New $500 Stimulus Payments Begin This April: If you’ve been wondering about the new $500 stimulus payments starting in April 2025, you’re not alone. The buzz about these checks has sparked curiosity across the country, with many Americans asking whether they qualify, when they’ll receive the funds, and what exactly these payments are for. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know in simple, clear terms—whether you’re a first-time filer or a tax-season veteran.
Let’s be upfront: there is no newly authorized $500 federal stimulus payment in April 2025. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t money out there for you. Many eligible Americans may still be able to claim previously missed Recovery Rebate Credits, especially from the 2021 stimulus program that included payments of up to $1,400 per person. If you didn’t get the full amount at the time—or didn’t receive anything—you could still claim what you’re owed.
In addition to the federal credit, a number of states are launching or continuing relief programs that mirror the intent of federal stimulus checks, offering financial assistance to eligible residents. These payments range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the state, income level, and other criteria.
New $500 Stimulus Payments Begin This April
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| April 2025 Federal Stimulus | No new federal $500 stimulus; some may qualify for 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit |
| IRS Filing Deadline | April 15, 2025 (for missed 2021 payments) |
| Credit Value | Up to $1,400 per person from 2021’s third stimulus check |
| Income Eligibility | Up to $75,000 (single), $150,000 (joint filers) for full credit |
| State Programs | Some states are issuing separate $500 relief payments |
| IRS Link | irs.gov |
While the $500 stimulus checks in April 2025 are not coming from the federal government, they’re not entirely a myth either. Many Americans still have time to claim up to $1,400 per person from the 2021 stimulus rollout. Others may be eligible for state-level relief programs offering hundreds of dollars in new payments.
The most important thing you can do right now is take action before April 15, 2025. File your 2021 tax return, check for unclaimed credits, and review any benefits your state may be offering. With prices high and budgets tight, every dollar counts.
What Is the $500 Stimulus in April 2025 Really About?
The term “stimulus” often refers to one-time financial aid provided by the federal or state government to assist citizens during periods of economic uncertainty. Although no new federal stimulus checks have been approved in 2025, the IRS recently reminded taxpayers that they can still claim past stimulus payments from 2021—specifically, the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs).
Over 1 million Americans may still be eligible for these funds, according to the IRS. The key is to file your 2021 federal tax return no later than April 15, 2025. The Recovery Rebate Credit is the official name for what’s essentially your last chance to get the full—or remaining portion—of your $1,400 payment.
Many people are seeing refunds of $500 or more, especially if they received a partial payment or were missed completely during the original rollout.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Have been a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
- Not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Possess a valid Social Security Number
- Have filed a 2021 tax return—or be prepared to do so now
Income Limits
You’re eligible for the full credit if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was:
- $75,000 or less for individuals
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
If you earned more than these thresholds, your credit amount phases out. But even partial credits can result in hundreds of dollars in refunds.
Non-Filers Are Still Eligible
Even if you had little or no income in 2021 and weren’t required to file taxes, you may still qualify. This includes:
- Seniors on Social Security
- Veterans
- Low-income families
- College students
The key is to file a 2021 tax return now and claim your credit.
State-Level Stimulus Programs: Are You Eligible?
While federal relief is currently on hold, many states have used budget surpluses or special legislation to issue their own tax refunds, rebates, or cost-of-living adjustments. Some of these programs are still active in 2025.
Examples of State Stimulus Initiatives:
- California: Up to $1,050 in the Middle Class Tax Refund
- Georgia: $250 for individuals, $500 for joint filers
- New Jersey: ANCHOR rebate payments of $1,000 for homeowners
- New Mexico: Rebates of $500–$1,000 based on income
- Minnesota: Proposed $260–$520 checks for middle-income earners
Check your state’s Department of Revenue for official eligibility rules and payment timelines. You may also be required to file your 2021 or 2022 state tax return to qualify.
Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021
New $500 Stimulus Payments Begin This April Filing Instructions:
- Collect Documents:
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
- 2021 income info (W-2s, 1099s)
- Any stimulus payment notices from 2021 (e.g., IRS Notice 1444-C)
- Use the IRS Free File Tool:
- Available for anyone with income under $73,000/year
- Visit Free File
- Complete Line 30 on Form 1040:
- This is where you report the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Enter the amount you didn’t receive (or use the worksheet provided by the IRS)
- File by April 15, 2025: This is your last opportunity to claim any missed stimulus funds from 2021
- Track Your Refund: Use the Where’s My Refund? tool to check your status
How Much Could You Get Back?
The Recovery Rebate Credit can add up fast. Here’s a breakdown:
| Family Size | Credit Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | $1,400 |
| Couple, No Kids | $2,800 |
| Couple + 2 Kids | $5,600 |
| Single Parent + 1 Child | $2,800 |
Even partial payments are valuable. For instance, if you received $900 in 2021, you may still qualify for $500 in additional refunds—as long as you file in time.
Watch Out for Scams: Stimulus Edition
Whenever money is involved, fraud follows. Be especially careful with stimulus-related offers or emails that seem too good to be true.
Avoid These Red Flags:
- Text messages or emails promising “instant stimulus”
- Requests for banking info or your Social Security Number
- Websites offering to “file for you” without credentials
- Demands for payment to process your refund
Only interact with official sources such as irs.gov, usa.gov, or your state’s revenue department.
FAQs On New $500 Stimulus Payments Begin This April
Is the $500 federal stimulus check real?
No. There is no new federal stimulus in April 2025. However, you may still be eligible to claim missing funds from the 2021 stimulus round.
Can I still file a 2021 return?
Yes. The IRS allows a 3-year window to file for a refund. Your last chance to file a 2021 tax return is April 15, 2025.
What if I already received part of the 2021 stimulus?
You can claim the remaining balance by filing a 2021 tax return and reporting it on Line 30 of Form 1040.
Are state stimulus payments taxable?
That depends on your state. Federal tax treatment may vary. Check with your state tax agency.
How long will it take to receive my refund?
If you file electronically with direct deposit, you should receive your refund within 21 days in most cases.
