4th Stimulus Check Update – These Are the Lucky States

Every time a stimulus check is sent out, there seems to be a five-second wait before someone asks, “So… will there be another stimulus?” (As a reminder, the third stimulus check was distributed in March 2021). If you’ve been wondering if a fourth stimulus would occur, we have an answer for you: sort of. A fourth stimulus check is being issued, but only to residents of specific states in the United States.

You might be thinking right now, “Wait a minute.” What? Really?

They are, but not from the federal government, as the previous three stimulus payments did. It all depends on where you live this time. That’s true, the fourth stimulus check is currently being distributed to some people at the state and local levels.

When the American Rescue Plan was implemented, each of the 50 states received $195 billion ($500 million minimum for each state) to assist fund their own economic recovery.1 That is a lot of money. But here’s the catch: they don’t have indefinite time to spend that money. The states must decide how to spend the money by the end of 2024, and then they have until the end of 2026 to do so.2 Those deadlines may appear to be far away, yet the clock is ticking.

Which states are providing a fourth stimulus check?

The issue is, all 50 states have access to this money—they just have to figure out how to spend it first. So far, these are the states that have devised a strategy to use the funds as a fourth stimulus check.

Targeted Groups Received 4th Stimulus Checks

Some states are dipping into the wad of cash provided by the federal government and distributing fourth stimulus payments to specific categories of people. Each state’s standards appear to be different, although they all appear to have a few elements in common, such as falling into particular income levels or experiencing some form of hardship.

– Arizona

When it comes to stimulus checks, the Grand Canyon State takes a different approach—it gives them to those who are returning to work. Arizona’s Back to Work Program provides $2,000 to persons who find work after being out on unemployment.3 However, you must work at your new job for at least eight weeks before receiving the benefit.

– California

The Golden State is the only state on the list that has issued large, broad-sweeping stimulus cheques similar to those issued by the federal government. Here’s how their figures stack up: As part of the Golden State Stimulus I,4 Californians earning $75,000 or less received a one-time cheque for $600 or $1,200. They may also be eligible for a second stimulus payment ranging from $500 to $1,100 under the Golden State Stimulus II.5 This is in addition to the additional funds provided by the state through the Young Child Tax Credit to families with children aged 6 and under.

– Colorado

These guys chose to refocus their efforts on distributing stimulus money to the unemployed. They distributed $375 to anyone who received at least one unemployment check between March 15, 2020, and October 24, 2020.

– Maine

Maine, in the country’s northeastern corner, is providing “disaster relief” payments. These $285 checks are being distributed as a thank you to people who worked throughout the pandemic.

And, in April 2022, Maine stated that it will deliver $850 relief cheques to around 858,000 of its inhabitants in order to offset the effects of inflation.9 The payments, which will be funded by the state’s budget surplus, will be mailed out beginning in June 2022.

– Maryland

Anyone in Maryland who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2019 taxes is eligible for a stimulus check worth $500 (families) or $300 (individuals).

– Missouri

Listen up if you live in Missouri and work in a mental health facility, nursing home, or correctional facility (often known as a jail or prison). To honor these people for their efforts during the pandemic, the state is providing an additional $250 every salary.

– New Mexico

People who did not qualify for the federal stimulus will receive $5 million in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexicans with modest incomes will get a one-time payment of $750.

– New York

New York state is providing $3,200-15,600 one-time jobless benefits through the Excluded Workers Fund to workers who lost employment or income during the COVID-19 outbreak but did not qualify for aid like as unemployment benefits or stimulus funds.

– Vermont

The Vermont Frontline Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program provided reimbursements ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 to frontline workers who served during the pandemic’s early months.Retail and grocery workers, janitors, and health care workers were among the 14 people who received a payment.

4th Stimulus Checks Given Out to Teachers

Other states’ fourth stimulus payments are taking on a new appearance—as teacher incentives! It’s no secret that teachers are our communities’ unsung heroes, and they’ve been pushed through the ringer throughout the pandemic. Some states are providing a fourth stimulus to show teachers the respect they so well deserve.

– Florida

Teachers in Florida will receive a $1,000 incentive, however key details about who qualifies remain unclear. If you’re a teacher in Florida, check with your school system to determine if you qualify.

