If you are financially constrained in the U.S., particularly in Alaska or California, you may be qualified to receive one or all of these stimulus checks. In a way, these checks provide a form of financial relief to enable residents to grapple with the high cost of living and economic challenges facing them. In this article, we will be talking about these numerous stimulus programs and their qualifications requirements, along with how to apply for these funds.
Federal stimulus check of $1,400
Of those federal programs, the most notable is the $1,400 stimulus check targeted toward taxpayers who were missed in previous rounds of payments as also detailed here, Could you still be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check – How to apply and when is the deadline. The program is part of a greater initiative being done to make sure that individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return get the money they need.
Qualifying for the $1,400 stimulus check
You can be eligible for the payment by being in the following categories:
- You should have filed a 2021 tax return.
- Your income must be within the federal limits the IRS has set.
- You shouldn’t have already received the Recovery Rebate Credit.
The IRS will notify the eligible taxpayers of their payments. And besides, the payment distribution process is not that complicated so that the eligible persons can get their money without much application formality.
California’s $725 monthly stimulus payment
On top of that federal aid, California has its $725 monthly stimulus check to help families afford the exorbitant cost of living also explained here, The stimulus check of up to $725 being paid in California: You can apply for it starting October 7 with these requirements. The new program started doling out its payment in December 2024 and will continue through November 2025.
Eligibility requirements for the $725 California check
Applicants must satisfy the following qualifications for a monthly stipend:
- Be a California resident for over six months of 2024 and 2025.
- Have filed a 2024 California state income tax return by the end of the filing deadline.
- Meet income limits
- Single filers with an AGI of $75,000 or less
- Joint filers with a combined AGI of $150,000 or less
- The amount received will be phased out based on income and family size. For instance:
- Single filers making up to $50,000, can get $1,200
- Those whose brackets fall within the range 50,001 to 75,000 can take home $80024.
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska also provides financial assistance to its citizens through the Permanent Fund Dividend or PFD. This is a one-time payment of approximately $1,312 to those individuals who are eligible as also stated here, The only state that will send stimulus checks in July: the amounts will reach up to $1,312. The program is funded from the revenue which Alaska raises from oil. The fund caters to low-income families.
Eligibility criteria for Alaska’s PFD
To qualify for this PFD payment, applicants must:
- Be legally recognized Alaska residents for at least a year before applying.
- Not have been out of Alaska for more than 180 days during a calendar year, except when an exemption applies (eg, active military duty).
- Not be under legal disability.
- To apply, an individual will typically submit his/her documents of proof and any other forms required by that state’s government via their web address of the state’s PFD.
Application instructions
These are the application rules for the federal/state payment claims process listed below:
- Federal $1,400 Stimulus Check:
- The applicants must have filed their tax return to the year 2021
- Use IRS tools like “Get My Payment” to check if you qualify
- If you haven’t claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit, file an amended return with Form 1040-X
- To receive California’s Monthly Payment:
- File your 2024 California state tax return by April 15, 2025
- Make sure your bank account information is up to date on your tax return
- Payments will be direct deposited or mailed automatically by check based on your filing information
- Apply for Alaska’s PFD:
- Go to the PFD website to apply online or to check your application status
- Gather necessary documents, including proof of residency and Social Security numbers
- Submit your application by the deadline so it can be processed in time for the next year’s payment
Though it may be very hard to get through financial crises, knowledge of what’s in store can make all the difference. Both Alaska and California have very useful stimulus programs designed to help their residents in need. By fulfilling the requirements and following above application processes, you can avail much-needed financial support in these dire times.
Read more: $3,200 Gas Stimulus Checks: Which states are sending tax rebates up to that amount?
Read more: Electric Vehicle Tax Credit (EVTC) 2024: How much is it, requirements, who qualifies, and how to claim it to the IRS
