In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans received significant financial assistance from the government, aimed at alleviating the economic difficulties stemming from the lockdowns and restrictions. The U.S. Government Pandemic Response Accountability Committee reported that over 476 million economic impact payments, totaling $814 billion, were disbursed between 2020 and 2021 to help households recover.
Though the federal stimulus checks have concluded, several states continue to explore options to provide aid to their residents amid ongoing inflation challenges. In 2025, New York, California, and Colorado have proposed or implemented stimulus checks to support their citizens.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the state’s first-ever Inflation Refund, which was recently approved. This initiative will provide single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 with payments of $300, while joint filers making up to $300,000 could receive $500. The financial relief aims to assist over 8 million residents as inflation continues to impact the cost of living. Checks began mailing in late April 2025 and are expected to extend through May.
California is also joining this effort by approving a new round of stimulus payments up to $725 for qualifying households, determined by income and family size, to help residents cope with rising costs. Eligibility requires beneficiaries to meet specific income thresholds, be legal residents, and not have received aid during earlier phases of the Golden State Stimulus program.
Similarly, in Colorado, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has paved the way for additional financial relief due to the state’s fiscal surplus. Residents can expect payments of up to $800 for single taxpayers and up to $1,600 for married couples filing jointly, subject to their tax compliance and residency status.
These measures reflect a continued commitment by certain states to provide financial relief in challenging economic times, helping residents regain a sense of stability and improve their quality of life despite ongoing concerns about rising costs.