Fourth Stimulus Check Update for August 2025 – Who’s Still Getting Paid?

As August 2025 arrives, millions of Americans are once again asking a familiar question: is a fourth federal stimulus check coming, and if so, who will receive it? The topic has generated intense speculation, especially as new proposals and state-led relief efforts surface against a backdrop of lingering economic pressure and past pandemic support programs. Here’s a comprehensive update on where things stand with stimulus payments for August 2025, including what payments are still going out, who might qualify, and what Americans should expect in the coming months.

Current Status of Stimulus Payments: Federal vs. State Relief

Type of Payment	Amount	Who May Receive It	Key Deadlines/Notes
Federal “Fourth Check”	No official program	None	No Congressional bills passed
Unclaimed 2021 Credit	Up to $1,400 [$2,800 for couples, plus dependents]	Select taxpayers who missed claiming on 2021 returns	File by April 15, 2025 to claim
Alaska PFD	$1,702	Alaska residents meeting specific criteria	Payable Aug 21, 2025, if eligible
State Rebates/Relief	Varies ($600–$1,500 typical)	Residents of qualifying states (e.g., New York, California, others)	Program and eligibility vary

No New Nationwide Federal Stimulus – But Some Are Still Getting Checks

Despite persistent rumors and widespread social media chatter, there is no new, Congress-approved “fourth stimulus check” being distributed to Americans on a nationwide basis as of August 2025. Government officials at the IRS, the Treasury Department, and Congressional leaders have clarified that there are currently no federal programs or legislative efforts underway to send out direct Economic Impact Payments like the previous three stimulus rounds during the pandemic. Any reports suggesting the imminent arrival of a $2,000, $1,400, or similar check for all Americans are speculative and not backed by federal law or official action.

The speculation has been fueled by ongoing economic challenges, political discussions about potential new forms of relief, and proposals such as the “American Worker Rebate Act” or similar tariff rebate ideas. While these concepts have been floated—including the possibility of using new tariff revenue to deliver direct payments—no such national relief package has been signed into law as of the start of August.

Unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits: The Last Federal Payments

Where federal payments are still being issued, they’re targeting a very specific group: individuals who never claimed the third round of stimulus (up to $1,400 per person, part of the American Rescue Plan) on their 2021 tax returns. The IRS conducted a review and found about one million Americans missed out on these payments despite being eligible. For these individuals:

Eligibility is based on 2021 tax return information. Generally, single filers with income up to $75,000 or married couples filing jointly with income up to $150,000 qualify, with an additional $1,400 available per eligible dependent.
How payments work: If you previously left the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or entered $0 on your 2021 return—but were eligible—the IRS is automatically sending the payment via direct deposit or mailed check using your 2023 tax return info.
Deadline: For those who did not file a 2021 return but believe they’re eligible, the final chance to file and claim the payment is April 15, 2025.

For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria or missed the federal deadline, there are no further opportunities to claim these funds. After April, the IRS has closed the program, bringing the direct pandemic-era federal relief to an end.

State-Level Stimulus and Relief Remain Active

While federal relief has ended, several states continue to offer their own localized relief programs, rebates, or ongoing “stimulus” checks—many of which are scheduled for distribution around August 2025. These vary by location, eligibility, and payment amounts:

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): Alaskans are set to receive a payment of $1,702 this August through the state’s unique oil-revenue sharing fund. To qualify, residents must have lived in Alaska for the entire prior year, maintain no felony convictions, and avoid extended absences from the state.
State Tax Rebates/Property Relief: States such as New York and California have established programs that issue rebate checks or relief payments to specific demographics, such as seniors, homeowners, or low-income residents. Typical amounts range from $600 to $1,500, but programs and exact eligibility requirements vary widely.
Key State Programs: Payments and application windows change frequently; eligible recipients are often notified by mail or email, or payments arrive automatically based on recent state tax filings.

Addressing Misconceptions and Ongoing Proposals

It’s essential for Americans to distinguish between confirmed payments and speculation. Proposals like the “American Worker Rebate Act,” touted by some political leaders, promise potential tax rebates or direct payments using future government revenue (such as tariffs). Until these ideas are passed by Congress and signed into law, they remain only proposals with no current payment schedule attached.

Additionally, some groups have discussed potential new dividend initiatives—such as programs tied to government efficiency or new cost savings—but none have reached the funding or Congressional approval necessary to deliver household-level payouts in 2025.

Who’s Still Getting Paid in August?

Alaska Residents: Qualifying residents are receiving the PFD payment of $1,702 if they have “Eligible – Unpaid” status by August 13, 2025.
Unclaimed 2021 Federal Payments: Only those who missed the third federal stimulus and qualified on their 2021 tax returns are receiving payments, primarily distributed between January and July 2025.
Select State Residents: Depending on your state’s relief program, you may be eligible for one-time rebates or ongoing relief checks, but these are state-funded and limited in geographic scope.

What to Do If You’re Waiting for a Payment

If you believe you are eligible for a payment from a state or the remaining federal pool, check the official government websites for your state revenue department or the IRS. All official disbursements are handled directly by government agencies to registered bank accounts or through mailed paper checks.

For most Americans, unless you qualify under a state program or had unclaimed credits from earlier stimulus rounds, there are no new stimulus payments expected for August 2025 from the federal government.

Final Thoughts

The landscape for stimulus checks and economic relief in the United States has shifted. With no fourth nationwide stimulus on the horizon, most Americans should not expect a new federal payment this August. However, some will receive final unclaimed federal credits, and certain states remain active in providing localized financial relief. As always, be wary of rumors and scams, and verify the status of any promised payments through official government communications.