As January 2026 comes to a close, many Americans are watching their bank accounts closely, searching for signs of additional financial relief. While no new federal stimulus check has been approved for Jan. 28, 2026, residents in several states may still receive state-issued payments around that time through rebates, refunds, and long-standing benefit programs.
Often described online as “stimulus checks,” these payments are not part of a nationwide federal program. Instead, they reflect state-level decisions, including the return of budget surpluses, property tax relief initiatives, and constitutionally required refunds.
No Federal Stimulus Check on Jan. 28
Despite persistent rumors circulating on social media, Congress has not authorized a new round of federal stimulus payments, and the IRS is not issuing nationwide checks tied to Jan. 28. Any deposits or mailed checks arriving near that date are coming from state governments, not the federal government.
“These programs can feel like stimulus checks because they put money directly into people’s hands,” economists note. “But they are legally distinct from federal relief and are based on state-specific rules.”
States Sending Payments Around Late January 2026
Below is a breakdown of states where eligible residents may receive payments in late January or early February, depending on processing timelines and individual eligibility.
Colorado: TABOR Refunds
Colorado residents may receive refunds through the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional provision that requires the state to return excess revenue to taxpayers when collections exceed set limits.
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Who qualifies: Full-year Colorado residents who filed a state income tax return
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How much: Refund amounts vary by filing status and income, with some exceeding $1,000
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How payments are sent: Direct deposit or mailed checks
TABOR refunds are issued automatically to eligible filers, meaning no additional application is required beyond filing a tax return.
New Jersey: Property Tax Relief Programs
New Jersey continues to issue payments under several property tax relief initiatives, which function much like direct stimulus payments for eligible residents.
ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters)
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Provides payments to qualifying homeowners and renters based on income and residency
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Benefits range from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000
StayNJ and Senior Freeze
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Designed to help older residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes
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Payments are delivered as reimbursements or tax credits
Residents who met application deadlines in 2025 may see payments processed into late January or early 2026.
Pennsylvania: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Pennsylvania’s long-running Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program continues to provide targeted relief to vulnerable populations.
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Eligible groups include:
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Seniors age 65 and older
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Widows and widowers age 50 and older
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Adults with disabilities
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Income limits apply, and benefits are not automatic
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Payment amount: Rebates can reach $1,000 or more, depending on income and housing costs
Late or supplemental payments may continue into early 2026.
New York: Inflation Relief Refunds
Under its state budget, New York approved inflation relief refunds aimed at helping residents offset rising costs.
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Who qualifies: Residents who filed a prior-year state tax return and meet income thresholds
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How much: Typically a few hundred dollars for single filers, with higher amounts for joint filers
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Timing: While many payments were issued in 2025, additional batches may extend into early 2026
Eligible residents in New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany may see payments arrive around late January.
Alaska: Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) remains one of the most well-known state payments in the country.
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Who qualifies: Residents meeting residency and application requirements
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Funding source: Oil revenues and state investments
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Timing: Late or supplemental payments may continue into early 2026
Although not new, the PFD continues to provide annual financial support to eligible Alaskans.
Other States: What to Know
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California: While no new universal stimulus check is planned, some residents may receive tax refunds, earned income tax credits, or climate-related rebates depending on filing timelines.
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Florida: With no state income tax, Florida does not issue statewide stimulus payments, though residents may receive local assistance or disaster-related aid.
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Texas: Texas also lacks a statewide stimulus program, but some city- and county-level relief programs may issue payments into early 2026.
Why These Payments Matter
Unlike pandemic-era federal stimulus checks, these payments are:
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Targeted, not universal
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Often based on income, age, residency, or tax filings
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Funded through state surpluses or constitutionally required refunds
For households facing higher housing, food, and utility costs, even a few hundred dollars can provide meaningful short-term relief.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Residents who believe they may qualify should:
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Visit their state department of revenue or taxation website
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Review program eligibility requirements
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Check payment status using official online tools
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Ensure mailing addresses and bank information are current
Bottom Line
While Jan. 28, 2026 will not bring a new federal stimulus check, thousands of Americans may still receive state-issued relief payments in late January or early February. These payments reflect state-level efforts to return surplus funds, reduce tax burdens, and support residents most affected by inflation.
Understanding which program applies — and ensuring all required paperwork has been filed — is key to receiving any payment.
This article is intended for informational purposes and reflects state programs in effect as of early 2026.
