Are We Getting A 4th Stimulus Check?

Every time a stimulus check is sent out, there seems to be a five-second gap before the question “So, will there be another stimulus check?” is raised. (Recall that the third stimulus check was distributed in March 2021.) We have the answer for everybody who has been wondering whether a fourth stimulus would occur: Sort of, yes. It is true that a fourth stimulus check is being issued, but only to residents of specific states in the United States.

You may be saying to yourself right now, “Wait.” What? Really?

Yes, it is true. Let’s explore this subject from coast to coast, layer by layer.

Do Fourth Stimulus Checks Actually Exist?

They are, but unlike the other three stimulus checks, they are not coming from the federal government. This time, everything is based on the state in which you reside. That’s true, the recipients of the fourth stimulus check are now at the state and local government levels.

All 50 states received $195 billion when the American Rescue Plan first started, with a minimum of $500 million going to each state to support local economic recovery.1 What a large sum of money. The caveat is that they don’t have to use that money indefinitely. By the end of 2024, the states must decide how they will utilize the funds, and they have until the end of 2026 to do it. Although such deadlines may seem quite far off, time is actually running out.

In which states is a fourth stimulus check being distributed?

The problem is that all 50 states have access to this funding, but they must first decide how they will use it. These are the states that have developed a strategy so far for using the funds as a fourth stimulus check.

Fourth Stimulus Checks Are Distributed to Selected Groups

The fourth stimulus checks are being distributed to particular demographic groups by some states by dipping into the large sum of money that the federal government handed them. Each state’s qualifications appear to be different, although they all appear to share a few characteristics, such as meeting specific income limits or suffering through a difficult time.

Arizona

When it comes to stimulus checks, the Grand Canyon State has a different perspective; they only provide them to persons who are returning to the workforce. The Back to Work Program in Arizona offers $2,000 to people who find jobs after receiving unemployment benefits. However, before you may receive the benefit, you must work at your new job for at least eight weeks.

California

The Golden State is the only state on the list that distributes stimulus payments that resemble those issued by the federal government. Here is how their figures are organized: As part of the Golden State Stimulus I, Californians making $75,000 or less received a one-time check for $600 or $1,200.4 Additionally, they may be qualified for a second stimulus payment under the Golden State Stimulus II, which could range from $500 to $1,100.5 Additionally, the state provided additional funds through the Young Child Tax Credit to parents of children who are 6 years old or younger.

Colorado

These people made the decision to refocus their efforts on distributing their stimulus checks to the unemployed. People who have received at least one unemployment check between March 15, 2020, and October 24, 2020, were sent $375.

Maine

Maine is providing “disaster relief” payments up in the northeastern region of the nation. These $285 checks are being distributed as a token of appreciation to those who were employed during the outbreak.

And in order to counteract the consequences of inflation, Maine said in April 2022 that it will deliver $850 relief payments to around 858,000 of its inhabitants. The checks will begin to be mailed out in June 2022 and will be paid for by the state’s budget surplus.

Maryland

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

Missouri

Attention Missouri residents who work in mental health facilities, nursing homes, or correctional facilities (often known as jails or prisons). To honor them for their service during the pandemic, the state is adding $250 to each of their paychecks.

North Mexico

$5 million will be distributed to residents of the Land of Enchantment who weren’t eligible for the government stimulus program. Lower-income New Mexicans will be given a one-time payment of $750.

New York

Workers who lost their jobs or income due to the COVID-19 outbreak but did not meet the requirements for assistance such as unemployment benefits or stimulus funds are receiving one-time jobless benefits of $3,200 to $15,600 through a program in New York state called the Excluded Workers Fund.

Vermont

Frontline employees who served during the early months of the pandemic received payouts between $1,200 and $2,000 from the Vermont Frontline Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program. Workers who received checks had a variety of jobs, including janitors, health care providers, and employees in the supermarket and retail industries.

Teachers Received 4th Stimulus Checks

Other states’ fourth stimulus payments are now being rebranded as teacher bonuses. It is no secret that teachers are the unsung heroes of our society, and they have endured extreme hardships as a result of the pandemic. Some states are providing teachers with a fourth incentive to show them the gratitude they more than deserve.

Florida

In Florida, instructors will receive a $1,000 incentive, though it is unclear exactly who will be eligible. Ask your district if you’re a teacher in Florida if you want to participate in this.

