State Stimulus Checks: Who Will Receive Payments in 2026?

State governments across the U.S. have slowed down on sending out stimulus checks or direct rebates in 2026.

Much of the aid being given out now is tied to programs that started in previous years or to existing benefit programs, with few new payments scheduled so far for this year.
 

Which States Are Sending Stimulus Checks in 2026?

Colorado

Colorado is the only state with confirmed direct cash refunds being issued in early 2026. These are part of the TABOR refund system where excess revenue must be returned to taxpayers under state law.

Payments issued in 2026 are based on the 2025 surplus and most have already been sent to eligible filers. No additional rounds have been announced for later in 2026.

For individuals who filed their Colorado tax return on time and lived in the state for all of 2024, the refund can reach up to about $1,130.

New Jersey

New Jersey does not have a direct stimulus check for everyone, but it does have several relief programs. Some of these include:
 

• ANCHOR
• StayNJ
• Senior Freeze

These are not universal direct payments but ongoing relief efforts tied to property taxes. The first Stay NJ quarterly payments began in early 2026 for eligible seniors and disabled residents.

Applications for the 2025 filing cycle closed in late 2025. New applications for tax year 2025 (which will generate 2026 benefits) are being accepted through November 2, 2026.
 

States Not Sending Stimulus Checks in 2026

Many states sent out one-time payments in 2025, but aren’t planning any new rounds for 2026. For example:
 

• New York paid out inflation relief checks of up to $400 in the fall of 2025 but has no plans to repeat these payments this year.
• Virginia issued tax rebates to residents who filed for the 2024 tax year, giving $200 to individuals and $400 to couples who filed jointly. Most people received these funds by late 2025 or early 2026, and no new payments are currently planned.

 

Using Stimulus Checks to Pay Off Auto Loans

If you receive a state stimulus check or tax rebate, it can be a good opportunity to pay off an existing auto loan.

Many people use these one-time payments to make extra payments on their car loans, which can help reduce the total amount of interest paid over time.

Here’s how you can use a stimulus payment for your auto loan:
 

• Make an extra payment: Apply the check directly to your loan’s principal. This could lower your monthly payments or help you finish paying off the car faster.
• Catch up on missed payments: If you’ve fallen behind, you can use your stimulus or rebate check to get back on track and avoid late fees.
• Lower your debt: Paying down your auto loan helps improve your overall financial health and may also boost your credit score if your debt goes down.

Even if the payment is small, every little bit helps. Using stimulus money or tax rebates in this way is a smart financial move that can lead to savings in the long run.

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