Are you wondering about the eligibility requirements for stimulus payments in 2025? With so much information circulating online, it can be challenging to distinguish between past programs and future proposals. Many Americans are asking if more financial relief is on the way. Let’s clarify the current situation and what you need to know about who qualifies for potential payments.
Understanding Stimulus Payments in 2025
First, it is important to understand that as of late 2025, no new federal stimulus checks have been approved by Congress. The discussions you might hear about are primarily proposals for future payments or information about claiming past credits.
The most recent official payments were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS has issued all first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments, and the Get My Payment application is no longer available. Any new, broad-based stimulus would require new legislation to be passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Most eligible individuals already received their Economic Impact Payments during the pandemic period. However, people who missed these payments should review their eligibility to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2020 or 2021.
Eligibility for Unclaimed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
Some individuals recently received payments, but these were not new stimulus checks. They were for people who were eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit but never claimed it.
The IRS issued automatic payments between December 2024 and January 2025 to approximately one million taxpayers who qualified for this credit but did not file a 2021 tax return. The maximum payment was $1,400 per individual. No action was needed for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which were automatically direct deposited or sent by check.
The final deadline to file a tax return to claim this credit was April 15, 2025. That date has now passed, and there are no available extensions. Individuals can view the total amount of their Economic Impact Payments through their IRS Online Account under the Tax Records page.
Proposed Tariff Dividend Payment Eligibility in 2025
A significant proposal generating discussion is the idea of a tariff dividend. Former President Trump has suggested issuing a dividend of around $2,000 per person, funded by revenue from tariffs collected on imported goods.
This proposal would target low- and middle-income individuals while excluding high-income earners. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated this could apply to families earning $100,000 or less per year. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the checks would be constrained to people who need the money.
The administration claims that tariff revenue would fund these payments. As of September 30, the federal government had generated $195 billion in tariff-related revenue. However, if 150 million adults each received $2,000, the cost would approach $300 billion.
It is crucial to note that this remains a proposal and has not been enacted into law. It would likely require congressional approval before any payments could be issued. Trump indicated the payments would not come before the holidays in 2025 but rather sometime in 2026, before the midterm elections.
American Worker Rebate Act: Another Proposal
Another idea that has been floated is the American Worker Rebate Act. This bill, introduced by Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri in late July 2025, proposes a payment of at least $600 for every adult and dependent child.
Under this act, a family of four could receive a payment of $2,400. The eligibility would phase out for married couples with an income over $150,000 per year. The bill aims to soften the financial impact of new tariffs on American families.
This bill faces significant hurdles in Congress. Fellow Republicans in the Senate have expressed less than enthusiastic support, and several economists have voiced concerns about its effectiveness. It represents another potential avenue for stimulus but is far from a certainty and has not yet passed through Congress.
Income Thresholds and What Qualifies as Middle Class
Determining who qualifies often comes down to income. For the proposed tariff dividend, the focus is on the middle class, but what does that mean in practical terms?
Pew Research Center defines the middle-income tier as those earning between two-thirds and double the median household income. In 2024, the median household income was $83,730. This translated to a range of roughly $55,820 to $167,460 for a household to be considered middle class.
Those earning less than $55,820 make up the lower-income bracket, while those earning more than $167,460 make up the upper-income bracket. These figures can vary significantly based on family size and the cost of living in your specific location.
States with higher costs of living often have higher median incomes. For example, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, and California all have median household incomes exceeding $95,000. In contrast, states like Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Mississippi have median incomes below $60,000.
During previous pandemic-era stimulus checks, payments were made available to individuals earning up to $75,000 per year and couples earning up to $150,000. Higher earners were eligible for smaller, phased-out payments.
How to Verify Legitimate Stimulus Information and Avoid Scams
With any discussion of stimulus payments comes the risk of scams. It is crucial to rely only on official sources for information and to be aware of common fraud tactics.
The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email, text message, or social media to request personal or financial information. Official communication almost always begins with a letter sent through the United States Postal Service. Scammers often use fake accounts or links to trick people into sharing sensitive data.
Be wary of any claims of special access or immediate payments. The IRS does not leave threatening, pre-recorded messages or demand immediate payment over the phone. Revenue officers no longer make most unannounced visits to improve safety for both taxpayers and employees.
To verify your tax information or the status of any legitimate payment, create or access your secure Online Account on the official IRS website. This is the safest way to view your Economic Impact Payment amounts and other tax records.
Recurring online claims of specific payment amounts can often be traced back to state-level programs or are outright scam posts. Always verify information through official government channels before taking any action or sharing personal information.
What to Do If You Qualify for Future Stimulus Payments
While no new payments are currently approved, it is wise to be prepared in case legislation passes in the future. Ensure your tax filings are up to date with the IRS, as eligibility for most federal payments is determined based on your most recent tax return.
Also, confirm that the agency has your correct mailing address and direct deposit information on file. This will help you receive any potential future payments quickly and without issues. You can update this information through your IRS Online Account or by filing your annual tax return.
Continue to monitor official government websites, such as those of the IRS and the Department of the Treasury, for any credible announcements regarding stimulus payments. Avoid relying on social media posts or unverified websites, as these are common sources of misinformation.
If you have questions about your eligibility for past stimulus payments or the Recovery Rebate Credit, consider consulting with a qualified tax professional. They can help you determine if you are owed any credits and assist with filing any necessary amended returns.
Remember that any legitimate future stimulus program will be widely announced through official channels. There is no need to rush or respond to unsolicited communications claiming to offer early access to payments.
