As household costs remain elevated across much of the country, several states are issuing direct payments to eligible residents this week, with some deposits and mailed checks scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.
The payments are part of state-level relief efforts — including tax rebates, permanent dividend programs and targeted income supports — and are not connected to any new federal stimulus legislation.
Here’s what to know about the payments being distributed and who may qualify.
These Are State Payments — Not Federal Stimulus Checks
No new nationwide stimulus checks have been approved by Congress for 2026. The latest round of federal Economic Impact Payments concluded during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
The current payments going out this week are funded and administered by individual states using budget surpluses, natural resource revenues, or tax credit programs.
Officials in multiple states say the goal is to provide targeted financial relief amid ongoing economic pressures, including housing, healthcare and food costs.
What Payments Are Going Out on Feb. 25?
While distribution schedules vary by state, several types of programs commonly send funds around this time of year:
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Eligible residents of Alaska receive annual payments from the state’s oil revenue investment fund.
The dividend is not income-based but requires:
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Full-year residency
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Intent to remain in the state
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No disqualifying criminal convictions
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Timely application during the annual filing period
PFD disbursements are often staggered throughout the winter months, and some approved applicants may see deposits around Feb. 25.
State Tax Rebates and Surplus Refunds
States including New Mexico, Montana and Oregon have implemented rebate or refund programs in recent years tied to:
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State budget surpluses
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Inflation relief initiatives
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Energy cost assistance
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Property tax rebates
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Low-income tax credits
In many cases, payments are automatically issued to residents who filed state income tax returns and meet income thresholds.
Depending on processing cycles, some eligible residents may receive deposits this week.
Targeted Assistance Programs
Several states and local jurisdictions also operate limited pilot programs offering guaranteed income payments or one-time assistance checks to specific groups, such as:
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Low-income families
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Seniors on fixed incomes
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Residents facing energy hardship
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Households with dependent children
Eligibility requirements vary widely and typically include income caps and proof of residency.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility depends entirely on the state and program. However, common requirements include:
Residency
Applicants must generally be legal residents of the issuing state for a specified period.
Income Limits
Many rebate and relief programs restrict eligibility to low- and middle-income households.
Tax Filing
Several programs require a recent state income tax return on file to determine eligibility and payment method.
Application Requirements
Some programs require proactive applications, while others are automatic for qualifying taxpayers.
Residents are encouraged to verify eligibility directly through their state’s official revenue or taxation department website.
How Payments Are Delivered
States typically distribute funds through:
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Direct deposit to the bank account used for tax filing
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Paper checks sent by mail
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Prepaid debit cards in certain programs
Processing times may vary, and mailed payments can take longer to arrive.
Officials caution residents to be wary of scams claiming to offer federal stimulus payments. Any legitimate state program will provide information through official government channels.
Why States Are Sending Payments Now
Many states experienced revenue surpluses following strong tax collections and federal pandemic relief funding in previous years. Legislatures in some states opted to return a portion of surplus funds directly to residents.
Other programs — such as Alaska’s dividend — are longstanding and tied to natural resource investment returns rather than temporary economic conditions.
The Bottom Line
Several states are distributing local stimulus-style payments around Wednesday, Feb. 25, but eligibility varies by location and program.
These are state-funded initiatives — not federal stimulus checks — and residents should consult their state’s official websites for specific details.
For individuals unsure about eligibility, checking recent state tax filings and official announcements is the most reliable way to confirm whether a payment is expected.
