May 2025 brings new economic opportunities for many residents of the United States. Although federal stimulus payments are no longer active, several states continue to offer specific stimulus checks to ease the burden on those facing the greatest financial hardship.
Each state sets its own eligibility requirements and amounts, so it’s essential to know which programs are active and whether you qualify. Here’s a look at some of this month’s top state stimulus checks.
Stimulus checks in different states during May 2025
Across the country, some state governments have chosen to maintain their own economic assistance programs. These stimulus checks are primarily targeted at low-income families, seniors, or residents in vulnerable situations. Let’s take a look at which ones are active this month and what conditions apply.
- California. Sacramento Family First. This program offers $725 per month to families with children ages 0 to 5 who live in selected areas of Sacramento, Fresno, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles. To qualify, you must meet income limits and be registered in eligible zip codes. This type of support seeks to ensure a minimum level of stability for households with young children, especially in areas where the cost of living continues to rise.
- Colorado. TABOR Refund. Taxpayers who filed their 2024 state tax return can get a check for $800 (individual) or $1,600 (joint). Payments will be issued between March and June, with no additional application required.
- Alaska. Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Residents who have lived in the state for at least one year and have not been away for more than 180 days can get $1,702. This dividend is funded by oil revenues and is paid once a year.
- Pennsylvania. Property Tax/Rent Rebate. Seniors over 65, widows and widowers over 50, or people with disabilities over 18 can get up to $800 if they meet income limits ($35,000 for homeowners, $15,000 for renters). The application can be submitted online or on paper.
This type of stimulus is designed to ease the financial burden on those who spend a large portion of their income on housing. In many cases, it can provide key support for maintaining household stability, especially among older adults with fixed incomes.
What to do if your state is not on the list?
Although these are the states with the most visible programs in May, there are other jurisdictions that may activate more targeted assistance, such as tax refunds, energy subsidies, or local rebates. We recommend that you:
- Visit your state Department of Revenue website.
- Check with local social assistance offices.
- Review your state tax return to see if you qualify for automatic refunds.
In many cases, state stimulus checks go unclaimed simply because people don’t know about them. Staying informed can help you access unexpected financial support when you need it most. The possibility of getting extra income this month could make a big difference for many families. That’s why it never hurts to check if your state has any active assistance programs you can access.