Fourth Stimulus Check Update: Which States Are Giving Americans Assistance On Gas, Food, Other Expenses

Americans continue to feel the squeeze of rising prices on everyday essentials, from food in the grocery store to the fuel they put in their cars, but still don’t see any official relief in sight. However, while the federal government seems to be stalled on helping those who are hurting the most, some states are preparing some form of relief for their residents.

While various states have made proposals specifically with rising gas prices in mind, others are enacting stimulus and rebate programs for other reasons—but will still be sending money to residents at a time where they might need it most. Here’s a full list of which states have proposed programs and which are actually providing funds.

California

It appears that as of now, another round of Golden State Stimulus checks isn’t in the works, though Governor Gavin Newsom did say earlier in the year that if the state has a budget surplus, another round of payments could be likely.

In addition, Newsom has proposed a $400 per vehicle credit for state residents (with a cap of two vehicles) to help ease the pain of high gas prices. If legislation for the credit passes, residents would see relief in July, when prices will likely soar again due to summer travel. Currently, Californians are paying the highest prices for gas in the United States on average, with AAA estimating that gas costs an average of $5.86 per gallon in the state. Nationally, the average currently sits at $4.20 per gallon.

Florida

Those who teach in the state of Florida should receive a stimulus check this year of up to $1,000, as Governor Ron Desantis previously hinted at expanding a similar program that already provided checks in 2021. DeSantis also proposed in November that teachers receive a pay raise, with salaries increasing from $40,000 to $47,500.

Georgia

In Georgia, recent legislation allows those who filed a return in both 2020 and 2021 will get a one-time credit, with single filers receiving $250, heads of household receiving $375 and joint filers receiving $500.

Hawaii

Governor David Ige has announced plans to try and give $100 refund checks to taxpayers and each of their dependents.

Idaho

In February, Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 436, which was set to provide tax rebates for all year-long residents of the state. The amount is small, with taxpayers set to receive $75 each plus additional amounts for each dependent or 12% of the amount reported on their 2020 state taxes, which is higher.

Indiana

The state government in Indiana found itself with a high surplus in 2021, and the government is now planning to provide a refund of about $125 to residents as a result. The extra cash is expected to come with tax returns.

Maine

A proposal by Governor Janet Mills will allow relief checks in the state to be increased to $850 total, as a way of combating the increase in prices.

Massachusetts

A $500 payment for essential workers has started to go out in the state of Massachusetts, according to State Senator Pet Jehlen. In a tweet at the end of March, he revealed that the first round of payments would be delivered to 500,000 workers beginning on March 23.

Minnesota

In a proposal to amend the supplemental budget, Governor Tim Walz suggested stimulus check payments up to $1,000 to families ($500 for single filers) in lieu of a waiving of gas taxes this summer, stating that the payment would have a greater benefit to families.

New Mexico

A new bill in the state House is sending a one-time refundable income tax rebate of $500 for joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $250 for single filers with income under $75,000.