If you're feeling the financial squeeze this year, you're not alone. Economic uncertainty is at an all-time high, and many of us are looking to catch a break in whatever way we can. Fortunately, several states are rolling out rebates and stimulus checks in an effort to eliminate some money stress for residents.
Whether it's through surplus distributions or relief programs, these payments aim to offer some breathing room. Here's a look at nine states where residents can expect a little extra cash this year. Is your state on the list?
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California
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California prides itself on its environmental friendliness. One of its key programs in this drive is the California Climate Credit. This provides Californians with a credit on their natural gas and electric bills twice a year — specifically in April and October.
These credits come from the profits of the cap-and-trade program, which sets a cap on total emissions and then sells/issues emission allowances. This means the state incentivizes reduced emissions while putting money back into the pockets of citizens.
Colorado
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The Colorado Property Tax, Rent, and Heat (PTC) Rebate program helps low-income residents cover housing and heating costs. It can be up to $1,154 a year.
To qualify, you must be a full-year Colorado resident who is 65 years of age or older, a surviving spouse 58 years of age or older, or disabled. Applicants can file a claim by Dec. 31, 2026, for the 2024 year.
Installments are paid based on when your application is received, approved, and processed. If you're application is processed by Sept. 10, 2025, for instance, you'll receive two payment installments. Any later, and you'll receive only one installment of the full rebate.
Under Colorado's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights (TABOR), residents are also entitled to state budget surpluses. Refunds are distributed based on your adjusted gross income. If you didn't file back in April, be sure to file by Oct. 15, 2025.
Florida
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In the Sunshine State, the government is offering a free home inspection and then (pending qualification) reimbursing individuals who are making their homes more secure in preparation for a hurricane. More specifically, the My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program is a state initiative providing grants to eligible Florida homeowners to strengthen their homes against hurricanes and tropical storms.
More specifically, a homeowner can be reimbursed for two-thirds of the total costs of the improvement project, up to a maximum state contribution of $10,000. Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, including income and age, with the program prioritizing low-income households.
The Florida Legislature approved $280 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and applications will open on Aug. 4.
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Georgia
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Thanks to a hefty state budget surplus, Georgia residents can expect a decent tax refund this year. Eligible residents who filed their 2023 and 2024 tax returns by May 1 (or by Oct.15, 2025, with a valid extension) can expect $250 (for single filers), $375 (for heads of household), or $500 (for married filing jointly).
There's no application process. If you filed your taxes during a year that a rebate is issued, you'll automatically receive the payment.
New Jersey
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If you live in New Jersey, you have access to several stimulus and rebate options — specifically StayNJ, Senior Freeze, and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program. Historically, you had to apply for each program individually. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. The state's PAS-1 application consolidates the process into a single form.
The state began accepting applications in March 2025, and the amount recipients receive is determined by residency, income, and age. The ANCHOR program, for instance, offers up to $1,500.
The combined application deadline is Oct. 31, 2025. Recipients can expect payments at different intervals. For instance, Senior Freeze payments have already begun to be issued. ANCHOR payments will start on Sept. 15, and Stay NJ payments will be quarterly beginning in 2026.
New York
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New York is one of the best places for state stimulus and rebates in 2025 is New York. The state will send $400 inflation refund checks to eligible New Yorkers this fall. Joint income tax filers who earn less than $300,000 and single filers who earn less than $150,000 will receive a check.
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program also provides a credit to eligible residents. New applicants will receive a direct deposit to their account. Income and age eligibility requirements exist, but if you're over 65 or make less than $500,000, there's a good chance you'll qualify.
You do not need to apply for the inflation refund check. However, an application is required for the STAR program.
Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can put up to $1,000 back in your pocket. To qualify, you must be 65 or older, a widow or widower age 50 or older, or an adult with disabilities. The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, but it's recommended to apply as soon as possible if you haven't already. Funds are limited, and high demand could cause delays.
Virginia
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Like some other states, Virginia takes pride in returning surplus funds to its residents. Single filers could receive $200, and married couples could get up to $400. However, your taxes must be filed by Nov. 3, 2025, to qualify (assuming your extension was granted). Keep in mind that any rebate will be limited to the resident's state tax liability. You cannot receive more than you paid. Still, every dollar helps.
Bottom Line
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It seems that 2025 will be a great year for rebates and stimulus checks. It's clear that economic relief remains a top priority for some lawmakers, who are responding to inflation, rising housing costs, and budget surpluses.
Whether it's a one-time refund, a tax rebate, or help with housing costs, these programs offer real opportunities to boost your bank account. Be sure to check your eligibility and apply as soon as possible if the application window is still open.
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