The federal government has officially ended stimulus check payments in the US, and no new nationwide rounds are planned. But there’s still some relief: several states are continuing to send out their own versions of stimulus payments in 2025.
These state-level programs come in different forms—like tax refunds, natural resource dividends, or targeted social benefits—and can provide much-needed financial support to residents. Let’s break down the most important programs you should know about.
Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Alaska has one of the most unique programs in the country. Since 1976, the state has shared part of its oil revenue with residents through the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
For 2025, the PFD amount is $1,702 per eligible person.
All Alaska residents—including children—qualify if they lived in the state for the entire 2024 calendar year and plan to stay permanently.
People with certain felony convictions or prison time may be excluded.
Applications are made online through the myPFD system, though paper forms are also available.
For 2025, the main payment date was September 11.
This program acts like a universal base income in Alaska and is not tied to income, job status, or age.
Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) in California
California is testing out a guaranteed income program in Sacramento. Officially called the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), it is designed to help parents with young children.
Key points:
Families must live in certain Sacramento ZIP codes (95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838).
At least one child under the age of 5 must live in the household.
Income must be below 200% of the federal poverty line (about $62,400 for a family of four in 2025).
US citizenship is not required, but proof of identity and residency is.
Beneficiaries were chosen through a random lottery, with payments continuing throughout 2025.
The program is meant to see how steady monthly income can reduce child poverty and improve family well-being.
STAR Program in New York
New York continues to provide school tax relief through the STAR (School Tax Relief) program.
Basic STAR: $350–$600 for eligible homeowners.
Enhanced STAR: Up to $1,500 for seniors over 65 with lower incomes.
Checks are usually sent in September.
In addition, New York will send out inflation-adjusted refunds by the end of September 2025, with over 8 million checks expected.
ANCHOR Program in New Jersey
New Jersey offers the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program.
Homeowners can get up to $1,500.
Renters can receive up to $450.
Payments for 2025 started on September 15, 2025.
Virginia One-Time Refund
Virginia approved a special one-time refund for 2025:
$200 for single filers.
$400 for joint filers.
Refunds are automatic for taxpayers who filed 2024 returns and will be distributed in fall 2025.
While the federal government has ended its stimulus programs, many states are stepping in with their own initiatives to support residents. Whether it’s Alaska’s PFD, California’s guaranteed income pilot, New Jersey’s ANCHOR payments, or New York’s STAR credits, there are still plenty of opportunities to claim financial relief in 2025.
The key is to check eligibility, meet application deadlines, and stay updated with official state announcements. These programs may not replace federal stimulus checks, but they can still provide meaningful help to families and individuals.
