Six U.S. states distribute stimulus checks: you only need to meet one requirement

Families are being hurt more and more by inflation, so six U.S. states have started giving out stimulus checks and tax refunds. With the Stimulus Check program, people can get direct financial help to cover basic costs like housing, food, and medical care. This is especially helpful for people with low or moderate incomes.

The U.S. government sometimes starts economic aid programs that are only for certain states and not for the whole country. This year, the Stimulus Check program has put in place specific aids to help low-income households in different parts of the country deal with the effects of inflation.

Stimulus checks for residents of six states: how to qualify

The cost of basic goods and services has gone up because of inflation. These stimulus checks are meant to help families by easing their financial stress before the end of 2024. The Basic Income Program (GBI) is one way the government is trying to help people whose finances have been hurt by the pandemic and rising prices.

This program is an important part of the Stimulus Check initiative because it helps families consistently even when the economy changes. A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of less than 2.5% is what the GBI wants to achieve in order to meet basic needs like

• Economic support in times of financial stress
• Stability for the most vulnerable sectors
• Assistance with essential expenses
• Support for local and state economic recovery

Alongside combating inflation, the program seeks to facilitate access to essential services and enable families to maintain a decent standard of living despite economic challenges.

What stimulus checks cover

The purpose of these aids is to provide funds to cover basic expenses. These include:

• Inflation relief: The cost of basic goods has increased significantly. The Stimulus Check enables families to keep up with these expenses without compromising their financial stability.
• Essential expenses: Funds can be used to cover necessities such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation.
• Medical expenses: Inflation has also driven up medical costs, so these aids are intended to help families manage these increases.

States distributing stimulus checks in 2024

Six states have begun distributing these checks in October 2024, each with specific aid programs. Here’s a look at which states are providing support:

• Alaska: Alaska residents receive a payment of $650 through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), a program that shares profits generated by the state’s natural resources. Payments were sent in September via direct deposit, and paper checks began processing in October.
• California: Through its Middle-Class Tax Refund, Californians earning less than $75,000 a year receive a payment of $350. Households with dependents may qualify for a higher amount. Payments are issued via debit card or direct deposit.
• Idaho: Idaho’s tax rebates provide $300 to individuals and $600 to couples filing jointly. These payments began rolling out in September and will be distributed in stages through December.
• Rhode Island: This state offers a $250 rebate per child, up to a maximum of three children per household. Payments will be processed throughout October.
• South Carolina: The state allocated $1 billion to deliver payments of $800 to its citizens. Most of these payments will be made in October, although some will extend through the end of the year.
• Virginia: In this case, individual residents receive $250, while couples filing jointly receive $500. Payments will be made by both direct deposit and paper check before the end of October.

Local aid programs

Some communities in the area have created their own programs to help the economy. These aids are not as well known, but they try to help directly in certain areas. Here are some examples:

• Ann Arbor: In this community, $528 is being distributed in the form of gift cards to cover food, rent, or utilities. This support is directed at 100 residents, with a particular focus on small business owners.
• Fresno County: In Fresno, an annual program awards $500 to 150 residents with the goal of stimulating the local economy and supporting vulnerable sectors.