If you’ve been watching your bank account like a hawk hoping for a little boost, you’re not alone—and you just might be in luck. Round 2 of the $500 stimulus checks is here, and several states across the U.S. are stepping up to issue relief payments in June 2025. Whether you’re in Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, or even Tacoma, Washington, now’s the time to find out if you’re getting paid.
Let’s break it all down so you can figure out if a $500 check is headed your way—and what you need to do to claim it before it’s too late.
Next $500 Stimulus Check
| Key Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Check Amount | Up to $500 depending on your state and filing status |
| States Participating | Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington (Tacoma) |
| Who’s Eligible | Based on state tax returns, income brackets, or ZIP code |
| Payment Window | June 2025 (rolling out across multiple states) |
| Payout Method | Direct deposit or paper check |
| Action Required | File taxes or apply via official program |
| Official Sources | IRS.gov, Georgia DOR, PA Treasury |
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, that $500 check might just buy you some breathing room this June. Whether you’re in Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, or Tacoma, now’s the time to act.
Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door—check your eligibility, file those taxes, and bookmark your state’s .gov page. With Round 2 rolling out and Round 3 possibly on the horizon, every bit of action you take now could mean real cash in your account later.
What Is Round 2 of the $500 Stimulus Check?
Round 2 of the $500 Stimulus Check refers to a series of state-level financial relief initiatives launched in 2025 to assist residents in coping with ongoing economic challenges, particularly inflation. Unlike the federal stimulus payments distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, these are targeted programs implemented by individual states, each with its own eligibility criteria, application processes, and distribution timelines.
Each state has its own version—some calling it “Inflation Relief,” others issuing “Guaranteed Income” or “Property Tax Rebates.” But they all have one thing in common: if you’re eligible, money’s coming your way.
Georgia’s $500 Inflation Refund – Back for Round 3
Georgia is at the front of the line with its third round of state-funded tax rebates, aimed at returning money to taxpayers affected by inflation.
Payment Amounts
- $250 for single filers
- $375 for heads of household
- $500 for married couples filing jointly
Eligibility Requirements
- Filed both 2023 and 2024 Georgia state tax returns
- Lived in or worked in Georgia during those years
- Owed taxes in 2023
Payments are already being sent through direct deposit or paper check. If you’ve already filed your taxes, expect your rebate within 6–8 weeks.
Official source: Georgia Department of Revenue
New York’s Inflation Refund – Up to $500 for Families
For the first time, New York State has launched an inflation relief payment to eligible taxpayers.
How Much Will You Get?
- $300 for single filers earning up to $150,000
- $500 for married couples filing jointly with income under $300,000
How It Works
If you filed your 2023 New York state tax return and meet the income requirements, you should receive your payment automatically. Checks began distribution in April 2025, but many payments are still being processed in June.
Official source: NY State Tax and Finance
Pennsylvania’s Rebate Boost – Checks Up to $1,000
In Pennsylvania, it’s not exactly a stimulus check, but it might as well be. The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program now offers up to $1,000 per household, thanks to a 2025 expansion.
Eligibility Guidelines
- 65+ years old, widowed (50+), or a person with disabilities (18+)
- Homeowners or renters in Pennsylvania
- Income limits apply (generally under $45,000/year)
How to Apply
You must apply by December 31, 2025, and provide tax or income documentation. This one’s not automatic—you have to file!
Official site: PA Treasury Rebate Program
Tacoma, Washington’s Guaranteed Income – $500 Monthly
Over in Tacoma, select residents are receiving $500 per month for a full year under the city’s guaranteed income pilot.
Who’s Eligible in Tacoma?
- Single parents with children under 18 (or under 21 if disabled)
- Living in specific ZIP codes within Tacoma
- Household income between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level
While new applications are closed, this program could inspire similar pilots in cities across the U.S., so stay alert.
Past Stimulus Checks vs. the Proposed $500 Check
Here’s a quick look at how the potential $500 stimulus check stacks up against previous payments:
| Feature | Previous Stimulus Checks (e.g., CARES Act, ARP) | Proposed $500 Stimulus Check (Hypothetical) |
|---|---|---|
| Amount (Per Individual) | $1,200, $600, $1,400 (varied by round) | $500 |
| Primary Goal | Broad economic relief, pandemic support | Targeted relief, specific economic goals |
| Likely Eligibility | Income-based, often broad | May be more targeted (e.g., specific income tiers, demographics) |
| Current Status | Disbursed | Under discussion/Proposed |
Step-by-Step: How to Know If You’re on the List
Here’s your foolproof guide to figuring out whether you’re in line for a payment:
Step 1: Visit your state’s official website (ends in .gov)
Step 2: Look for “rebate,” “stimulus,” or “relief” programs
Step 3: Use your SSN or tax info to check your status
Step 4: If needed, update your mailing or direct deposit details
Step 5: Contact the state help line for issues or delays
Tip: Avoid any site that isn’t .gov. If someone asks for your credit card or SSN over email—run the other way.
Why These Checks Are Happening Now
Many folks are asking, “Why now?”
The answer’s simple: inflation is still high, and groceries, rent, and gas aren’t getting any cheaper. These state-level payments are designed to:
- Offset inflation costs
- Help low and middle-income families
- Stimulate local economies
Most states are using leftover pandemic relief funds, tax surpluses, or budget re-allocations to fund these checks. So, it’s a use-it-or-lose-it situation.
Did You Miss Round 1? Here’s What to Do
Even if you didn’t receive the first check, there’s still hope for Round 2. Follow these steps:
- File your 2023 taxes ASAP if you haven’t already
- Check your eligibility via your state’s tax website
- Update your direct deposit info
- Apply manually for programs like Pennsylvania’s
Delays happen, but if you’re in the system, your money is likely on its way.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for These Payments?
Not everyone gets a check, and here’s why:
- Didn’t file 2023 taxes
- Earned above your state’s income cap
- Moved out of the eligible state or district
- Filed late or had issues with tax records
If that’s you, focus on getting your paperwork sorted and prepping for Round 3.
How to Protect Yourself from Stimulus Scams
Where there’s free money, scammers aren’t far behind. Protect yourself by avoiding:
- Texts or emails asking for bank or tax info
- Fake IRS agents calling about checks
- Websites charging a “processing fee” for your rebate
Only trust .gov websites and verified state sources. If it smells fishy, it probably is.
FAQs
Will the IRS send me a check?
As of June 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not issuing new $500 stimulus checks. The federal government concluded its pandemic-era Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) with the third round in 2021. However, the IRS is currently distributing up to $1,400 to approximately one million taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
What if I moved to a new state?
You only qualify if you lived and paid taxes in the state issuing the check for 2023.
How long do I have to apply?
Most programs, like Pennsylvania’s, allow applications until Dec 31, 2025. But act fast to avoid delays.
Can I get more than one check?
Yes, it’s possible to receive multiple stimulus checks in 2025, but eligibility depends on specific criteria set by each state. Since these payments are state-administered, qualifying for more than one requires meeting the distinct requirements of each program.
Is Round 3 coming?
Some states have hinted at future rounds in late 2025 or early 2026. Nothing official yet—but stay tuned.
