If you are feeling the pinch of increasing prices at the grocery store or at the gas pump, there may be some good news for your wallet. Federal and state legislation to deliver rebates or stimulus checks directly to Americans has been introduced (and in some cases, already enacted).

Every time a stimulus check is out, there seems to be a five-second pause before someone asks, “So… will there be another stimulus?”. If you have been wondering if a fourth stimulus would occur, we have an answer for you: yes, but it depends. Actually, a fourth stimulus check is being issued—but only to residents of specific states in the U.S.

However, unlike earlier pandemic relief programs, these payments are much more targeted and have much lower cash amounts. That is not because governments have become stingy. Rather, it is about assisting Americans to survive rising prices without exacerbating inflation. So, let’s take a look at this topic from top to bottom, layer by layer.

Is it true that Extra Stimulus Checks are Happening?

They are, but they are not coming from the federal government, as the previous three stimulus payments did. This time, it all comes down to where you live. That is true, an extra stimulus check is an available opportunity depending on your state. However, some of the stimulus payments have already been provided.

When the American Rescue Plan was implemented, states received $195 billion ($500 million minimum for each state) to support their own economic recovery. That is a lot of money, but here’s the catch: they don’t have an infinite amount of time to spend that money. The states must decide how to spend the money by the end of 2024, and then they have until the end of 2026 to do so. Those deadlines may appear to be far away, yet the clock is ticking.

Which States Are Providing A Fourth Stimulus Check?

The thing is, all 50 states have access to this money—they just have to figure out how to spend it first. So far, these are the states that have developed a strategy to use the funds as an extra stimulus check.

Some states are distributing an extra stimulus check to specific categories of people. Each state’s standards appear to be different, although they all seem to have a few things in common, such as falling into particular income levels or experiencing some form of hardship.

Arizona

When it comes to stimulus checks, the Grand Canyon State takes a different approach. The state distributes the money to those who are returning to work. Arizona’s Back to Work Program offered $2,000 to anyone who got a job after being out of work for a while. However, you will need to have worked at your new job for at least eight weeks before receiving the benefit. At this time the application window is closed.

California

The Golden State is the only state on the list that has given out large stimulus checks similar to those of the federal government. Here is how their numbers stack up: As part of the Golden State Stimulus I, Californians earning $75,000 or less received a one-time check for $600 or $1,200.

Individuals also had a chance at another stimulus payment ranging from $500 to $1,100 under the Golden State Stimulus II. This is in addition to the additional funds the state has provided through the Young Child Tax Credit to families with children aged 6 and younger.

New Mexico

A $750 stimulus check was provided to qualifying low-income households. The New Mexico Legislature allocated $5 million for emergency financial help. This fourth round of stimulus funds will not help everyone, but it will assist those in financial need the most.

Colorado

These guys chose to focus their efforts on distributing stimulus money to the unemployed. They distributed $375 to anyone who received at least one unemployment check between March 15, 2020, and October 24, 2020.

Maine

Maine, in the country’s northeastern corner, is distributing “disaster relief” funds. These $285 checks serve as a thank-you to people who worked hard during the pandemic.

Furthermore, on April 20, Governor Janet Mills signed a supplemental budget authorizing direct relief payments of $850 to Maine taxpayers. Full-time residents with a federal adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 ($150,000 for heads of households, $200,000 for married couples filing jointly) are eligible.

The one-time payments, which are funded by the state’s surplus, are set to be mailed beginning June 1. The budget also includes an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefit for Maine residents.

Missouri

Listen up if you live in Missouri and work in a mental health facility, nursing home, or correctional facility. To honor these people for their efforts during the pandemic, the state is providing an additional $250 to those that qualify.

New York

New York state provided one-time unemployment benefits ranging from $3,200 to $15,600 under a program called Excluded Workers Fund. This program aimed to help workers who lost their jobs or income during the pandemic but did not qualify for aid like unemployment benefits or federal stimulus funds.

Florida

The Heroes Initiative in Florida distributed $1,000 stimulus payments to some real heroes. The beneficiaries include paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, teachers, principals, and policemen. Even though this additional round of stimulus payment wasn’t available to everyone, it will benefit those who have helped the country as a whole in times of need.

Tennessee

Tennessee is rewarded full-time teachers with $1,000 and part-time teachers with $500 for their efforts.

Alternative Assistance Options

There are a variety of assistance programs for which you may be eligible. You have two options for reviewing your assistance possibilities. You can either use a free online benefit search tool or search online for available assistance programs in your area. When it comes to assessing potential aid options, Benefits.gov is a terrific place to start.  You can seek federal programs that fit your needs, such as:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
• Unemployment Benefits

Do Not Wait For the 4th Stimulus Check!

When you are in a bind, having some extra cash can feel like a breath of fresh air. Still, you should not rely on it as your primary source of income. And, to be honest, you will be waiting a long time. Sure, a fourth stimulus check can help, but it will not be your lifesaver. If you truly want to regain control of your finances, you must implement a tried-and-true plan that you are in command of.

The stimulus checks will eventually run out. But understanding how to budget, save, and achieve your financial goals is a gift that keeps on giving. And we know exactly how to get you there.

Bottom Line

Pandemic protections are pretty much ended. Many Americans are wondering if there will be any additional assistance, such as the fourth wave of stimulus funds. Even though the federal government is unlikely to provide a fourth wave of stimulus checks, states may still be ready to help.

References:

• A 4th Stimulus Check Is Happening—if You Live in These States | RamseySolutions.com
• Fourth stimulus check latest: What’s behind the push for recurring payments? – CBS News