Fourth Stimulus Check Update: Millions Of People Can Get New Payments, Who's Eligible

Millions of Americans could be eligible for a wide variety of stimulus check payments in the next few weeks, not only from payments through individual states but also through the federal government.

Many states have sent out stimulus checks of varying amounts in recent months in an attempt to combat inflation, using surplus funds from state budgets to send out payments to a wide variety of residents. Most recently, California began sending out Middle Class Tax Refunds of up to $1,050 to residents. The first batch of checks went out on Oct. 7, and the rest are expected to be distributed between Oct. 28 and Nov. 14.

The checks were being distributed to families in an attempt to help families who were behind on rent and utility bills, as well as other expenses that were hurting their wallets.

"We know it's expensive right now, and California is putting money back into your pockets to help. We're sending out refunds worth over a thousand dollars to help families pay for everything from groceries to gas," Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement before initial checks were dispersed.

This comes as Minnesota has also started to send out payments to frontline workers in the state. Those payments of $487.45 were confirmed by Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan on Twitter on Oct. 3.

However, this still isn't the only money that is available, as the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed this week that approximately 10 million Americans may still be eligible to receive money from the federal COVID-19 stimulus checks as well. Those payments of up to $1,400 per person (including applicable dependents) can still be claimed by Nov. 15 if those who are eligible fill out and submit a simplified tax return.

Those who are eligible include those with little to no income and those who are not required to pay taxes.

The new payments come as many are feeling the pain of persistent inflation, which is continuing to affect prices. The Consumer Price Index grew 0.4% in September, despite interest rate hikes that are meant to be helping cool inflation. The Producer Price Index also grew 0.4% in September as well.

Gas prices have also been on the rise again after steadily dropping throughout the summer. While AAA reported an average price of $3.90 a gallon Friday, which was a decrease from one day prior, it was still a jump from a week ago when the average price was $3.89 a gallon. It was also a jump from a month ago when the price had dropped to an average of $3.70 a gallon.

Americans are also expressing conflicting feelings about stimulus checks in light of inflation, with a survey from September showing that 44% blamed government spending (including stimulus checks) as the biggest cause of inflation, but 75% still supported them being given out as a response to inflation.