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

So far, Colorado is the only state that has officially confirmed sending out direct payments to taxpayers in early 2026.

These payments come from the state’s TABOR refund, which is a requirement under the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights. Whenever the state collects more money than it needs, it must send the extra money back to the residents.

For 2026, the refund is based on the state’s extra income from 2025. Individuals who filed taxes alone may receive up to $1,130.

To qualify, a resident must have lived in Colorado for all of 2024 and filed their state tax return on time. Most refunds have already been sent out, and no new payments are scheduled for later in 2026.
 

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

The application period for 2025 benefits has ended, but the new StayNJ program starts in 2026 and is focused on giving property tax relief to seniors.

Payments from StayNJ are given every three months. Homeowners could get up to $1,750 from the ANCHOR program alone.
 

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.

-

Get the latest on auto loan relief and other tips by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here!