– Georgia

The $1,000 bonus is being extended to both full-time teachers and administrators in Georgia. Part-time teachers will still receive a $500 bonus, and there is even a scheme in place to reward pre-K instructors.

– Michigan

Earlier in 2021, Michigan used a grant to award $500 incentives to teachers and $250 bonuses to school support employees. There’s no indication yet on whether they’ll hand out another bonus.

– Tennessee

Tennessee is rewarding full-time teachers with $1,000 and part-time teachers with $500 for their efforts.

– Texas

Although nothing has transpired statewide yet, some districts in Texas are providing their own bonuses. Districts are offering 2-4% raises, a $500 bonus, and even a $2,000 incentive to return to the classroom for select teachers.

Which Cities Are Giving Out 4th Stimulus Checks?

That’s right—cities have joined the stimulus check party (it was only a matter of time, right?). Check to see if your town made the cut:

– Chicago

Randomly selected low-income Chicagoans have received stimulus cheques. You read that correctly. Throughout 2022, Chicago will provide $500 checks to 5,000 people each month. They will be chosen at random for the stimulus lottery.

– Los Angeles

LA, like Chicago, is providing money to low-income households for a year. BIG:LEAP, their program, will award $1,000 to 3,200 persons picked at random each month.

– Pittsburgh

The Assured Cash Experiment in Pittsburgh provides $500 per month to 200 low-income individuals for two years. The program will invest $2.5 million in low-income neighborhoods.

– Santa Ana

The Revive Santa Ana Resident Stimulus initiative is a stimulus initiative for LA’s neighboring communities. It will distribute $6 million to Santa Ana neighborhoods that are below the poverty line. $300 payments will be loaded onto prepaid debit cards and distributed door to door to around 20,000 individuals.

– Seattle

Seattle has one of the highest pay rates on the list. The Seattle Relief Fund is a $16 million initiative that provides low-income citizens of the Emerald City with payouts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

Will There Be Another Stimulus Check From the Federal Government?

At this time, most people believe that another large stimulus package from the federal government is a long shot. Nonetheless, some senators continue to advocate for another stimulus package to assist Americans who are suffering to rebuild as a result of COVID-19 and its economic consequences. And, now that the Delta and Omicron varieties are available, will another stimulation check occur for everyone? You just never know. Really, only time will tell. Many respondents did not expect a third stimulus check, but it did occur.

With the economy and job creation on the rise, the need for a stimulus package is far lower than it has been before the pandemic began. Not to add that many people have received extra money each month from the Child Tax Credit. When you add it all up, it’s simple to see why there might not be another stimulus check. But don’t worry, if there is one, we’ll let you know.

How Have Americans Spent Their Stimulus Checks?

Since the pandemic, the government has issued three, count them three, large-scale stimulus packages. And now that a significant amount of time has passed since the first one, we’re beginning to see how people used that money. According to our State of Personal Finance report, 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 not considered necessities
– 5% invested the money

And on top of that, here’s some good news: Data from the Census Bureau shows that food shortages went down by 40% and financial instability shrank by 45% after the last two stimulus checks.25 That’s a big deal. But the question here is—if people are in a better spot now, will they be more likely to manage their money to make sure things stay that way?

Don’t Wait for a 4th Stimulus Check to Take Control of Your Money

When you’re in a bind, having some extra cash can feel like a breath of fresh air, but don’t rely on it as your primary source of income. We’ve said it before and will say it again (as many times as necessary): don’t wait for the government to take care of you. It’s almost never a good bet.

And, to be honest, you’ll be waiting a long time. Sure, a fourth stimulus check can help, but it won’t be your lifesaver. You need a proven plan that you are in charge of if you truly want to take control of your money.

Stimulus payments can only keep you afloat for so long. However, understanding how to budget, save, and manage your money in the long run will help you go from surviving to flourishing. And we know exactly how to get you there.

When you budget with EveryDollar, you’re more likely to keep track of your spending and move closer to your financial goals. Start putting your money to work for you and start living the life you want—without relying on the government. Begin budgeting for free now with EveryDollar!