As August winds down, many U.S. residents are looking ahead to September to see if they can expect extra financial relief. While federal stimulus checks have not been announced, several state-level programs are still offering payments to help families manage rising costs.
These range from property tax relief to guaranteed income pilots and annual resource dividends. Knowing the requirements and payment dates is key to making the most of these programs.
States Issuing Payments in September 2025
Here are the three states where residents can look forward to checks this month:
New York: School Tax Relief (STAR) Program
California (Sacramento): Guaranteed Income Pilot – September 15
Alaska: Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) – September 11
New York: STAR Program Benefits
The School Tax Relief (STAR) Program is designed to help homeowners by reducing property tax burdens. Eligible participants will receive direct checks:
Homeowners: $350 to $600
Seniors: $700 to $1,500
Eligibility is based on income limits and property ownership requirements set by the state.
California: Guaranteed Income Pilot (Sacramento)
Sacramento’s Family Assistance Pilot Program is providing guaranteed income payments to support families with young children. Payments will be issued on September 15, 2025.
Eligibility requirements include:
Residency in one of these ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838
Being the parent or legal guardian of a child between 0 and 5 years old
Annual household income below 200% of the federal poverty line
This pilot aims to provide steady monthly support to families in vulnerable communities.
Alaska: Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Alaska’s well-known Permanent Fund Dividend will distribute payments on September 11, 2025. This program gives residents a share of the state’s oil wealth and investment earnings.
Eligibility criteria:
Must have been a resident of Alaska for all of 2024, with intent to remain permanently
Cannot have claimed residency in another state or country since December 31, 2023
Cannot have been convicted of a felony in 2024 or incarcerated for multiple misdemeanors
Cannot have been absent from Alaska for more than 180 days, unless for valid reasons (education, medical treatment, or military service)
While not nationwide, these state-level programs provide crucial financial support to millions of Americans. From tax relief in New York to direct family assistance in California and annual dividends in Alaska, these payments help ease the burden of living costs.
If you live in one of these states, check the eligibility rules closely and mark the payment dates on your calendar—so you don’t miss out on benefits that could make your monthly budget easier to manage.