Georgia

The $1,000 bonus is being offered by Georgia to both full-time administrators and instructors. There is also a plan in place to pay a bonus to pre-K teachers. Part-time instructors will still receive a bonus of $500.

Michigan

Michigan used a grant earlier in 2021 to provide its teachers and school support personnel bonuses totaling $500 and $250, respectively. However, it is unknown at this time if they would award yet another incentive.

Tennessee

Tennessee, where I live, is rewarding full-time educators with $1,000 and part-time educators with $500 for their efforts.

Texas

In the Lone Star State, certain districts are currently awarding their own bonuses, however nothing has occurred statewide as of yet. For some teachers to return to the classroom, districts are offering incentives like 2-4% raises, a $500 bonus, and even a $2,000 incentive.

In which cities are 4th Stimulus Checks distributed?

Yes, cities are now participating in the stimulus check action as well (it was only a matter of time, right?). Check to see whether your community was included on the list:

Chicago

Random stimulus checks have been distributed to low-income Chicago residents. You read correctly. Chicago will provide $500 checks to 5,000 individuals each month in 2022. For this stimulation lottery, a random selection will be made from them.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is providing low-income households with money for a year, similar to Chicago. 3,200 randomly selected participants in their BIG:LEAP initiative will get $1,000 each month.

Pittsburgh

The Assured Cash Experiment initiative in Pittsburgh provides 200 low-income residents with $500 each month for two years. The program will invest $2.5 million in zip codes with lower incomes.

Ana Santa

The Revive Santa Ana Resident Stimulus initiative is a separate stimulus initiative for LA’s nearby communities. It will distribute $6 million to Santa Ana neighborhoods that are considered to be below the poverty line. About 20,000 residents will receive $300 placed into prepaid debit cards that will be distributed door to door.

Seattle

One of the list’s more lucrative payments is in Seattle. Low-income Emerald City residents can receive payments ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 thanks to the $16 million Seattle Relief Fund initiative.

Will the federal government issue another stimulus check?

The majority of respondents concur that getting another sizable stimulus payout from the federal government is currently unlikely. Nevertheless, some senators continue to call for another stimulus payment to aid Americans who are trying to rebuild as a result of COVID-19 and its effects on the economy. And would another stimulation check occur for everyone now that the Delta and Omicron varieties are available? You can’t be sure. Really, only time will tell. Many people also didn’t think we’d get a third stimulus check, but we did.

The need for a stimulus check is much less urgent now than it has been since the pandemic began, as both the economy and employment are on the rise. Not to mention that many people have been receiving more monthly income thanks to the Child Tax Credit. It’s simple to understand that there might not be another stimulus check once you add it all up. But don’t worry, if there is, we’ll let you know.

What Did Americans Do With Their Stimulus Money?

Since the pandemic began, there have been three—count ’em—three—wide-ranging government stimulus checks. And we’re starting to see how people used that money now that a significant amount of time has passed since they distributed the first one. According to our State of Personal Finance report, those who received a stimulus check:

41% used it to pay for bills and essentials like food.

38% saved some cash

11% of it was spent on non-essential items.

5% was put to work.

And here’s some additional good news: According to Census Bureau data, after the past two stimulus checks, food shortages decreased by 40% and financial instability decreased by 45%.25 That is significant. However, if people are currently in a better position, will they be more motivated to manage their finances to ensure that things stay that way?

Take charge of your finances now; don’t wait for a fourth stimulus payment.

When you’re in a tight place, having some additional cash in your possession can feel like a breath of fresh air, but you shouldn’t rely on a stimulant as your financial strategy. Do not wait for the government to take care of you; we have said it before and will say it again and again (as necessary). It is never a wise wager.

And to be honest, you’ll spend a lot of time waiting. A fourth stimulus check can certainly be helpful, but it won’t be your only option. You need a workable plan that you are in command of if you are serious about taking control of your finances.

Look, you can only survive on stimulus checks for so long. Nevertheless, developing long-term financial management skills will enable you to go from merely surviving to thriving. And we know exactly what you need to do to get there.

When you create a budget, you’re more likely to monitor your spending and move closer to your financial objectives. Start building the life you want by putting your money to work for you instead of waiting for the government. Create a budget right away for free!