With August coming to a close, many households are preparing for a new round of bills. For families already struggling to make ends meet, relief could soon be on the way. Lawmakers are considering stimulus checks for workers worth between $600 and $2,400, but not everyone will qualify. Here’s what we know so far.
The U.S. Financial Situation
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy has shown signs of recovery, but experts warn the stability may not last. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) points to several key concerns:
Inflationary pressures: Ongoing inflation could affect the Federal Reserve’s ability to maintain current monetary policies.
Divergent growth: While U.S. economic growth is stronger than in many countries, it is uneven and could widen financial gaps.
Risks to growth: Although the short-term outlook looks positive, long-term risks could weigh on future growth.
To address these concerns and provide direct support to households, some lawmakers have proposed a new rebate program.
Why Stimulus Checks Are Being Discussed Again
In June, the U.S. government reported a $27 billion surplus, compared to May’s $316 billion deficit. This turnaround was driven by tariff collections, which totaled nearly $113 billion over the past year, an 86% increase from the year before.
While tariffs boosted government revenue, they also raised the cost of living for many families. According to a Yale Budget Lab analysis, households could be paying up to $2,400 more in 2025 because of tariffs.
In response, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, which proposes to use some of this tariff revenue to send direct payments to workers.
How Much Could Families Receive?
According to the U.S. Senate’s official statement on the proposal, payments could include:
$600 per adult and dependent child
$2,400 for a family of four
Potentially larger payments if tariff revenues exceed current expectations
However, higher-income households would receive reduced amounts. For example:
Joint filers with incomes over $150,000 would see a 5% reduction.
Single filers with incomes over $75,000 would also see smaller payments.
This sliding scale is meant to ensure that lower- and middle-income families benefit the most.
Will These Stimulus Checks Actually Happen?
At this stage, the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 is still just a proposal. No official confirmation has been given, and Congress would need to approve the measure before any checks go out.
In the meantime, families can look into state-level support programs, as several states are still sending out rebates and relief payments to qualifying residents.
The proposed American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 could provide much-needed relief for millions of families, with payments ranging from $600 for individuals to $2,400 for families. But with the plan still in discussion and no official approval, these stimulus checks remain uncertain.
For now, households should keep an eye on both federal updates and state-level initiatives that may offer immediate financial support.
