In the month of April 2025, millions of people in America are getting a big relief. The government has issued a one-time payment of $800 (Stimulus Payment) for the people living in some states. The purpose of this money is to give some relief to the people struggling with inflation and reduce their expenses.
But the question arises – are you entitled to this $800 payment? And if yes, what will have to be done to get it?
Let us know its complete information in easy language in this article.
What is $800 Stimulus Payment?
First of all, it is important to know that this is not a federal level (national level) payment. That is, it is not the same all over America.
Rather, these are relief schemes started by some special state governments which are giving money to their citizens to give relief from rising inflation.
The rules are different in every state, in some states it is a one-time payment of $800, while in some it is being given in the form of rebate or tax credit.
In which states is this payment being given?
So far, the most important states that have announced payments of $800 or similar are:
- Colorado
- California
- Illinois
These states have their own schemes, such as TABOR Refund in Colorado and Family First Program in California.
Colorado’s TABOR Refund – the most popular scheme
TABOR stands for: Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.
This is a law of the state of Colorado which says that if the state government has more money left than the tax collected from the public, then it will have to be returned to the public.
How much will be received?
- Up to $800 for single filers
- Up to $1600 for joint filers
Who is eligible?
- People who lived in Colorado for at least half of the year in 2024
- Those who are 18 years of age or older as of January 1, 2025
- Those who filed their 2024 state income taxes or applied for the Property Tax / Rent / Heat Credit (PTC) – all by October 15, 2025
IRS Recovery Rebate Credit – You can get money from old checks
If you did not get or received a lesser amount of Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Check) from the government in 2020 or 2021, you still have a chance.
How to get it?
- If you filed your 2021 federal tax return, and you did not receive the full payment at that time, the IRS may send you the balance itself.
- If you have not yet filed your 2021 tax return, you can take advantage of it by filing before April 15, 2025.
How much can you get?
- You can get up to $1400, depending on your income and filing status.
How to apply? (How to Apply for the $800 or similar payment)
Step 1: Check Eligibility
First of all, find out if you are eligible for your state’s plan. For example, TABOR Refund is available for people living in Colorado.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents
- File state income tax return
- If you are taking IRS Recovery Rebate, then you must file your 2021 tax return
Step 3: Apply or file tax
- The process of each state is different.
- In Colorado, it is necessary to file taxes by April 2025.
- The last date for IRS Rebate is April 15, 2025.
Step 4: Wait for payment
Most payments come via direct deposit or check. The payment date can be between March and June 2025.
Relief schemes in California and Illinois too
California Family First Economic Support Pilot
- $725 per month, for 12 months
- For families with children aged 0-5 years
- Must be within the income limit
The aim of this scheme is to help poor families and promote healthy upbringing of children.
Illinois – One-time payment for low-income families
- One-time payment up to $500
- Targeted to poor families
- Application deadlines are posted on state websites
Avoid scams – be cautious
Frauds related to stimulus payments are very common. Keep in mind:
- The IRS or state government never asks you for information through text messages or phone calls
- If someone asks you for money or asks you to fill out a form on an unknown link, be alert immediately
- Always get information from the government website (like irs.gov or your state’s official site)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will I get a payment if I don’t live in Colorado?
Yes, many states have their own plans, such as California and Illinois. Visit each state’s website for information.
2. What if I didn’t pay my taxes on time?
If you missed it, file it as soon as possible. Some states may pay late payments.
3. Is the $800 payment taxable?
In most cases, it is in the form of a tax refund or relief, so it is not taxable. Still, keep the documents safe.
4. How do I check the status of the payment?
You can also check your status on the IRS site
If you have filed taxes, you can check it by logging in to the state website
Conclusion – What to do now?
- Visit your state website and see if any relief scheme is available for you
- File your tax return – this is the most important step
- Check the deadlines carefully
- Think before clicking on any link – avoid fraud
- This $800 payment is a good opportunity – don’t miss it