While we all know about the $1,400 stimulus check given out by the IRS, there have been various stimulus programs at the state levels in recent years. The information about California, Michigan, and New York sending $500 stimulus checks in 2025 requires careful examination. There are some individual programs and proposals for continuous support such as stimulus programs currently going on in these states.
Stimulus programs in California, Michigan, and New York
California
California has offered several stimulus programs to residents. There is no one-size-fits-all $500 stimulus check for every Californian, but some cities and counties have created guaranteed basic income (GBI) programs that offer monthly payments to qualifying residents.
- Long Beach: The city provides the Long Beach Pledge Programme, which gives out $500 monthly stimulus checks to about 200 low-income families with children. Payments began in Spring 2024 and are expected to run until Spring 2025.
- Mountain View: The Elevate MV program gives out stimulus grants of $500 to about 166 low-income parents. Payments began in December 2022 and are expected to last until December 2025.
- Sonoma County: The Pathway to Income Equity program provides $500 monthly stimulus checks to about 305 low-income families. Payments began in January 2023 and will continue through January 2025.
- Fresno: A stimulus check program provides $500 a month to low-income families with young children, but it is limited to specific areas such as ZIP codes 93706 and 93234. The final payment will be issued in July 2025.
- Statewide Stimulus Programs: California has already issued the Golden State Stimulus, which paid citizens $600-$1200 based on 2020 tax returns6. This is not a stimulus available in 2025.
Eligibility for California Stimulus Check
To qualify for the California stimulus check in 2025, applicants must have been a resident of California for the majority of 2024 and 2025.
Michigan
Michigan also has programs with the purpose of giving money to its citizens4. These, similar to the Californian ones, are more specific than a stimulus check in general.
- Ann Arbor: This city gives Ann Arbor stimulus checks of $528 monthly to approximately 100 low-income business owners. It began in January 2024 and will continue until December 2025.
- Flint: The Rx Kids program offers approximately 1,200 new and pregnant mothers a flat payment of $1,500 plus $500 monthly stipends. The stipends began in January 2024 and will run through Spring 2025.
- Michigan Tax Credit Checks: The state has been making tax credit checks, averaging $550 per household, as a consequence of the expansion of Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families. They are 2022 tax-year payments and are not a new stimulus program in 2025.
New York
Though not a reality yet, but Gov. Kathy Hochul has put forth one-time payments of $500 to assist residents in fighting the increasing cost of goods and services. The bill is still moving towards approval, but the thought is to assist 8.6 million New Yorkers if it gets passed by Congress.
How to claim potential stimulus payments
If you feel that you qualify for any of these state or local programs, the following are general steps to follow:
- Check eligibility: Visit the official website of the specific program in your area to review the eligibility criteria.
- Gather required documents: Typically, you will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement), income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns), and identification (driver’s license, state ID).
- Submit your application: Applications are usually submitted online through the program’s official portal. Ensure you double-check your information before submitting to avoid delays.
- Wait for notification: Once you are selected, you will receive a notice informing you of how and when you will be paid. There are some programs that have a lottery system if numerous applications leave them with more than they can accommodate.
There are no state-wide $500 stimulus checks in California, Michigan, and New York, this year although with New York being the only possible exception with their bill still yet to scale through Congress. But there are some targeted initiatives in certain counties and cities providing funds for residents in certain regions. These initiatives aim to cut costs and provide steady support to individuals and families in need. If you reside in the mentioned areas, it is advisable to research the specific eligibility criteria and application process for these programs to determine if you are included.
Read more: What is the Trump Account for children? How much can family put into the account?
