The federal government issued three rounds of stimulus checks between 2020 and 2021, and speculation about a possible fourth payment has circulated for months, though there’s no confirmation so far.
There is a specific amount that is circulating around: $1,390 to be exact.
Read on for more about the latest stimulus check rumors.
Where did the fourth stimulus check rumors originate?
Blavity reported that government officials have cleared up some misinformation about a $2,000 stimulus check that has circulated on social media and unverified websites. They have confirmed that, as of now, there will be no fourth stimulus check on the way for Americans.
However, President Donald Trump has hinted at a different kind of cash payment for Americans. On July 25, he floated the idea of issuing tariff rebate checks to the public, citing the influx of revenue from tariffs.
“We’re thinking about that actually,” Trump said, according to USA Today. “We have so much money coming in, we’re thinking about a little rebate. But the big thing we want to do is pay down debt. But we’re thinking about a rebate.”
Other proposed direct payments for Americans
Days later, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. He said the payout would be similar to the stimulus checks Americans received during the pandemic, with $600 per adult and dependent child or $2,400 for a family of four, according to Blavity. Congress has not yet passed the legislation.
The idea of a direct payment has been discussed since earlier this year. In February, the Department of Government Efficiency proposed sending $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers as part of an ongoing effort to downsize the government and reduce federal spending. At the time, Elon Musk, who was head of the department, was unsure about the proposal, but Trump seemed to have loved the idea.
“We’re considering giving 20% of the DOGE savings to American citizens and 20% to paying down the debt,” Trump said at the time while speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami Beach, per USA Today.
Here’s what Americans should know about stimulus checks, inflation relief, and tax refunds, and how to track these funds with the IRS:
When were past stimulus checks issued?
The U.S. government has sent three consecutive stimulus checks to American households nationwide, providing some financial relief to working taxpayers.
First check (2020): Up to $1,200 per individual, $2,400 per couple, plus $500 per child under 17.
Second check (2021): Up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per couple, plus $600 per child under 17.
Third check (2021): $1,400 per eligible individual and dependent. The deadline to claim the third stimulus check or the Recovery Rebate Credit was April 15.
What states are sending inflation refund checks?
These funds are sent to Americans who pay property taxes or rent in states like Pennsylvania, Georgia and Colorado. However, to receive the direct payment, residents would have to be eligible based on varying criteria and qualifications, according to Blavity.
Several states, including New York, have issued or are in the process of issuing one-time “inflation relief checks” to residents affected by rising sales taxes. Payment amounts vary by income: individuals earning up to $75,000 receive $200, while married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $150,000 receive $400.
Those who filed their federal income taxes and provided their bank information can expect their refund within 21 days. Without bank details, they can expect their refund within six to eight weeks by mail.
According to the IRS, the most effective way for Americans to check the status of their refund is to use the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the federal agency’s website. They may also call the IRS at 800-829-1954 for more information.
