Across the United States, millions of residents may soon see extra money arrive in their bank accounts as several states roll out tax rebates, relief payments, and credits often described as “stimulus checks.” While the federal government has not approved a new nationwide stimulus program in 2026, multiple states are continuing to distribute financial assistance through their own programs funded by budget surpluses or targeted tax credits.
For some eligible residents, payments or tax refunds could begin arriving around Wednesday, March 18, 2026, depending on when their state processes refunds or sends scheduled benefits.
Although these payments are sometimes referred to as stimulus checks, most are actually state tax refunds, rebates, or benefit programs designed to ease the financial burden of rising living costs. Programs vary widely from state to state, with some offering small automatic refunds while others provide thousands of dollars in housing or tax relief.
Below is a closer look at several states currently offering payments and who may qualify.
Why States Are Sending “Stimulus-Like” Payments
The large stimulus checks many Americans remember were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those payments were approved by Congress and distributed nationwide through the federal government.
In 2026, the situation is different. The federal stimulus programs have ended, but several states have accumulated strong tax revenues and budget surpluses in recent years. Some state lawmakers decided to return part of that money to residents through rebates or expanded tax credits.
These programs aim to help families deal with inflation, housing costs, and rising everyday expenses. Because the payments are administered by individual states, eligibility rules and payment dates vary widely.
In many cases, residents do not need to apply separately for the payments if they have already filed their state tax returns. Others require applications through state benefit programs.
State Relief Payments: Overview
The table below summarizes some of the most notable state programs offering payments or tax relief in 2026.
| State | Program | Who Qualifies | Estimated Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | TABOR Refund | Residents who filed a state tax return | $19–$59 for single filers, up to $118 for couples |
| Michigan | Working Families Tax Credit | Workers eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit | Around $550 on average |
| Pennsylvania | Property Tax/Rent Rebate | Seniors, widows/widowers, people with disabilities | Up to $1,000 |
| New Jersey | Property Tax Relief Programs | Homeowners meeting income requirements | Up to $6,500 combined relief |
| Oregon | “Kicker” Tax Credit | Residents filing state tax returns | Varies depending on income |
| New York | Child and property tax credits | Families and homeowners | Hundreds of dollars depending on eligibility |
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend | Residents meeting state residency requirements | About $1,000 |
While payment amounts vary significantly, these programs collectively represent billions of dollars in relief being returned to taxpayers across the country.
Colorado: Automatic Refunds Under TABOR
One of the most widely discussed programs comes from Colorado. The state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires the government to return excess tax revenue to taxpayers whenever state collections exceed certain limits.
Because of this rule, Colorado residents regularly receive refunds during years when tax revenue is higher than expected.
For the current refund cycle, eligible taxpayers may receive modest payments.
Estimated refund amounts include:
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Around $19 to $59 for single filers
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Up to $118 for married couples filing jointly
These payments are typically processed automatically for residents who file their state tax returns.
While the amounts are relatively small compared with previous federal stimulus checks, the refunds are guaranteed by Colorado’s fiscal rules whenever surplus revenue occurs.
Michigan: Expanded Working Families Tax Credit
Michigan has expanded its Working Families Tax Credit, increasing the amount of money eligible residents can receive when filing their taxes.
The credit is tied to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which supports low- and moderate-income workers.
By increasing the value of this credit, Michigan lawmakers aimed to provide additional financial support to working families struggling with inflation.
Many households will receive the credit as part of their state tax refund.
Typical payments include:
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Around $550 on average
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Some families receiving $800 or more
Because the credit is processed through the state tax system, the exact payment date depends on when taxpayers submit their returns and when the state processes them.
Pennsylvania: Housing Relief for Seniors
Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides financial support to older residents and individuals with disabilities who face rising housing costs.
The program has been expanded in recent years, allowing more residents to qualify and increasing the size of the rebates.
Eligible recipients include:
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Adults 65 years and older
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Widows or widowers 50 years and older
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Individuals with disabilities aged 18 or older
Payments can reach up to $1,000, depending on income levels and housing expenses.
These rebates help offset property taxes or rent costs and are particularly important for residents living on fixed incomes.
New Jersey: Large Property Tax Relief Programs
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the United States, prompting the state to create multiple relief programs for homeowners.
Programs include:
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ANCHOR property tax relief
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Senior Freeze
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Stay NJ
Under recent changes, residents can apply for several programs through a single application.
Depending on eligibility and income limits, some homeowners could receive up to $6,500 in combined property tax relief.
Payments may arrive through direct deposit or mailed checks once the state processes applications.
Oregon: Unique “Kicker” Tax Refund System
Oregon operates one of the most unusual tax refund programs in the country.
Under the state’s “kicker” law, taxpayers receive refunds whenever state revenue exceeds official forecasts by a large margin.
Instead of sending separate checks, Oregon typically provides the refund as a tax credit applied to residents’ tax returns.
This credit can either:
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Increase the taxpayer’s refund
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Reduce the amount of taxes owed
Because the kicker is tied to the tax filing process, payment timing varies depending on when each resident files their return.
New York: Credits for Families and Homeowners
New York previously issued one-time inflation relief checks, but those payments have largely ended.
However, residents can still receive financial support through several tax credit programs.
Two major programs include:
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Empire State Child Credit, which provides financial assistance to families with children
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STAR property tax relief, which helps homeowners reduce property tax costs
Depending on eligibility, these programs can provide hundreds of dollars in tax savings.
Although these credits are not traditional stimulus checks, they still provide meaningful financial relief for households across the state.
Alaska: Annual Dividend Payments
Alaska residents are also receiving payments through the state’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program.
The program distributes a portion of the state’s oil revenue to residents each year.
For the current cycle, payments are estimated at about $1,000 per eligible resident.
To qualify, residents must meet strict residency requirements and apply through the state program.
Because of its long history and relatively large payments, the Permanent Fund Dividend is often considered one of the most recognizable state payment programs in the country.
When Payments May Arrive
Unlike federal stimulus payments, which were sent to millions of Americans at the same time, state payments follow different timelines.
Payment timing depends on several factors:
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When residents file their tax returns
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Processing speed of state tax agencies
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Whether the payment is sent by direct deposit or mail
For many residents who filed early tax returns, refunds or credits could begin appearing around mid-March, including Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Others may receive payments later in the spring or summer.
The Bottom Line
Although headlines frequently mention new “stimulus checks,” there is no nationwide federal stimulus payment scheduled for 2026.
Instead, several states are distributing tax rebates, credits, and relief payments through their own programs.
Depending on where they live and their eligibility, residents could receive payments ranging from tens of dollars to several thousand dollars.
For many Americans dealing with rising living costs, these state programs provide valuable financial relief — even if they are smaller than the federal stimulus checks issued during the pandemic.
