May 2025 brings positive news for many people in the United States. Although federal stimulus checks are no longer active, several states continue to offer financial assistance that can make a real difference in low-income households.
These state programs are designed to alleviate specific burdens, from housing costs to childcare for young children to the impact of the cost of living in areas with greater hardship. In this list, we review the four states that have active payments this month and tell you what you need to know to access each one.
California: $725 monthly payments
California has one of the most active programs in the country in terms of direct help for families with young children. Through the Sacramento Family First initiative, monthly payments of $725 are made to households that meet certain conditions. The goal is to ease the everyday expenses of those raising young children, a particularly costly stage of life.
This program is not limited to Sacramento, but also applies to specific areas of Fresno, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles, depending on the zip code.
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in one of the eligible areas.
- Have one or more children under the age of five.
- Be below the income threshold defined by the program.
Payments are made monthly by direct deposit for up to 12 months. In addition to covering basic needs, the help seeks to reduce inequality and support family stability.
Pennsylvania: Up to $800 for seniors
In Pennsylvania, seniors and people with disabilities can access financial assistance designed to reduce the burden of property taxes or rent. This is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which offers up to $800 per applicant.
It is aimed at three main groups:
- People over 65.
- Widows or widowers over 50.
- People with disabilities aged 18 and over.
The income limits are strict:
- Up to $35,000 per year for homeowners.
- Up to $15,000 per year for renters.
The check can be requested once a year and represents significant support for those with high fixed expenses and low income. If you meet the requirements, it can be a valuable help in maintaining your household’s financial balance.
Colorado: TABOR refunds of up to $1,600
Colorado continues to distribute payments for the TABOR refund, a measure that returns part of the budget surplus to taxpayers. The amount depends on how the tax return was filed:
- $800 for those who filed individually.
- $1,600 for joint returns.
To get this refund, you must have filed your state tax return for the 2024 tax year. The payment schedule runs from March to June, depending on when your return was processed.
These payments go directly to the taxpayer’s account or by physical check, depending on the preference indicated on the return. This is a one-time help, but it can be useful to cover one-time or unexpected expenses.
Alaska: Annual dividend of $1,702 in May
In Alaska, residents can count on the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) every year. This payment is made as part of the distribution of the state’s oil revenues. In 2025, the approved amount is $1,702 per person.
Requirements include:
- Have been a continuous resident of Alaska for at least one year.
- Not have been out of the state for more than 180 days during the evaluation period.
- Have no history of disqualifying conditions.
This dividend is paid once a year, and many people get it in the spring. Although it is not a monthly check, its arrival in May can be good news for many households that count on this income as part of their annual planning.
Check with your state to see if there is any help available
Although these four states have confirmed programs for May 2025, other jurisdictions may offer additional help in the form of tax credits, refunds, or local subsidies. Checking your state’s official revenue or social services website is the best way to see if any assistance is available to you.
This assistance is not always announced far in advance, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for updates from your state. An extra check can help you cover a bill, make ends meet, or simply give you some financial peace of mind during a difficult time.