of fresh air, but don’t rely on a stimulus like your money plan. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again and again (as many times as it takes): don’t wait for the government to take care of you. is never a good bet.
And truth be told, you’ll be waiting a long time. Sure, a fourth stimulus check can help you, but it won’t be your lifeline. If you really want to take control of your money, you need a proven plan that you’re in charge of.
Look, the stimulus checks are only going to keep you afloat for so long. But knowing how to budget, save, and manage your money for the long term will help you go from simply surviving to thriving. and we know what you need to get you there.
When you budget with every dollar, you’re more likely to stay on top of your spending and move toward your money goals. make your money work for you and start creating the life you want, without waiting for the government. start free budgeting with every dollar today!